6 unique ways to experience the Coffs Coast

Between two humble beachside hamlets on NSW’s Mid North Coast – Red Rock in the north and Urunga in the south – lies 70 kilometres of coastline that was once little more than a thoroughfare between Sydney and Brisbane, with a giant roadside banana its most famous attraction.

Fast-forward to 2020 and the Coffs Coast is much more than that, laying claim to Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year (Coffs Harbour) and some incredible nature-based experiences that you can’t have anywhere else in NSW.

1. Fly to one of the state’s most remote lighthouses

The ultra-exclusive South Solitary Island Lighthouse Tour is only on offer for a few weekends each year. Eighteen kilometres off the coast of Coffs Harbour, South Solitary Island is home to one of the state’s most isolated lighthouses, which is rarely open to the public. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight to the island and take a walking guided tour of the historic lighthouse and keepers’ quarters, which were built in 1880.

The lighthouse has been automated since 1975. The tour operates in winter, so you may also spot humpback whales as well as dolphins, turtles and birdlife. Join the waiting list for priority booking when tours dates are finalised and get in touch to enquire about bespoke tours.

2. Take a four-day trek along the coast

The Coffs Coast is home to an epic 60-kilometre coastal walking track that traces the coast from Red Rock to Sawtell. Taking around four days, it’s considered one of the state’s most scenic walking tracks with sandy beaches, rainforests, hulking headlands and crystal-clear creeks providing a diverse backdrop. Shipwrecks and Aboriginal sites, quaint villages and cosmopolitan towns, historic landmarks and local wildlife add to the adventure. There are about 200 markers to lead the way, with ample accommodation options if you’re tackling the entire track.

Coffs Coast walk — Home to the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, an epic 60-kilometre walking track that traces the coast from Red Rock to Sawtell.

3. Swim with humpback whales

Spotting whales from a boat is a thrilling experience in itself, but swimming with them? Out of this world. This unforgettable tour operates from Coffs Harbour in August and September and, when whales are spotted, which is highly likely, participants are invited to swim with these graceful giants at a distance – if whales seem curious and conditions are right, that is. An experience very few can say they’ve had in their lifetime.

Whale Coffs Coast — Swimming with whales is an unforgettable experience.

4. Walk among 600-year-old-trees

Just an hour’s drive from Coffs Harbour, the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest is part of the world’s largest area of subtropical rainforest. Visitors to Dorrigo National Park can join a number of walking tracks from the Rainforest Centre . One of the best is the 6.6-kilometre Wonga Walk, which takes you through lush rainforest, among 600-year-old trees, to cascading waterfalls, and – with more than 128 species of birds – twitchers will love it. Also don’t miss the 70-metre skywalk, which is suspended 21 metres above the rainforest.

The 6.6-kilometre Wonga Walk takes you through lush rainforest to Crystal Shower Falls.

5. Learn about local indigenous culture

Connect to land and sea and listen to traditional stories from local Indigenous guides, all while gliding along a picturesque estuary onboard a stand-up paddleboard. Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours offers this totally unique 2.5-hour SUP tour that teaches about the local Gumbaynggirr culture and includes a taste of native bush tucker in the beautiful Solitary Islands Marine Park .

While over in the Orana State Forest, the Giingan Cultural Experience takes place at Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) and immerses you in local Indigenous culture through song, stories, language and a demonstration of native plant use with panoramic views of the Coffs Coast from the mountains to the sea. Both these experiences contribute directly to the local Indigenous community.

SUP Coffs Coast — Learn about the local Gumbaynggirr culture whilst on a 2.5-hour SUP tour.

6. Brave NSW’s highest beach-landing skydive

One for the adrenaline junkies! Not only does Coffs Skydivers fly over 300 kilometres of breathtaking coastline with the Great Dividing Range in the background, its skydives are also the highest free-fall possible in NSW and end with a beach landing in the pristine Solitary Islands Marine Park. The scenic flight climbs up to 4.57 kilometres above the beautiful coastline before divers take the 70-second plunge back down to Earth, landing at beautiful Park Beach in Coffs Harbour. Talk about a trifecta.

Skydive Coffs Coast — Coffs Skydivers are the highest free-fall possible in NSW.

A Traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Situated in the vibrant jetty area, The Observatory Holiday Apartments comprise one- to three-bedroom modern self-contained apartments, with views of the foreshore or the ocean.

With sweeping ocean views of Solitary Islands Marine Park, Barellen Beach House is an exquisite five-bedroom holiday home that offers a beachside
luxury experience for groups and large families.

The recently refurbished Diggers Beach Cottage is a bright and airy three-bedroom stay located in the quiet suburb of Diggers Beach, just minutes from Coffs Harbour.

Eating there

A coastal getaway calls for fish and chips by the sea and Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op makes one of the best versions on the coast.

Coffee and creativity go hand-in-hand at Old Johns Cafe in Coffs Harbour, which hosts regular exhibitions and events alongside its casual but tasty brunch menu.
Located on the Jetty Strip, buzzy Element Bar is the place to go for a drink and to enjoy some live music, with a great range of craft beer and wine, as well as pub-style food.

Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op offers the best fish & chips in town.

For more information about these unforgettable experiences on the Coffs Coast, head to coffscoast.com.au .

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.