Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a laid-back coastal city where lush hinterland meets the Pacific. The iconic Big Banana marks the entrance to a region famed for its banana plantations, surf beaches, and national parks. This is a place for swimming, hiking, and tasting fresh local produce.

Highlights & What to See

• The Big Banana – Australia’s first big tourist attraction, now a fun park with a plantation tour, ice-skating, and waterslides. Don’t miss the banana smoothies.
• Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve – A short walk from the marina offers panoramic views and a chance to see wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds) nesting from September to April.
• Park Beach – The main surf beach, patrolled and perfect for swimming. The adjacent creek is great for paddleboarding.
• Dangar Falls – A 30-minute drive inland leads to this 30m waterfall with a swimming hole – ideal for a refreshing dip after a bushwalk.
• Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden – A peaceful riverside garden with themed sections showcasing Australian rainforest, heath, and tropical plants.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days allows you to explore the beaches, take a short hike in the hinterland, and enjoy the local food scene. Arrive early to walk Muttonbird Island at sunrise, spend the day at the beach, and dedicate one day to the hinterland waterfalls and orchards. If you have a car, you can easily add a day trip to Bellingen or Dorrigo National Park.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bellingen – A charming artsy town on the Bellinger River, 30 minutes west, known for its Saturday markets and creative community.
• Dorrigo National Park – Part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, 45 minutes west, with spectacular waterfalls and skywalk.
• Sawtell – A relaxed beach village 15 minutes south, with a great café scene and a lovely patrolled beach.
• Woolgoolga – A quieter coastal town 20 minutes north, home to a large Sikh community and the fascinating Guru Nanak Temple.
• Urunga – Where the Bellinger River meets the sea, offering a scenic boardwalk and calm waters for kayaking.

Please check official sources for current details.