Coffs Harbour is located mid-way between Sydney and Brisbane, making it an ideal stopover destination when road tripping between the two capitals.
But be warned: you may be tempted to stay longer than you planned! Coffs Harbour is the complete holiday package, and offers everything from great beaches and family attractions, to cosmopolitan cafes and fine dining.
Here are some of the top things to do in Coffs Harbour during your stay.
1. Step back in time
The Coffs Coast is home to the Gumbaynggirr First People. Learn about their heritage at the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, located 30 minutes’ drive north of Coffs Harbour. In the 1840s European timber cutters settled in the area, and timber harvesting remained a key industry right through until the early 1900s.
2. Visit The Big Banana
The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour. Image: Destination NSW
Herman Reick introduced Fijian bananas to the region in 1881, and 80 years later a legend was born. The Big Banana was masterminded by local grower John Landi to attract visitors to his road-side banana stall. Since then, the business has evolved into a major tourist attraction. Lift your energy levels on arrival with a frozen choc-dipped banana, before ice-skating, tobogganing, paying laser tag and mini golf, or splashing down in the water park.
3. Drop by the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, Coffs Harbour. Image: Destination NSW
A visit to the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary offers a ‘hands-on’ opportunity to engage with dolphins and sea lions. These small group experiences take place in the water and include contact time with the animals. Spend the rest of your visit to the park checking out the various display habitats, including penguins, turtles and peacocks.
4. Hit the beach
Enjoy the Coffs Coast’s amazing beaches. Image: Destination NSW
Coffs Harbour’s gorgeous beaches are one of the main reasons to visit this destination. The most popular beaches close to the CBD are Park Beach (popular with surfers) and Jetty Beach (perfect for families). Boambee Beach, just south of Coffs Harbour, is an open beach with varying conditions. Further south, Sawtell Beach is a lovely spot to relax on the sand before enjoying lunch in the relaxed village atmosphere.
5. Hike in Dorrigo National Park
Dangar Falls, Dorrigo located on the North Coast. Image: Destination NSW.
Dorrigo National Park is located a short hours drive from Coffs Harbour, and features pristine Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. The Crystal Shower Falls Walk is a must-do, taking walkers through lush rainforest to a spectacular waterfall.
6. Walk to Muttonbird Island
Enjoy the view of Coffs Harbour from Muttonbird Island. Image: Bigstock
Speaking of lovely walks, leave time to do the walk to the top of Muttonbird Island, which is home to thousands of migratory wedge-tailed shearwaters. The island is connected to the mainland by the northern break wall of the Coffs Harbour International Marina.
7. Get to a festival
Woolgoolga Curry Festival. Image: Coffs Harbour Tourism
The Coffs region is well known for its calendar of festivals and events. The Woolgoolga Curryfest is held in the beachside town of Woolgoolga every September. It’s a celebration of food, culture and community diversity. Later that month, Coffs Harbour hosts the International Buskers and Comedy Festival. The five-day programme is packed with events, many of which are free to attend.
8. Make for the markets
If your visit to Coffs coincides with a Sunday, head down to the Jetty foreshore to mix and mingle with local growers and artisans at the Harbourside Markets. Enjoy a delicious breakfast from one of the food vendors, then shop for a unique souvenir of your visit to this laid-back locale.
Cover image credit: Destination NSW