Coffs Harbour

Set between lush hinterland and the sparkling Pacific, Coffs Harbour is a laidback coastal city that offers a quintessential taste of the NSW North Coast. Best known for its Big Banana and family-friendly beaches, the area also hides superb national parks, excellent surf breaks, and a thriving food scene centred on local produce. Whether you’re passing through on a road trip or settling in for a few days, Coffs Harbour blends beach culture with nature easily.

Highlights & What to See

• The Big Banana – an iconic roadside attraction with a fun park, ice-skating rink, and the original banana plantation where you can learn about the region’s fruit-growing history.
• Korora Lookout – a short walk from the car park delivers sweeping ocean views and is a prime spot for whale watching (June–November).
• Muttonbird Island – accessed via a breakwall from the marina, this nature reserve offers an easy walk with seabird colonies and panoramic coastal vistas.
• Dorrigo National Park – part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, featuring the Skywalk platform above the canopy and superb walking trails to crystal-clear waterfalls.
• Park Beach – the main surf beach with patrolled swimming, a long pier for fishing, and a lively foreshore with cafés and picnic spots.
• Coffs Harbour Butterfly House – a tropical enclosure with hundreds of free-flying butterflies, ideal for families.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days is ideal for Coffs Harbour. Spend the first day exploring the beaches and the Big Banana, then dedicate a full day to Dorrigo National Park (allow 45 minutes driving each way). If you have a third day, explore the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk or take a whale-watching cruise. The town is compact enough for a quick overnight stop, but the hinterland rewards those who linger.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bellingen – a charming artsy town 30 minutes inland, known for its vibrant markets and the Bellingen River.
• Sawtell – a relaxed beachside village 10 minutes south with a great café strip and family-friendly swimming.
• Dorrigo – the gateway to Dorrigo National Park and the start of the Waterfall Way, a scenic drive through rainforest.
• Port Macquarie – about 1.5 hours south, with a historic settlement, koala hospital, and the coastal walking track.
• Nambucca Heads – a quieter coastal town 45 minutes north, famous for its V-Wall painted rocks and river cruises.

Please check official sources for current details.