Coffs Harbour New South Wales Australia

Most famous for the giant man-made banana at the northern end of town, Coffs Harbour region is a popular holiday spot on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, and is a great base to explore the mid north coast.

Known For:

• The iconic Big Banana
• Stunning pristine beaches and parks

The Coffs Coast area is surrounded by pristine uncrowded beaches, beautiful coastline and nature reserves, all while being one of the largest urban centres on the mid north coast. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, Coffs Harbour has something for everyone, all a short drive from the town centre.

Coffs Harbour is located approximately halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and is easily accessible by car or coach. The tourist city itself is home to a population of around 25,000, but still enjoys all the amenities of a much larger city.

Coffs Harbour’s economy is driven by tourism, so there are plenty of restaurants, pubs, and cafes with great food options dotted throughout the wider region that are perfect for relaxing in after a long day of exploring. The town is also home to three major shopping centres, the Southern Cross University, a public and private hospital, as well as (as expected) many tourist highlights.

Things To Do In

When visiting Coffs Harbour city, one of the first places you should check out is the Jetty Beach Strip beachfront precinct. Here you’ll find a range of restaurants offering delicious local seafood and other dishes, as well as souvenir shops selling handmade gifts and trinkets.

Golden sand beaches sprawling for miles up and down the coast while banana plantations fill the hills around the area make for a landscape richly green and unusual. Coffs Harbour, where the mountains meet the sea, is a unique and exciting holiday getaway for the adventurous at heart.

Best Beaches in Coffs Harbour

The Coffs Coast area is home to around 30 impressive beaches, each with its own appeal.

• Sawtell Beach: Located south of Coffs Harbour, Sawtell beach offers pristine waves for swimming, bodyboarding or surfing.
• Diggers Beach: One of the most popular beaches in the area, Diggers is great for snorkeling and spotting dolphins and other marine animals!
• Moonee Beach: Situated on the Moonee Creek estuary, this beach provides a great spot to relax and cool down.
• Boambee Beach: Running alongside Coffs Harbour Airport, this is a great spot for beach-lovers, families and water adventurers alike. With its stunning white sand, gentle waves and lush scenery, this beach is very popular.
• Emerald Beach: This secluded beach is perfect for long walks along the sand and watching the sunset in peace.
• Sapphire Beach: Nestled between mountain ranges on one side and the stunning beaches of Coffs Harbour on the other. Whether you are looking to relax, surf or explore the many walking and biking trails that run along the shore, there is something here for everyone.

Coffs Harbour City

Coffs Harbour, one of the largest regional cities in New South Wales, is best known for its riveting array of adventure sports. For adrenaline junkies there’s skydiving, go-cart racing, parasailing, jetskiing, and whitewater rafting on the Nymboida River. Four-wheel drive adventures and mountain biking are also popular pursuits especially in the nearby mountains.

What brings many to this special part of the world are the dolphins and whales. In Spring dolphins frolic with their calves near the shore’s edge. While in winter, you can take a cruise out to view humpback whales cruising up the coast on their migration to the warmer Queensland waters. Several humpbacks have calved in the shallow waters of Coffs Harbour. A number of excellent educational whale watching cruises are available.

Sea kayaking is another exhilarating way to get even closer to these majestic creatures and other marine wildlife such as manta rays, turtles and schooling fish found here. The waters also offer superb deep-sea fishing and magical scuba diving and snorkelling experiences.

Also see one of the local attractions – Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve – a small island off the coast where thousands of muttonbirds breed each year from August to November.

The Big Banana Fun Park

The giant man-made banana at the northern end of town, pays homage to the region’s thriving banana industry. Visitors to the Big Banana discover the world of horticulture with the added fun of cable flyers, ice skating, downhill skiing, experimental laboratory and plantation walks.

