Coffs Harbour

With its lush hinterland, stunning beaches and laid-back subtropical vibe, Coffs Harbour is a classic New South Wales coastal escape. The city sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Great Dividing Range, offering a mix of marine adventures, national park walks and a thriving local food scene. The famous Big Banana marks the spot, but there's so much more to discover here.

Highlights & What to See

• The Big Banana – the iconic giant banana is a fun photo op and the entry point to a theme park with waterslides, ice skating and a toboggan ride.
• Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve – walk the breakwater to this island sanctuary for incredible views of the coast and, from August to April, thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters nesting.
• Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens – a peaceful 20-hectare garden showcasing rainforest, mangroves and heath, with walking trails and a popular Sunday market.
• Park Beach – the main patrolled beach, perfect for swimming, surfing or a long coastal stroll.
• Dolphin Marine Conservation Park – an interactive marine park where you can see dolphins, seals and penguins, with a focus on rescue and rehabilitation.
• Solitary Islands Coastal Walk – a 60-kilometre walking track from Coffs Harbour to Sawtell, with sections that pass through headlands, beaches and littoral rainforest.
• Bruxner Park & Flora Reserve – a patch of subtropical rainforest with towering flooded gums, tree ferns and the Sealy Lookout offering panoramic views.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two to three days to experience Coffs Harbour's highlights. Spend day one exploring the beaches, Muttonbird Island and the Botanic Gardens. On day two, head into the hinterland for walks at Bruxner Park and the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk. A third day gives you time for the Big Banana and Dolphin Marine Park, or a relaxing day at the beach. If you're self-driving, you can easily extend your stay to include the nearby national parks and villages.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bellingen – a charming artsy town 30 minutes inland, famous for its heritage buildings, markets and the Bellinger River.
• Dorrigo National Park – part of the Gondwana Rainforests, with spectacular waterfalls (including Dangar Falls) and walking trails through ancient rainforest.
• Sawtell – a relaxed beachside village with a great café scene and a beautiful sheltered beach, just 10 minutes south.
• Woolgoolga – a vibrant surf town with a strong Sikh community, known for its curry houses and the Woolgoolga Beach.
• Urunga – a picturesque coastal town with a long wooden boardwalk over the lagoon, ideal for kayaking and birdwatching.

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