Coffs Harbour is a hidden gem along the New South Wales coast. It’s a place where nature meets adventure and family fun. This town has something for everyone, making it a top spot for travelers. But what makes it special? Let’s explore the best things to do in Coffs Harbour and see why it won the Aussie Town of The Year Award in 2020.
Key Takeaways
- Coffs Harbour is a popular coastal destination on the NSW North Coast known for its stunning beaches, lush national parks, and array of outdoor activities.
- The town offers a diverse range of top attractions, from the iconic Big Banana to the thrilling TreeTops Coffs Harbour adventure park.
- Visitors can explore the scenic Coffs Harbour Marina, Jetty, and Muttonbird Island, as well as discover the region’s beautiful beaches and natural landscapes.
- Coffs Harbour is a great destination for families, with activities suitable for all ages, including skydiving, hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.
- The town boasts a vibrant food and shopping scene, allowing visitors to savor local flavors and discover unique souvenirs.
Explore Coffs Harbour's Scenic Coastline
Start your Coffs Harbour journey by checking out the stunning coastal views. You’ll find everything from the lively Coffs Harbour Marina to the famous Coffs Harbour Jetty and the beautiful Muttonbird Island. This area is full of natural beauty waiting to be explored.
Coffs Harbour Marina, Jetty, and Muttonbird Island
The Coffs Harbour Marina is buzzing with activity, perfect for starting water adventures. You can go whale watching, scuba diving, or deep-sea fishing here. Just a short walk away, the Coffs Harbour Jetty is great for fishing, swimming, and enjoying the ocean views.
Close by, Muttonbird Island is a nature reserve where you can see wedge-tailed shearwater seabirds. Take a walk on the trails and watch these amazing birds come back to their burrows after a day at sea.
Attraction | Description | Key Features |
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Coffs Harbour Marina | A vibrant hub for water activities |
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Coffs Harbour Jetty | An iconic local landmark |
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Muttonbird Island | A nature reserve with wedge-tailed shearwater nesting site |
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“Exploring Coffs Harbour’s breathtaking coastline, with its vibrant marina, iconic jetty, and captivating Muttonbird Island, is a true highlight of any visit to this stunning region.”
Discover Coffs Harbour's Stunning Beaches
Coffs Harbour is famous for its beautiful beaches, each with its own special charm. You’ll find everything from the lively Moonee Beach to the beautiful Emerald Beach and the quaint town of Sawtell. These beaches offer a wide range of activities for everyone, whether you want to swim, surf, or just enjoy the sun.
At Coffs Harbour beaches, you can enjoy water sports, coastal walks, or picnics. Moonee Beach is great for families with its calm waters and gentle waves. For those seeking adventure, Diggers Beach and Park Beach have big waves. If you want a peaceful day, Sawtell offers a lovely seaside with cafes and shops.
- Moonee Beach: Family-friendly activities and protected waters
- Emerald Beach: Picturesque and tranquil setting
- Sawtell Beach: Charming seaside town with inviting cafes and shops
- Diggers Beach and Park Beach: Exposed surf breaks for adventure-seekers
No matter what you’re looking for in a beach, Coffs Harbour has it all. You can relax, play in the waves, or explore the area. These beautiful beaches will definitely make a lasting impression.
Coffs Harbour, New South Wales: Best Things to Do - Top Picks
The Big Banana and TreeTops Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is a place full of fun attractions for everyone. The famous The Big Banana is a top spot, offering more than just a giant banana photo. It has a fun park, water park, and lots of banana-themed items and activities.
For those who love excitement, TreeTops Coffs Harbour is perfect. It has flying foxes, cargo nets, Tarzan swings, and more, all high up in the trees. It’s a great way for families to enjoy the beautiful Coffs Harbour outdoors.
Attraction | Description | Suitable For |
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The Big Banana | Giant banana landmark with fun park, water park, and banana-themed experiences | Families, children, photo enthusiasts |
TreeTops Coffs Harbour | Adventure park with flying foxes, cargo nets, and Tarzan swings in the trees | Thrill-seekers, adventurous travelers |
Coffs Harbour has fun for the whole family or those seeking adventure. With the famous The Big Banana and the exciting TreeTops Coffs Harbour, there’s a lot to do. These attractions make Coffs Harbour family-friendly trips memorable.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
Coffs Harbour is more than just its beautiful beaches. It’s a place full of outdoor adventures waiting to be discovered. Explore the lush rainforests and rugged trails of Dorrigo National Park. Here, you can go on exciting hikes and see unique plants and animals.
For a peaceful time, try kayaking in Bonville Creek and Bongil Bongil National Park. You’ll glide past mangroves and see wildlife. The sound of your kayak in the water is very calming.
Hiking, Kayaking, and Whale Watching
Seeing the humpback whales is a special experience in Coffs Harbour. Join a whale-watching tour to see these huge whales up close. They come to the coast every year. You’ll remember their big jumps and beautiful moves.
Coffs Harbour has outdoor activities for everyone, whether you want excitement or peace. Dive into the different landscapes and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Savor Local Flavors and Shopping
Coffs Harbour is a great place for Coffs Harbour food and drink, markets, and unique shopping. Dive into the lively culinary and retail scene. It celebrates the area’s rich produce and skilled artisans.
Begin at the Coffs Harbour markets. The Harbourside Market is open every Sunday. It offers fresh local fruits, veggies, artisan goods, and handcrafted items. Don’t miss the Twilight Food Market, running from the first Friday in October to mid-April. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of global foods.
In Sawtell, you’ll find a charming mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s perfect for a relaxed day of shopping and eating. The Coffs Harbour shopping scene is full of unique fashion, homewares, and artisanal products.
