Looking for somewhere with stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant marine life, then consider Coffs Harbour.
Located on the New South Wales mid-north coast, the place is best known, of course, for its Big Banana monument and amusement park. However, it is also notable for being the first officially certified eco-destination in the state, which means they take sustainability very seriously.
Regardless of if you want a relaxing beach holiday, an adventurous outdoor experience, or a cultural exploration, Coffs Harbour has something to offer everyone.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the must-see destinations and activities in Coffs Harbour, and provide tips on how to make the most of your visit to this picturesque coastal town.
Where is Coffs Harbour?
Coffs Harbour is a coastal city situated halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, roughly 550 km north of Sydney and 400 km south of Brisbane.
The city is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Great Dividing Range to the west, creating a stunning natural landscape that is perfect for outdoor activities and adventures.
The largest urban centre on the Mid North Coast of NSW, it has a population of around 75,000 people.
How To Get To Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is an easy destination to get to via air, car, bus or train.
For those short on time, the quickest way to reach Coffs Harbour is to fly into the airport at Coffs Harbour Airport, which is serviced by several major airlines. Direct flights are available from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as well as some regional airports. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to your accommodation or rent a car to explore the region.
If you would prefer to drive, Coffs Harbour is located on the Pacific Highway, which is the main road connecting Sydney and Brisbane. If you are driving from Sydney, the journey takes approximately 6 hours, while the drive from Brisbane takes around 4 hours. There are also several scenic routes that you can take, including the Waterfall Way and the Pacific Coast Touring Route which showcase the natural beauty of the area.
Several bus companies operate services to Coffs Harbour from major cities, including Sydney and Brisbane. They include Greyhound Australia, Premier Motor Service, and New South Wales TrainLink, all of which provide regular services to the region.
By Train, the Brisbane XPT, Grafton and Casino services run regularly to Coffs Harbour from Sydney.
What to Do in Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour offers much to pique the interest of tourists. Here are some of the main things you can see and do in the area.
Attractions
Coffs Harbour’s main attraction is the famous Big Banana Plantation. As well as offering a lovely photo opportunity, visitors can also enjoy banana-themed recreational activities and cuisine.
Additionally, the souvenir shop offers a vast selection of edible and non-edible banana products. While, thrill-seekers can experience Big Banana Fun Park rides and cool off at the Water Park.
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, TreeTops Coffs Harbour is a terrific place to visit. It offers a series of challenges located high up in the trees, including flying foxes, cargo nets, Tarzan swings and tightropes, which are a lot of fun.
Beaches and Natural Landscapes
Coffs Harbour is famous for its 90 km of beautiful beaches, which attract hordes of surfers, sunbathers, and road-trippers every summer.
Three of the most popular beaches to visit include Park Beach, Jetty Beach, and Boambee Beach, each of which is close to the city centre and family friendly. At them you’ll find facilities like toilets, picnic tables and barbecue grills, as well as coffee shops and cafes nearby.
As they tend to get crowded, those wanting a bit of peace and quiet should take a short drive north. There you will find pristine and uncrowded beaches such as Mid Sapphire, Emerald, Moonee, Diggers, and Sandy Beach, which you may have pretty much to yourself.
Aside from the beaches, Coffs Harbour is surrounded by natural beauty, including mountain escarpments and rainforests. Visitors can take in their breathtaking views from various vantage points within the region, including the Forest Sky Pier, Sealy Lookout, Griffiths Lookout, Look At Me Now Headland and Muttonbird Island.
Additionally, Dorrigo National Park, makes a very nice day trip. It forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests, showcasing a breathtaking landscape that is millions of years old.
Within it are several forest and woodland environments which house hundreds of species of flora and fauna. If you are lucky, you might get to see the regent bowerbird, fabulous red-necked pademelons or the wompoo fruit-dove, replete with its vivid colours.
Activities
If you love messing around on the water, you are in for a treat when you visit Coffs Harbour.
For those looking to connect with nature, kayaking or canoeing down the various rivers and creeks throughout the Coffs Coast is a great way to immerse oneself in the area’s soothing sights and sounds. Many adventures exist, such as those found at the Boambee Bay Reserve, Coffs Creek,
Bonville Creek which resides in the Bongil Bongil National Park, and more if you want to head further inland.
Between May and November each year, tens of thousands of humpback whales migrate along the NSW coast, making Coffs Harbour a prime spot for whale watching. Visitors can observe mothers and calves playing in the sheltered waters of the Solitary Island Marine Park. Plenty of vantage points along the coast and cruises are available for an up-close experience with these majestic creatures.
Additionally, Coffs Harbour offers a variety of markets to explore, such as the Harbourside Market (open every Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm). Many vendors sell various items there, including jewellery, crafts, clothes and artwork.
Where To Stay in Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences.
Many visitors choose to stay in the city centre during their visit to Coffs Harbour. There you will find a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, motels, and serviced apartments. Staying within the city centre is a terrific option for those who want to be within walking distance of restaurants, cafes, shops, and attractions.
The Jetty Beach area is another popular destination for visitors due to its stunning beaches and scenic views. It is also within walking distance of the city centre, so offers convenient access to the facilities there.
Located to the north of the city centre, Park Beach is also another accommodation hotspot for tourists. It is home to the Big Banana and also features several accommodation options, from budget motels to luxury apartments and resorts.
About 15 minutes out of town, the picturesque coastal village of Sawtell (to the south) and Monee Beach (to the north) makes for lovely places to stay. These areas offer a more relaxed atmosphere and are popular with families and couples. There are also several holiday apartments, cottages, and bed and breakfasts at both.
Moonee Beach is also home to the Moonee Beach Nature Reserve, a popular spot for hiking, camping and wildlife spotting.
Where To Eat in Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is where you will not go hungry as it offers diverse dining options. From casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, there are many places to enjoy a delicious meal.
One of the best of them is widely acknowledged as being the Urban Espresso Lounge. Located in the heart of the city centre, it offers an excellent range of breakfast and lunch options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Over in Sawtell, The Spare Room is a hip and trendy bar and eatery that features a modern Australian cuisine menu focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Latitude 30 is another perfect place to go. It is within the Park Beach area, offering a unique dining experience with stunning ocean views. For those who love Italian or Indian food, several restaurants around the region present these culinary options. While The Greenhouse Tavern is a popular pub and
restaurant in the Moonee Beach area. It boasts a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and a menu that features classic pub fare and a range of international dishes.
As always, an RSL is an excellent option. The one in Sawtell is a local institution serving a range of classic Australian dishes and internationally-inspired cuisine.
Conclusion
Overall, Coffs Harbour is a beautiful and vibrant destination that offers many things to see and do.
From exploring pristine beaches and lush rainforests to experiencing thrilling outdoor adventures and cultural activities, there is something for everyone in Coffs Harbour.
It also has plenty of food and drink options and accommodation. So, all things considered, it is the perfect destination for a memorable holiday.