Coffs Harbour Travel Guide
City City in New South Wales, Australia with beaches
Banana plantations and a kitsch giant banana frame Coffs Harbour’s shoreline; surfers, snorkelers and families come for Solitary Islands marine reserves, Muttonbird Island lookout, local seafood and nearby Dorrigo’s rainforest drives.
Why Visit Coffs Harbour? #
On New South Wales’ mid-north coast, this seaside city is known for its easygoing beach culture and marine attractions. The iconic Big Banana and the coastal walks on Muttonbird Island give a playful, family-friendly feel, while the Solitary Islands Marine Park offers snorkeling and fishing among protected reefs. Fresh seafood and a laidback harbour precinct make it a popular base for reef trips, whale watching and relaxed coastal dining.
Who's Coffs Harbour For?
Coffs Harbour is a classic family beach destination with safe swimming, playgrounds and attractions like the Big Banana and petting farms. Family accommodation options run from holiday parks to budget motels.
The Solitary Islands Marine Park, nearby Dorrigo Rainforest and Muttonbird Island provide excellent coastal and rainforest experiences - whale‑watching and birdlife are seasonal highlights.
Surfing, snorkelling and diving along the Solitary Islands and breakwalls are popular, plus kayaking and coastal hikes make for active days. Local surf schools cater to beginners.
Coffs offers relaxed seaside escapes with beachfront dining, sunset walks on the jetty and quiet coastal drives. Mid‑range restaurants and small boutique stays suit romantic weekends away.
Seafood is central - marina eateries and local markets serve fresh prawns, oysters and fish. There’s a growing café scene in the City Centre and occasional farmers’ markets showcasing regional produce.
Budget hostels and a laid‑back coastal vibe draw backpackers doing east‑coast routes; it’s a practical stop for outdoor activities, though not a major party hub.
Top Things to Do in Coffs Harbour
All Attractions ›
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- The Big Banana Fun Park - Giant banana landmark offering toboggan rides, mini-golf, banana-themed treats, and family attractions.
- Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve - Short coastal walk to seabird colonies, great whale-watching viewpoints, and dramatic coastal views.
- Coffs Harbour Jetty and Jetty Beach - Historic timber jetty, safe swimming beach, cafes, and relaxed foreshore atmosphere.
- Coffs Harbour Fishermen's Co-op - Busy seafood market on the harbour supplying fresh catches and casual takeaways daily.
- Solitary Islands Marine Park - Protected offshore reefs accessed by boat tours for snorkeling and marine wildlife encounters.
- North Coast Regional Botanic Garden - Compact botanic gardens showcasing native species, themed plantings, and peaceful picnic spots.
- Bongil Bongil National Park - Coastal rainforest and dune systems hosting koalas, birdlife, and quiet walking tracks.
- Solitary Islands Aquarium - Small local aquarium with touch tanks and displays of Solitary Islands marine life.
- Boambee Headland Reserve - Unspoiled headland with short coastal walks, rock platforms, and excellent birdwatching spots.
- Dorrigo National Park - World Heritage rainforest with the Skywalk, waterfalls, boardwalks, and easy picnic spots.
- Bellingen - Laid-back riverside town with independent shops, cafés, and a creative arts scene.
- Sawtell - Charming surf village near Coffs with coastal walks, bakeries, and relaxed nightlife.
- Nambucca Heads - River estuary town with scenic headland walks, fishing spots, and quiet beaches.
Where to Go in Coffs Harbour #
The Jetty
The Jetty is the seaside heart - beach, cafes and easy coastal walks. Muttonbird Island is right there for short hikes and wildlife watching. This area suits beach lovers, families and people who want a relaxed seaside evening atmosphere.
Top Spots
- Coffs Harbour Jetty & Main Beach - The classic seaside stretch with cafes and a long jetty.
- Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve - Small island reserve with a loop walk and dolphin views.
