A Stunning City on the NSW Coast - It’s Coffs Harbour
Situated about midway between Sydney and Brisbane, Coffs Harbour is a popular holiday destination on New South Wales’ north coast. It’s home to gorgeous beaches, an abundance of wildlife, and great shopping and dining. The city also plays host to the annual Australian Surf Festival, so it’s safe to say that there’s something for everyone here. Accommodation options in Coffs Harbour range from holiday parks and motels to self-catering apartments and upmarket hotels. Choose your favourite digs then get straight to the good stuff.
Beautiful Beaches
Coffs Harbour is well known for its beautiful beaches and there’s a stretch of sand to suit every taste here. Thanks to calm waters, lifeguard patrols, and easy access from the area’s motels and hotels, Jetty Beach is popular with families who want to swim or kayak. The same applies to Park Beach, which has the added benefit of an adjacent reserve with shady spots and a children’s play area. Park Beach is also a popular spot for beach fishing. Diggers Beach, a little over two miles north of Park Beach, tends to be where the locals and surfers hang out although everyone’s welcome. You might even want to learn to surf yourself; there are several accredited local surf schools in the area to help you do just that.
Animal Adventures
The Coffs Coast is a great place for animal lovers and Coffs Harbour is home to one of the most popular destinations of all. The Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, just a 15-minute walk from Jetty Beach, is a seabird rookery where visitors can get a close look at wedge-tailed shearwater birds. The reserve also features the Giidany Miirlarl Education Space and the Eastern Lookout, the latter offering the perfect viewing point for the Solitary Islands. Between early May and late November, you’ll also be able to spot migrating Humpback whales, although you can, of course, get closer to these majestic beasts by booking a place on one of the many whale watching tours that depart from Coffs Harbour. You can also visit Dolphin Marine Magic, the only New South Wales Zoo exhibiting dolphins.
Fantastic Food & Shopping
Food and shopping tend to go hand in hand at Coffs Harbour. Shop for bargains at big brand and specialty stores at the Palm Shopping Centre and the Park Beach Plaza Mall or pick up designer bits and pieces at the Promenade overlooking Coffs Creek. When it’s time for a break, head to City Square to enjoy some time out at a coffee shop or local hotel restaurant. Make time to visit at least one of the city’s markets too. The Coffs Coast Growers Market is a great place to pick up locally sourced goodies although the Uptown and Twilight Markets are also popular. Once a month, you can also visit the Bellingen Community Market, one of Australia’s largest regional markets and just a 45-minute drive from Coffs Harbour.
Local Attractions
There’s plenty to keep you and your family entertained in this coastal city. When not enjoying the area’s beaches and wildlife attractions or sampling the local culinary scene, be sure to squeeze in a visit to the Big Banana Fun Park, home of the country’s oldest and most popular ‘Big Things’ as well as activities such as ice skating and water slides. More family fun can be found at the nearby Tabatinga Play Centre. A visit to the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House should also feature on your to-do list as should a trip to Coffs Coast State Park. North of the city centre on the edge of Ulidarra National Park, the Forest Sky Pier offers panoramic views of the coastline.
Exploring Further Afield
Coffs Harbour, as popular as it is, is just a small part of the larger Coffs Coast. If you have time to spare, it’s worth heading out a little further afield to explore. Highlights along the coast include everything from scenic drives through rainforests and quaint country towns to adrenaline-packed experiences such as motorbike and 4WD tours and sky diving. Discover the coast on foot or don scuba diving gear to peek at the underwater paradise beneath the waves. Head inland to explore the hinterland wilderness on top of a horse or camel or take the chance to discover some of the rock climbing opportunities in the area. No matter how you choose to experience the area around Coffs Harbour, you’ll be glad you did.