Leave your phone in your bag and enjoy the slower rhythm of winter by the sea. Shores Lake & Beachside Villas puts you close to some of the most relaxed and rewarding NSW places to go. Take your time. Meet local makers. Spend your weekend browsing, tasting, and connecting with the heart of the Mid North Coast.
NSW Places to Go in Winter
Around Elizabeth Beach, it’s easy to unwind. Small roads lead to fresh vegetables, handmade candles, and thoughtful items that feel special. If you’re looking for places to go with charm, quiet, and a real connection, this coastline offers it all.
Seasonal Market Days to Bookmark This July
These weekend events offer a genuine look at the region’s creativity, food culture, and sense of community. Fill a basket with winter produce or browse for artisan goods that carry a story.
Pacific Palms Community Market
Set at the Palms Community Centre, this family-friendly event is filled with colour and character. It features handmade jewellery, natural body products, wooden toys, and fresh food.
This is one of the most loved Pacific Palms markets, and a great place to explore artisan markets, as well as fruits in season in Australia and winter vegetables in Australia.
Forster Farmers Market – 20 to 25 minutes
A must for food lovers. This market serves up sourdough, leafy greens, apples, and gourmet chutneys. For those seeking Forster NSW things to do, or simply looking for quality local produce, the Foster market is a clear favourite. It also pairs well with a relaxed morning tea by the lake.
Forster Town Market – 20 to 25 minutes
With a slower pace and an eye for vintage detail, this market suits visitors who enjoy browsing. You’ll come across secondhand books, quirky fashion, plants, and homewares.
If you’re searching for what’s on in NSW this season or planning visits to top holiday destinations, this market makes a great addition.
Great Lakes Tuncurry Markets – 30 to 35 minutes
Located by the lake, this market has a casual energy with live music and the smell of barbecue in the air. Stallholders offer carved timber pieces, handmade items, and local produce.
It’s a popular choice for visitors heading to the Tuncurry markets or exploring the scenic roads through Black Head, NSW.
Black Head Bazaar – 30 to 35 minutes
This rotating market brings high-quality goods and strong local participation. Fresh food, handmade crafts, and a welcoming crowd make it a rewarding addition to your weekend.
If you’re searching for a place to visit in NSW that feels personal and engaging, Black Head delivers.
Each of these markets adds something meaningful to your time on the coast. Arrive early, take it slow, and enjoy browsing in places that keep the community at the heart of every stall.
Boutiques and Artisan Finds by the Sea
A short drive from Elizabeth Beach brings you to Blueys Beach Shopping Village, a coastal spot filled with quiet charm and character. The boutiques here are small and welcoming.
Inside, you’ll find relaxed fashion from Australian brands, handmade jewellery, and beach-inspired gifts that reflect the surrounding landscape.
Natural skincare is easy to come by, too. Many of the products are crafted with local ingredients, ideal for travellers who enjoy bringing home something thoughtful and useful.
The nearby markets further expand these choices. Stallholders often display wooden toys made in Australia, hand-poured candles, and eco-friendly homewares beneath trees or beside the water. Each item reflects care, skill, and a connection to place.
Short Drives and Scenic Stops Nearby
While the local markets offer plenty to enjoy, a short drive from Elizabeth Beach opens the door to more scenic spots. These towns are close, easy to explore, and rich in atmosphere. They offer a slower pace and a genuine connection to local life.
Forster and Tuncurry
These twin towns are among the most rewarding NSW holiday destinations for those who enjoy quiet, scenic outings.
- Explore a range of Forster NSW things to do, including waterfront markets and artisan stores.
- Take a walk along the foreshore or enjoy lunch at a café with a coastal view.
- In Tuncurry, you’ll find calm waters, picnic areas, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to relax.
Black Head
This peaceful spot offers gentle beaches, coastal walking trails, and panoramic views from quiet lookouts.
- Stroll the beach or take a short path to one of the cliffside vantage points.
- The town’s quiet charm makes it ideal for families and couples.
- Black Head is an ideal place to visit in NSW for travellers looking to unwind in nature.
- Pair your visit with a morning at the Black Head Bazaar or a casual swim on a sunny afternoon.
Why Winter Markets Feel Better by the Beach
July on the coast feels calm. The breeze carries a chill, mornings unfold gently, and the markets have a slower pace. Without summer crowds, there’s more room to pause.
You can chat with a grower, try a spoonful of local chutney, or walk between stalls with a warm drink in hand.
Stalls are filled with earthy vegetables and fresh ripe fruit. The colours are soft, the flavours full. Many stalls add their own touch of warmth. You’ll catch the scent of fresh bread, find spiced pastries wrapped in paper bags, and sip coffee that warms your hands as much as the morning air.
These winter markets invite you to linger. They suit the quiet rhythm of a coastal escape.
Take a Piece of the Mid North Coast With You
Market mornings shape the pace of your weekend and leave you with moments that stay long after you leave. This part of the coast is filled with NSW places to go that feel genuine.
A short exchange at a local stall often becomes a story worth telling. A handmade gift, bought without a rush, becomes part of your trip.
The experience means slowing down, noticing the details, and letting the day unfold naturally. You might return with apples, candles, or something crafted by hand, but you also return with a sense of connection.
Stay Connected – Shores Lake & Beachside Villas
You don’t need to go far to enjoy the best weekend experiences on the Mid North Coast. Shores Lake & Beachside Villas offers a location that makes every day feel simple.
Pacific Palms Market is close enough for a relaxed walk. Forster, Tuncurry, and Black Head are just a short drive away, each with its own rhythm and appeal.
The villas provide a peaceful base. They’re spacious for families and quiet for couples. Guests can choose a layout that suits their needs, including a two-bedroom pet-friendly option for those travelling with four-legged companions.
With the beach on one side and Wallis Lake on the other, the view always feels refreshing. After a morning exploring markets or coastal towns, it’s easy to come back and relax. The setting is calm, the comforts are familiar, and everything you need is close by.
Book direct for the best stay rates and experience the most rewarding places to go this winter.
Image Credit: Tuncurry Markets