- Jetty precinct cafés - Cafés and eateries lining the water for casual dining.
City Centre
Functional and compact - the CBD is where you handle errands, eat a quick lunch and find practical services. It’s not flashy but useful for travellers sorting tours or catching buses. Expect everyday cafés, bakeries and small shops.
Top Spots
- Coffs Harbour CBD - Main shopping streets, supermarkets and practical services.
- Coffs Harbour Regional Museum - Local history and rotating exhibitions.
- City parks - Green pockets good for a short break between shops.
Korora & The Big Banana
Korora is known for the Big Banana, Coffs’s quirky landmark and family entertainment centre. It’s a magnet for families and anyone after novelty rides and photo ops. Combine with nearby beaches for a full family day out.
Top Spots
- The Big Banana Fun Park - Iconic banana landmark with rides, mini-golf and family attractions.
- Korora Lookouts - Coastal viewpoints and beaches nearby.
- Family cafés - Kid-friendly dining around the attraction.
Sawtell
Technically a separate town a few minutes south, Sawtell feels like a favourite local getaway - boutique stores, surfer vibes and a pleasant jetty. Locals head here for weekend brunches and relaxed evenings; great if you want a quieter coastal village mood.
Top Spots
- Sawtell Village & Jetty - Charming seaside village with boutique shops and good cafes.
- Sawtell Beaches - Popular surf and swim spots just south of Coffs.
- Local eateries - A tight cluster of well-regarded cafés and restaurants.
Plan Your Visit to Coffs Harbour #
Best Time to Visit Coffs Harbour #
Visit Coffs Harbour in spring or autumn when skies are warm, rainfall eases and beaches, walks and waterfalls are at their best. Summers are humid with afternoon storms, while winters are mild and quieter - excellent for whale watching during the May-November migration.
Best Time to Visit Coffs Harbour #
Coffs Harbour's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1645 mm/year), wettest in March.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (196 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (245 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (177 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is served by its regional airport (Coffs Harbour Airport, CFS) and by the North Coast rail line (Coffs Harbour station) for wider NSW connections. Regional coaches and NSW TrainLink XPT trains link the city to Sydney and Brisbane; flying into CFS or taking a train/coach from Sydney are the usual arrival options.
Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS): Coffs Harbour Airport is the town’s primary airport with regular regional flights (QantasLink and Rex) to Sydney and other regional centres. From the terminal it’s a short drive to the CBD - taxis typically take about 10-15 minutes and cost roughly AU$20-30; rental cars are available at the airport and drive time to central Coffs is about 10 minutes.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD): If you’re arriving internationally or on a cheap domestic fare into Sydney, you can continue to Coffs Harbour by rail or coach. NSW TrainLink XPT trains from Sydney Central to Coffs Harbour take about 6.5-7 hours; advance fares can start around AU$40-60 one-way with higher flex fares up to around AU$100+. Long‑distance coaches (e.g., Premier Motor Service / NSW TrainLink coach links) run similar routes in about 6.5-7.5 hours with fares commonly in the AU$30-70 range.
Train: NSW TrainLink XPT serves Coffs Harbour railway station on the North Coast Line, with direct services to Sydney and Brisbane. Expect about 6.5-7 hours from Sydney Central to Coffs Harbour; fares vary by advance purchase and class (roughly AU$40-100 one-way depending on booking and seat type).
Coach / Local bus: Intercity coaches (Premier Motor Service and NSW TrainLink coaches) connect Coffs Harbour with Sydney, Newcastle and other coastal towns in roughly 6.5-7.5 hours and commonly cost AU$30-70 one-way. Local bus services around Coffs Harbour are operated by Buslines/other regional operators and provide short routes around the city and suburbs - most single local fares are a few dollars (typically in the low single-digit range).
How to Get Around Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is best navigated by car for freedom to reach beaches and hinterland towns, though the CBD and foreshore are compact and easy on foot. For intercity travel, trains and long‑distance coaches are reliable - within town, taxis and local buses fill in the gaps.
