Coffs Harbour

With its stunning coastline, lush hinterland, and laid-back beach town vibe, Coffs Harbour is a classic New South Wales north coast destination. The city is best known for the iconic Big Banana, but beyond that novelty lies a region of pristine beaches, national parks, and a thriving food scene. Whether you're a surfer, a hiker, or a family seeking sun and sand, Coffs Harbour delivers with genuine Aussie charm.

Highlights & What to See

• Big Banana – Australia’s first big thing, this giant banana is a fun photo op and the hub for a theme park with waterslides, a giant slide, and a plantation tour.
• Park Beach – The main surf beach, patrolled and perfect for swimming, with a long stretch of sand and a lively foreshore with cafes and a coastal walk.
• Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve – A short walk from the marina, this island is a haven for wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds) and offers panoramic views of the coast.
• Solitary Islands Coastal Walk – A spectacular multi-day trek (or shorter sections) that hugs the coastline, passing through rainforest, beaches, and headlands. The stretch from Coffs Harbour to Sawtell is a popular day walk.
• Dorrigo National Park – Part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, just a 45-minute drive west. Highlights include the Skywalk above the canopy and Wonga Walk to a waterfall.
• Coffs Harbour Jetty – A historic timber jetty with a fish market, seafood restaurants, and a great spot for a sunset stroll.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days is ideal for Coffs Harbour. Spend day one exploring the beaches and the Big Banana. On day two, tackle a section of the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk or drive up to Dorrigo National Park for a rainforest immersion. A third day allows for a relaxed pace, perhaps a jetty breakfast and a visit to the local markets (held on Sundays at the Jetty Foreshores). If you’re self-driving, Coffs makes a perfect overnight stop between Sydney and Brisbane.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Sawtell – A charming beachside village just 10 minutes south, with a great surf break, a heritage-listed cinema, and excellent cafes.
• Bellingen – A creative, artsy town in the Bellinger Valley, known for its Saturday markets, live music, and the spectacular Never Never Creek swimming holes.
• Dorrigo – A historic timber town on the edge of the escarpment, gateway to Dorrigo National Park and the Dangar Falls.
• Urunga – A quiet coastal town with a beautiful boardwalk over the lagoon and river, ideal for kayaking and birdwatching.
• Nambucca Heads – About 40 minutes north, famous for the V-Wall (a sea wall covered in painted messages) and the Nambucca River.

Please check official sources for current details.