'I've found three of the best beach stays in Northern NSW for every budget.'

The golden stretch of sand reaching up NSW's far north coast is my favourite place to holiday.

As a family-of-five, it's not easy finding seaside accommodation here that ticks all of the boxes for size, comfort and open space for little feet to run around.

But on a recent break, I stayed at three places – with three different price points – and each one was a winner.

Watch Amy Clark explain her ultimate packing list. Post continues below.

There was a bougie stay, I assumed was exclusively for couples and babymooners, but it surprised us as the ultimate kids' heaven. And my snobby aversion to caravan parks has humbly been put in place thanks to a waterfront escape.

Below are my new favourite picks on the north coast from low dollar to luxe.

Cabins and tents are available at the waterfront Reflections Shaws Bay in Ballina NSW.

First stop - a cabin by the sea.

Most visitors to the Northern Rivers have been to Ballina. Usually, to fly in and head 30 minutes north to its hip, bronzed neighbour Byron Bay.

But families shouldn't overlook the gateway town so quickly — it's an idyllic holiday if you want accessible, kid-friendly and fewer crowds than the tourist meccas.

We stayed at Reflections Shaws Bay, a holiday park nestled on a bank between Richmond River and Lighthouse Beach.

Relfections at Shaws Bay has a playground by the water, and beds for five people in two-bedroom cabins.

This pocket of paradise where the river meets the sea has a clear natural lagoon — perfect for a morning swim or paddleboard, just steps from your front door (or tent).

The park has something for every budget, from powered sites to waterfront tiny homes and cabins with beds for up to five people.

Our two-bedroom cabin (and I use 'cabin' loosely – the interiors were stunning) is on the waterfront, where I can stand on a deck and watch my kids ride ripples into the shore, metres away.

Here, the exhales come easy. The water changes colours under sunrises and lightning storms, and turtles and dolphins swim by the waterway.

Kids roam on bikes to meet cousins and finish each day at the ice cream shop a stone's throw away.

A convenient bonus is the Shaws Bay Hotel next door, which has had a multi-million-dollar renovation with elevated pub grub, a seafood bar, and a beer garden on water frontage where kids run wild (and dirty).

Second stop - wellness heaven at Elements.

Kids are free to roam in the sprawling pool at Elements.

Next, we drive up the coast to a place I've been eyeing off for a while. The Insta-famous Elements of Byron is north of the vibrant hustle of Byron's Bay's centre, and yes, it's everything you've heard it to be.

The luxury resort sits on 50 acres of secluded Belongil Beach, blending seamlessly with its rainforest surroundings. Recently crowned the Best Hotel or Resort Focused on Wellness at the 2025 Spa Wellness Awards, and it's not hard to see why.

Even though I'm fielding requests from three kids on arrival, a calm washes over me. I don't know if it's the staff's trademark Byron warmth or the gentle nudge to pause at every corner.

There are magnesium pools, eco-walks under eucalyptus groves and morning yoga by the beach.

There is a fairy trail and kid's playground at Elements of Byron.

The Osprey Spa menu is pure bliss and the adults-only pool has a swim-up bar and sprawling day beds, if that's more your kind of self-care.

Our two-bedroom villa with two huge ensuites, feels more like a private home in the bush than part of an expansive resort. We have a two-year-old, and inside was a cot, highchair and nappy bin — extras that don't go unnoticed to parents.

When I booked, I thought Elements was an adult playground. But kids are more than welcome.

At check-in their arms are stuffed with maps to find hidden fairies and wildlife. They ride scooters and skateboards on the wide paths to the open lawns, giant chess, a parkour-inspired playground and the biggest hit — the vast lagoon pool.

The Beach Lounge at Elements of Byron, and a cubby house at Folk cafe.

The North Byron Hotel is walking distance and is the perfect spot for a 5pm dinner, with live music, a kid's playground and pony ride tours.

For coffee, don't miss Folk, a plant-based garden café at the nearby caravan park with picnic rug seating, a cubby and colouring-in for kids.

Back at Elements, we have an afternoon cocktail at the Beach Lounge, with bean bags and lawn games.

One downside, access to the beach is closed because of beach erosion, but you still get Cape Byron views and pastel skies at sunset.

Staying at Elements is a splurge, but you'll get the Zen experience in the first 24 hours.

Acacia Drift ticks both pool and beach.

Third stop – Coastal luxury at Casuarina.

Our final stay is further north again, to an Airbnb on the edge of Casuarina Beach.

For holidays, booking a private stay is our usual go to — more space and home comforts. And Acacia Drift is everything we need, with impeccable styling and crashing waves as an alarm.

The unit has three bedrooms with four lush beds (a king, queen and two singles), two bathrooms, a walk-in wardrobe, full kitchen and laundry. The lounge room opens to a large balcony, overlooking a sky-blue pool below.

Acacia Drift is a three bedroom stay next to Casuarina Beach.

If that view isn't enticing enough, behind the pool is a wall of greenery, and beyond that a stretch of white unspoilt beach, Casuarina Beach is 50 metres from the unit. Along the beachfront is a bike path you can follow to local cafes, or further to Kingscliff and Cudgen Creek.

What I especially love about this unit is how the little things are thought of. Milk and laundry detergent is stocked — there's also pancake mix, pasta and sauce in the pantry and bubble bath in the bathroom.

This mid-budget stay is so comfortable and in such prime location, I sent it to friends and family on the first night.

The pool at Acacia Drift, an AirBnb at Casuarina Beach NSW.

You can arrive and play here for a relaxed holiday or use it as a base with the Gold Coast and its famed attractions only 20 minutes away.

Whether your style is a poolside home away from home – or a tent by the water with sandy hot chips – all three of these stays are a perfect fit for families, and I'd booked them again in a blink.

I already have for January.

Feature image: Supplied.