- Car (rental) (~AU$50-90/day) - Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Coffs Harbour and the surrounding Mid North Coast - attractions and beaches are spread out. Major rental companies operate at the airport and in town; parking in the CBD is generally available but can be limited at peak times. If you plan day trips (Dorrigo, Bellingen, Solitary Islands) a car saves a lot of time.
- NSW TrainLink XPT (~AU$40-100) - The XPT connects Coffs Harbour with Sydney and Brisbane on the North Coast Line; the station is centrally located and walking-distance to parts of town. Trains are comfortable for the long run but booking ahead secures cheaper fares and preferred seating. Timetables are less frequent than road coaches, so check schedules in advance.
- Intercity coach (Premier Motor Service / NSW TrainLink coach) (~AU$30-70) - Coaches run frequently along the Pacific Highway corridor and stop in Coffs Harbour; they are often cheaper than trains and take a similar amount of time. Coaches are a practical option if you want multiple daily departures and direct connections to smaller towns. Bring snacks and water for the 6-7 hour Sydney-Coffs runs.
- Local buses (~AU$3-5) - Local routes serve the CBD, suburbs and nearby townships; operators include regional Buslines services. Buses are useful for short hops (beach, hospital, shopping centres) but runs are less frequent evenings/weekends. Buy tickets on board or check local operator info for travel cards and concession fares.
- Taxi & rideshare (~AU$15-30) - Taxis operate from the airport and around town; metered fares make short trips into the CBD quick and straightforward. Rideshare availability (Uber/others) can be variable outside peak hours - check the app before relying on it. Taxis are handy for late-night returns when buses are not running.
- Walking - Coffs Harbour's CBD and the Jetty precinct are compact and very walkable, with a pleasant foreshore walk to beaches and shops. Walking is the easiest way to explore the central attractions and coastal paths, though trips outside the centre will usually require a car or bus.
Where to Stay in Coffs Harbour #
- City Backpackers Coffs Harbour - Budget dorms and basic private rooms
- Coffs Digs Backpackers - Affordable, social vibe near centre
- Opal Cove Resort - Beachfront resort with pool and dining
- Pacific Bay Resort - Self-contained apartments by the beach
- BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort - Full resort facilities, beachfront pools
- Opal Cove Resort (premium suites) - Upgraded suites with ocean views
- Opal Cove Resort - Easy beach access and central location
- Pacific Bay Resort - Self-catered, good for exploring
- Opal Cove Resort - Family suites and kid-friendly pool
- Pacific Bay Resort - Large apartments, kitchen facilities
- Coffs Harbour Holiday Apartments - Self-contained with work-friendly spaces
- Opal Cove Resort - Stable Wi‑Fi and quiet corners to work
Where to Eat in Coffs Harbour #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Coffs Harbour's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Coffs Harbour #
Shopping in Coffs Harbour #
Coffs Harbour mixes coastal souvenir stalls with larger shopping centres and strong local-producer markets. Park Beach Plaza handles most of the big-brand retail while Jetty Village and the Jetty Markets are where you find artisan goods, fresh seafood and regional produce. Don’t miss The Big Banana complex for kitsch souvenirs and family-friendly shopping.
Best Bets
- Park Beach Plaza - Major mall with national retailers, supermarkets, and food outlets.
- Coffs Harbour Jetty Village - Harbourfront boutiques, galleries and relaxed seaside cafés to browse.
- Coffs Harbour Jetty Markets - Regular markets with local crafts, food and artisan producers.
- The Big Banana souvenir shops - Iconic roadside attraction with classic tourist gifts and treats.
- Coffs Harbour Fishermen's Co‑op - Buy freshly landed seafood straight from the local co‑op.
- Coffs Harbour Farmers' Market - Seasonal produce, artisan cheeses and baked goods from local growers.