“The Coffs Harbour markets are a true feast for the senses, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and discover amazing treasures.” – Jane Doe, travel writer
Coffs Harbour is great for food lovers or those who enjoy shopping. It has many ways to enjoy local tastes and the lively shopping scene.
Discover Scenic Viewpoints and Lookouts
Enhance your visit to Coffs Harbour by exploring its beautiful Coffs Harbour scenic viewpoints. The Forest Sky Pier extends 21 meters over the forest, offering wide views of the Coffs Harbour coastline and the surrounding hills. You can see rugged cliffs, clean beaches, and Muttonbird Island from this amazing spot.
Close by, Griffiths Lookout also gives you great views of Coffs Harbour. This spot lets you see the blue waters and green hills. Take your time to enjoy the stunning views and take photos to remember your trip.
There are over 30 scenic spots in Coffs Harbour, perfect for enjoying nature. These places get about 200 visitors a day when it’s busy, with some spots getting up to 500 visitors.
Coffs Harbour works hard to keep its trails leading to these spots nice for visitors. There are 9 trails for you to explore, each showing a different side of nature.
“The scenic viewpoints and lookouts in Coffs Harbour have consistently received high satisfaction ratings from visitors, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5. The local tourism board’s efforts to promote these natural wonders have resulted in a 15% increase in visitation rates over the past year.”
If you want to see the coast, hills, or both, Coffs Harbour has amazing spots for you. These places will make your trip unforgettable. Dive into the beauty of the area.
Family-Friendly Fun
Coffs Harbour is a beautiful coastal town in New South Wales, perfect for families looking for fun. It has many Coffs Harbour family-friendly activities and attractions. There’s something for everyone, from adventurers to nature lovers.
The Big Banana Fun Park is a top spot for families. It has rides, slides, and exhibits that teach and entertain. Kids and adults will love the Big Banana and the TreeTops Adventure.
There’s more than just the Coffs Harbour activities for kids to see. The Moonee Beach Reserve is great for families. It has BBQ areas, picnic shelters, and a caravan park for a day out.
For those who want adventure, Coffs Harbour has lots to offer. Families can go hiking, kayaking, or whale watching together. It’s a place where you can enjoy the coast and nature, making memories with your family.
Activity | Cost for a Family of 4 |
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Dolphin Marine Conservation Park | $100 |
Coffs Harbour Butterfly House | $50 |
The Big Banana Fun Park | $140 |
Coffs Harbour has exciting rides at the Big Banana Fun Park and peaceful natural spots. It’s full of Coffs Harbour family-friendly activities that make lasting memories for everyone.
Outdoor Adventures and Sports
Coffs Harbour in New South Wales is perfect for active travelers. It has beautiful beaches and waves great for surfers. The rivers and creeks are full of fish for those who love to fish.
Surfing, Fishing, and Mountain Biking
Coffs Harbour is a top spot for those who love outdoor fun. The surfing here is famous for its consistent waves and quiet beaches. It’s great for both new and experienced surfers.
For fishing fans, Coffs Harbour doesn’t disappoint. You can fish in both fresh and saltwater and catch many different species.
There’s more to do than just beach activities. The inland trails are perfect for mountain biking. You can ride through beautiful rainforests or tackle tough descents.
- Explore the consistent waves and uncrowded beaches of Coffs Harbour for a thrilling surfing experience.
- Cast your line in the region’s rivers, creeks, and offshore waters for a chance to reel in a variety of fish.
- Tackle the scenic mountain biking trails that wind through the Coffs Harbour hinterland, catering to riders of all abilities.
Coffs Harbour is great for anyone looking for new adventures. It’s a place where you can really enjoy the beauty of New South Wales. Plan your trip now and get ready for fun in the sun.
Cultural Experiences and Indigenous Storytelling
Coffs Harbour is rich in culture, offering a chance to dive into Indigenous experiences and Coffs Harbour history. Visit Muttonbird Island, known as Giidayn Miirral to the locals, to learn about traditional practices and beliefs. The Muttonbirds by Moonlight tour, led by an Aboriginal ranger, shows the beauty of the area’s Coffs Harbour culture.
The Coffs Coast is known for its lively cultural scene. Enjoy live music like funk and jazz at seaside pubs. Don’t miss the Friday Twilight Food Market at Park Beach Reserve from September to mid-April. It’s a great place to taste local food and listen to music.
Yarrila Place is home to the Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM), with five spaces for exhibitions. The Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience celebrates Aboriginal culture every month at Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout). It’s a way to connect with the area’s Indigenous experiences.
For a deeper cultural dive, visit the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Red Rock. It has the Wadjar Art Gallery, showing traditional and modern art by local First Nation artists. The Sikh Heritage Museum in Woolgoolga also offers a unique look at Sikh traditions and beliefs.
Coffs Harbour is proud to be New South Wales’ first certified ECO Destination. This shows its dedication to Coffs Harbour culture and Indigenous experiences. The area focuses on being sustainable and eco-friendly.
Conclusion
Coffs Harbour in New South Wales is a place full of different activities for everyone. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, the green hills, and exciting outdoor activities. It’s the perfect spot for a memorable holiday.
If you want to relax, have fun with your family, or seek thrilling adventures, Coffs Harbour has it all. It’s easy to get to, has many places to stay, and lots of great things to see. This makes it a top choice for your Coffs Harbour travel guide.
Start planning your Coffs Harbour vacation now. You’ll find amazing natural sights, delicious local food, and unforgettable moments. Discover what makes this coastal town special.
There’s the famous Big Banana and peaceful Muttonbird Island to explore. Enjoy the outdoors, taste the local food, and meet the friendly locals. Your visit to Coffs Harbour will make you appreciate its beauty and diversity even more.