Coffs Harbour Beaches

Stretching along the stunning Coffs Coast, the beaches around Coffs Harbour offer a quintessential New South Wales coastal experience, with golden sands, rolling surf, and a laid-back vibe that draws travellers seeking sun, sea, and sand. From family-friendly coves to world-class surf breaks, these beaches are a highlight of any road trip along the Pacific Highway.

Highlights & What to See

• Park Beach: The main beach in town, patrolled and perfect for swimming, with a long promenade ideal for a stroll or bike ride.
• Diggers Beach: A favourite with locals, offering great surf and a more relaxed atmosphere, with a café nearby for post-swim coffee.
• Sawtell Beach: Just south of Coffs Harbour, this patrolled beach has a charming village feel, with boutiques and eateries along the esplanade.
• Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve: Accessible via a breakwater from the harbour, this island is home to a colony of wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds) and offers panoramic coastal views.
• Coffs Harbour Jetty: A historic spot for fishing, crabbing, and watching the boats, with a small museum and regular markets on weekends.
• Solitary Islands Marine Park: Offshore islands and reefs teeming with marine life, ideal for snorkelling, diving, and whale watching during migration season (June–November).

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two to three days to fully appreciate the Coffs Harbour beaches and surrounding attractions. Spend your first day exploring the main beaches and the jetty area, then dedicate a second day to a coastal walk, such as the Coffs Coast Walk from Park Beach to Sawtell, and a visit to Muttonbird Island. If you have a third day, consider a trip to the Solitary Islands for snorkelling or a whale-watching cruise.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bellingen: A charming hinterland town with a vibrant arts scene, excellent cafés, and the stunning Bellinger River, just a 30-minute drive west.
• Dorrigo National Park: Part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, featuring dramatic waterfalls, lush rainforest walks, and the Skywalk lookout – about 45 minutes inland.
• Urunga: A coastal village at the mouth of the Bellinger and Kalang rivers, known for its boardwalk, fishing, and kayaking opportunities, 20 minutes south.
• Woolgoolga: A laid-back beach town with a large Indian community, famous for its Sikh temple and excellent surf beach, 15 minutes north.
• Nambucca Heads: Another scenic coastal town with a beautiful headland walk and the iconic V-Wall painted rocks, about 40 minutes south.

Please check official sources for current details.