Surrounded by lush sub-tropical greenery and gorgeous beaches, with a thriving marine sanctuary on the doorstep, you can explore bush trails, spot migrating whales and enjoy one of many fine local restaurants and bars at night. There is also an abundance of family-friendly activities, including the iconic Big Banana fun park.   

Get to know the area on one of the many scenic walks along the foreshore. The Coffs Creek Walk begins by the pool on Coff Street, near the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and winds a path to the ocean. If you explore the walk on a Sunday, you’ll also be rewarded with the thriving Harbourside Market. Held on the Jetty Strip, this market serves local produce, gourmet delicacies and local arts and crafts.

 

Sample more local flavours at one of the many popular bars and eateries. Savour delicious fresh seafood around the Coffs Harbour foreshore, including the fresh catch of the day at the Fisherman’s Co-operative. There are also plenty of restaurants, from New York styled burger bars to Mexican, along Harbour Drive. Visit in March for the Coffs Coast Food and Wine Festival.

Looking for the best beach in Coffs Harbour? You’ll be spoiled for choice. Roll out a towel at the gorgeous Jetty Beach for a relaxing day with the family. The gentle waves make this a great spot to soak in some coastal ambience with stunning views of Muttonbird Island. Diggers Beach is a popular surfing location 10 minutes from town, and a 20-minute drive takes you to the beautiful Emerald Beach. Keep an eye out for frolicking dolphins.


Stretch your legs and enjoy some whale watching between May and November on the green hills of Muttonbird Island. Discover spectacular views and find out about the traditional indigenous stories surrounding the island on a Discovery tour with a local Gumbaynggirr ranger. Meet the colourful marine life on a dive tour of the expansive Solitary Islands Marine Park or at the Solitary Islands Aquarium, open weekends.

Nestled in the green banana plantations that surround Coffs Harbour, the Big Banana Fun Park is a family must-do. This large iconic banana, famously perched on the hillside, sits in front of the largest indoor slide in Australia, an Aqua Play area, mini-golf, laser tag arena and a famed toboggan ride with great views of the Pacific Ocean. Kids will also love the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, a sub-tropical rainforest setting with mazes that are home to hundreds of fluttering butterflies.

Situated between Sydney and Brisbane, it’s easy to get to Coffs Harbour. At 527 km and just over 5.5 hours’ drive from Sydney, you can also enjoy a nine-hour train trip from Sydney’s Central Station. The 384 km drive from Brisbane is about four hours. Regular flights also operate directly from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to Coffs Harbour Airport.