Coffs Harbour

Perched between the Pacific Ocean and the lush Great Dividing Range, Coffs Harbour is the quintessential North Coast escape. This laid-back city is famed for its brilliant beaches, the iconic Big Banana, and a hinterland of national parks and waterfalls. Whether you're after surf, wildlife, or scenic drives, Coffs Harbour delivers with a relaxed, friendly vibe that makes it an ideal stop on a New South Wales road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• The Big Banana – Australia's first 'big thing' is a fun, family-friendly attraction with a water park, ice-skating rink, and informative tours of the working banana plantation. Don't miss the banana smoothies.
• Coffs Harbour Beaches – Diggers Beach is a top surf spot, while Park Beach offers calm swimming and a long stretch of sand. Jetty Beach, near the historic pier, is perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
• Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve – Connected to the mainland by a breakwall, this island offers a short walk with stunning coastal views and, from August to April, a chance to see wedge-tailed shearwaters nesting.
• Dorrigo National Park – A 45-minute drive inland, this World Heritage rainforest boasts cascading waterfalls, the Skywalk boardwalk over the canopy, and excellent walking trails.
• Sealy Lookout – Drive up to this viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the coastline and hinterland, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days is ideal to soak up Coffs Harbour's highlights. Spend day one exploring the beaches and the Big Banana, day two on a hinterland adventure to Dorrigo National Park, and day three enjoying a coastal walk or a dolphin-watching cruise. If you're passing through on a road trip, even an overnight stop lets you hit the best spots.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bellingen – A charming, creative town 30 minutes south, known for its arts scene, markets, and the crystal-clear Bellinger River.
• Sawtell – A laid-back beach village just south of Coffs, with a great café culture and a patrolled surf beach.
• Port Macquarie – An hour's drive south, offering the Koala Hospital, historic sites, and beautiful coastal walks along the Hastings River.
• Yamba – A relaxed surf town about 1.5 hours north, with pristine beaches and a vibrant food scene.

Please check official sources for current details.