Coffs Harbour Jetty

Stroll along the historic Coffs Harbour Jetty and feel the salt spray on your face as fishing boats bob in the deep-blue water. This working harbour has a laid-back, salty-dog charm, with a boardwalk linking cafés, seafood shacks, and the iconic Muttonbird Island. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, watch the pelicans, and taste the catch of the day.

Highlights & What to See

• Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve – Walk the breakwall to this rocky island, home to thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters. The dawn or dusk views of the coastline are spectacular.
• Jetty Strip boardwalk – A photogenic promenade lined with public art, benches, and plaques telling the story of the harbour’s timber-getting and fishing past.
• Seafood at the Fishermen’s Co-op – Grab a prawn roll or battered flathead from the co-op’s takeaway window and eat it at a picnic table overlooking the marina.
• Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores – A grassy park with a children’s playground, BBQ facilities, and calm swimming area – ideal for a family afternoon.
• Jetty Village – A cluster of boutiques, galleries, and eateries just back from the water; great for picking up local honey or handmade souvenirs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is plenty to soak up the atmosphere. Start with a coffee at a boardwalk café, then walk out to Muttonbird Island (allow 45 minutes return). Spend an hour exploring the foreshore and Jetty Village, then settle in for a late seafood lunch. If you’re a keen photographer, plan for sunrise or sunset – the light on the harbour is magic.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden – A lush 20-hectare garden with rainforest, heath, and mangrove habitats, plus a popular Sunday market.
• Park Beach Plaza – The city’s main shopping centre, a short drive away, for retail therapy and a cinema.
• Solitary Islands Marine Park – Book a snorkel or dive trip from the jetty to explore protected reefs and see sea turtles.
• Bruxner Park Flora Reserve – Drive 15 minutes inland for rainforest walks, the Sealy Lookout, and the stunning Crystal Cascades waterfall.
• Sawtell – A laid-back beach village 15 minutes south, with a patrolled surf beach, great cafés, and a Sunday farmers market.

Please check official sources for current details.