When you think of Coffs Harbour, you no doubt think of the Big Banana. But now, Coffs is on the map for another reason – it’s NSW’s first official eco destination.
This comes as no surprise to locals. The Coffs Coast is the only spot in the state where the majestic mountains of the Great Dividing Range meet the spectacular coastline.
Consequently, the region is home to, not only more than 30 beaches, but also 84,000 hectares of World Heritage-listed wilderness, as well as NSW’s oldest marine park.
Plus, it’s more than Coffs Harbour’s dreamy natural beauty that has won it the title of official eco destination.
It’s also the people who live here. They work hard to protect their beautiful places, support environmentally-friendly businesses and preserve their cultural heritage.
Ready to learn more? Do your bit to help the environment by jumping into a SIXT electric car hire and hit the road – without worrying about sending any emissions into the atmosphere.
EXPLORING THE COFFS COAST'S 30 BEACHES
The Coffs Coast is 80 kilometres long, stretching from Sawtell in the south to Red Rock in the north. Along it are more than 30 beaches.
The best known – and most photographed – is Jetty Beach, in central Coffs, where you can wander along a 100-year-old timber jetty, swim in calm waters and picnic in shady shelters.
For great surf and dramatic scenery, head to Gallows Beach. Meanwhile, Sawtell Beach, which lies 15 minutes’ drive south of Coffs, offers both patrolled swimming and beautiful walks.
These three beaches are just the start – there are at least another 27 to explore, and you can get to them all with an electric car hire.
180-MILLION-YEAR-OLD WILDERNESS
Beyond the Coffs Coast’s beaches are 11 national parks, 37 state parks and nature reserves.
Drive an hour west to reach Dorrigo National Park, part of Australia’s 180-million-year-old, World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. See it from a bird’s eye view on the Skywalk.
Closer to town is Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, a short stroll along the seaside from Coffs Marina. Along the way, spot Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, which breed here every year – and, from the island’s eastern lookout, enjoy breathtaking views of Solitary Islands, home to NSW’s oldest marine park.
SUPPORTING ECO-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES
Part of the reason Coffs has earned eco destination certification is that its community is dedicated to caring for the area’s natural assets. You can help by supporting local, eco-friendly businesses – in between exploring in your electric car hire.
Every Sunday, the Harbourside Markets hosts stalls from local growers, producers, makers, artists and designers. Buy honey made locally, oysters from nearby Macksville, homewares made from recycled timber, hand-poured candles, and much, much more.
To delve even deeper into Coffs’ scenery, consider travelling by water. C-Change Adventures runs tours by kayak and stand-up paddle board along the area’s hidden rivers. There’s even a white water option for adrenaline junkies.
After all that paddling, you’ll be ready to regain some energy at one of Coffs’ many local eateries. Visit Dark Arts for locally roasted coffee, Ground Earth in Woolgoolga for healthy dishes made with local produce and King Tide for house-brewed beer.
More lovely cafes, pretty scenery and friendly locals are to be found in the Orara Valley in the Coffs hinterland. Take a spin through a collection of rustic villages, discovering waterfalls and swimming spots on the way.
PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE
Eco certification isn’t only about looking after nature. It’s also about nurturing cultural heritage.
One of the richest adventures to be had on the Coffs Coast is the Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience.
You’ll spend two-and-a-half hours at magnificent Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) immersed in the songs and stories of the Gumbaynggirr people, who are the traditional custodians of the Coffs Harbour region. Plus, you’ll discover native plants and feast on freshly baked damper.
To learn more about First Nations people, go to the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Red Rock, where you can wander through the Wadjar Art Gallery and eat at the Bush Tucker Café.
Back in town, follow the Gumbaynggirr art trail at the Yarrila Arts Museum, and, come evening, catch a show at the heritage-listed Jetty Memorial Theatre.
How to get to Coffs Harbour
If you’re taking the Sydney to Coffs Harbour drive, you’ll find the town around six hours’ drive north of the big smoke. From Brisbane, it’s four-and-a-half hours’ drive south.
Short on time? Consider flying to Coffs Harbour Airport, where SIXT’s electric vehicles will be waiting for you.
