Surrounded by 30 beaches and 84,000 hectares of World Heritage-listed wilderness, Coffs Harbour is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the North Coast of NSW.
It’s also the state’s first official eco-destination.
Whether you’re heading there to escape the big smoke for a weekend, or passing by on a road trip from Sydney to Brisbane, you’ll find plenty to explore.
Here’s how to spend a weekend in Coffs Harbour.
HITTING THE BEACH
You could while away your entire break without doing anything except going to the beach – because the Coffs Harbour region covers 80 kilometres of shoreline.
To stroll, swim and surf right near town, head to Park Beach, where Coffs Creek streams into the sea. There are lifesavers on-hand in all seasons, and plenty of space for stretching out. For an extra-long walk, follow the sand all the way to Macauleys Headland.
Looking for an adventure? Visit Moonee Beach just north of town. There are plenty of caves and rainforest trails to explore.
To see even more, join a Wajaan Yamm Tour. You’ll travel up Moonee Creek on a stand-up paddle board (SUP) and learn about the local Gumbayngirr people as you go.
CHASING WATERFALLS
Once you’ve visited Coffs Harbour’s beaches, it’ll be time to see another side of the region – the waterfalls of the hinterland.
For a spectacular day trip, jump behind the wheel and follow the Waterfall Way scenic drive. It stretches from Coffs Harbour to Armidale for 185 kilometres, passing through five national parks and many waterfalls on the way. Highlights include Dangar Falls near Dorrigo, the 100-metre-high Ebor Falls and Wollombi Falls, which, at 220 metres, are the highest in NSW.
If you can’t spare a day, make tracks to Scout Falls, 40 minutes’ drive northwest of Coffs, where you can take a dip or kick back with a picnic on the rocks.
Swimming under a waterfall is just one unexpected experience you can have in and around Coffs Harbour.
OTHER ADVENTURES
To round out your weekend, spend a few hours wandering around the foreshore, including the marina, jetty and southern break wall.
Then jump on a boat to Solitary Islands Marine Park, where there’s a good chance of spotting dolphins, and, between May and November, whales.
Back on land, visit the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House to surround yourself with hundreds of butterflies in subtropical rainforest, the Yarrila Arts and Museum to soak up contemporary art, and, of course, the Big Banana to take a classic Australian selfie.
EATING AND DRINKING
At least one (if not all) of your breakfasts in Coffs Harbour should involve panoramic ocean views.
One of the best spots for that is the Breakwall Cafe & Restaurant, which serves up tasty brekkies at Coffs Harbour Yacht Club. Another classic spot for beach views is Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant and Bar, where the menu is big fresh, seasonal produce.
Meanwhile, you’ll find good coffee hidden behind the laneway door at Dark Arts Cafe and Bar, in the industrial estate in Toormina at Artisi Coffee Roasters and near the Woolgoolga rock pools at Peach & Wolf Bakery.
Come dinner time, book at Latitude 30 to sample seafood straight off the boat, the Pier Hotel for quality pub grub and Stef Beachstone or Grazie Papi for excellent pizza.
GETTING TO COFFS HARBOUR
Coffs Harbour is six hours’ drive north of Sydney and four hours’ drive south of Brisbane.
If you don’t have time for a road trip, why not fly to Coffs Harbour Airport, then hire a SIXT car rental?
We have a branch in the terminal, where our friendly team will answer your questions, give you your keys and have you in your car within minutes.