Forest Sky Pier, Niigi Niigi at Sealy Lookout

A must-do experience is the Forest Sky Pier, a suspended platform high in the treetops of the region’s subtropical rainforest. Enjoy spectacular views from Sealy Lookout over Sawtell and Corindi Beaches as well as Mt Scopas and beyond. The pier offers breathtaking 360 degree views and a magical experience with the sounds of the rainforest far below.

Coffs Harbour Markets

The Jetty Strip at Coffs Harbour is home to two great markets – the Wednesday Night Markets and Sunday Markets by the Sea. Here, visitors can find handmade crafts, local produce, vintage items and more. The markets are a great way to get to know the locals and experience the culture of Coffs Harbour.

Coffs Harbour Experiences

Solitary Islands Marine Park Visitor Centre

Holiday makers can also soak up some culture at the Solitary Islands Marine Park Visitor Centre – this stunning ocean-side complex showcases local history, culture and wildlife with interactive exhibits that will keep kids entertained for hours!

Other must-see attractions in Coffs Harbour include Dolphin Marine Magic – an aquarium featuring endangered dolphins from around the world – as well as Bongil Bongil National Park which protects numerous species of wildlife including coastal wallabies and koalas.

For something less active, the area’s many beautiful beaches make for perfect holidaying territory with surfing, fishing and picnics and barbecues among people’s favourite pastimes.

Waterfalls Near Coffs Harbour

Dorrigo National Park is home to the iconic 200 metre high Dangar Falls, and several shorter cascades in the World Heritage-listed forests.

Ebor Falls is perfect for a day out in nature, this breathtakingly beautiful spot offers two different types of waterfalls to explore.

Tia Falls is just a short drive from Woolgoolga and situated within Yuraygir National Park, these secluded falls are a great place for a picnic or swim.

Exploring The Region

If you want to explore further than just Coffs Harbour itself then there’s plenty to see within driving distance too!

Just north lies Woolgoolga (pictured below) where visitors can explore secluded beaches such as Arrawarra Headland or delight their taste buds with some quality local restaurants.

Alternatively head south towards Sawtell Beach (pictured below) – here you’ll find idyllic waves perfect for swimming, bodyboarding or surfing alongside rolling hills that make ideal picnic spots! Located just south of Coffs Harbour Airport and close to Bellingen, it is an ideal destination on the Coffs Coast for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Sawtell itself nestles beneath hills and surrounded by lush rainforest, making it a tranquil spot to spend a weekend or holiday. The main street runs along the bank of North Solitary Island Creek as it meanders down towards Sawtell Beach, with plenty of cafes and boutique shops offering something for everyone. At the beachfront you can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or relax on the sand while watching dolphins play in the surf.

Further down still lies Nambucca Heads and South West Rocks – both known for their unspoilt beaches, vibrant marine life and historic headlands that are great for strolls along jagged cliff faces!

Finally don’t miss out on Urunga Boardwalk – overlooking the stunning Bellinger River estuary south from Coffs Harbour, this boardwalk provides breathtaking views right across Coffs Coast hinterland all year round.

Holiday Parks

Coffs Harbour has long been known as a top holiday destination and what better place to stay than the beautiful and peaceful caravan parks around town? With their private surroundings, natural beauty and close proximity to local attractions – they are a popular choice.

The tourism parks also offer plenty of activities – from swimming pools, playgrounds and BBQ areas to extensive sports grounds and exciting activities like water sports, fishing and beach volleyball.

Many of the caravan and camping grounds in Coffs Harbour are located right near the beach, making it easier than ever to relax and enjoy some quality time in nature.

Experience Coffs

With its incredible landscape comprising hillsides covered in subtropical rainforest intermingled with golden shores lapped by crystal blue water; it’s easy to see why so many people flock to Coffs Harbour each year! So whether it’s an action packed adventure holiday or simply a chance to relax amongst some of Australia’ most beautiful scenery… the possibilities really are endless in this charming coastal town!

Nearest Airport: Coffs Harbour Airport (4kms)