Soak Up The Sun At The Best Coffs Harbour Beaches

Peel yourself away from the marina in search of natural beauty at the best Coffs Harbour beaches.

While one sizeable banana and a historic jetty cement Coffs Harbour’s place on the NSW North Coast tourist trail, I love visiting the coastal town for its magnificent stretches of sand. Embraced by locals yet often overlooked by travellers, the best Coffs Harbour beaches offer big wave energy when the heat’s too much, and calm serenity when lowkey lazing calls. Here are my time-after-time favourites.

In short

If you only visit one of the best Coffs Harbour beaches, make it Charlesworth Bay Beach for its locals-only allure away from the beaten track. The water is crystal-clear, and it gives year-round remote island feels.

1. Charlesworth Bay Beach

friends walking along Charlesworth Bay Beach, Coffs Harbour — Soak up the sun at this secluded haven. (Image: Destination NSW)

The most hidden beach in Coffs Harbour revealed itself to me only after a local friend gave me a heads up. While many think Charlesworth Bay Beach belongs exclusively to the Pacific Bar Resort, which is situated right by it, the secluded slice of heaven is open to anybody, including dogs if they’re leashed. Leaving my car in the Charlesworth Bay Beach car park, I step into paradise: an untouched 500-metre north-east-facing gem with an old boat shed still standing down one end. While it’s not patrolled, the waves drift low, making me wish I’d brought my kids along to endlessly chase them. A totally sublime setting for family beach picnics (there are barbecues and toilets up at the reserve near the car park), this Coffs Harbour beach also readily hooks anglers who like to drop a line on the northern end’s rocks.

2. Emerald Beach

a kangaroo on the Look At Me Now Headland, Emerald Beach — Spot kangaroos along the scenic coastal walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Here to step up your longboard game? Emerald Beach is my pick for amateur surfers thanks to a southern headland that makes for sheltered, super consistent conditions. The Coffs Harbour beach is also a winner among the more experienced as its left-hand reef break dials up the excitement. The beauty is also great for a get-together as electric barbecues and picnic tables are up on the grass behind the sand and the elevated pitch creates epic water views. If you’re visiting during the Christmas period, lifeguards offer patrolled swimming conditions. Always keep your eyes out for dolphins, too, because they’re known to drop in.

3. Woolgoolga Beach

Woolgoolga Beach, Coffs Harbour — The ‘Buster’ shipwreck at Woolgoolga Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

I like to hit up Woolgoolga for its legendary craft spirits and beer scene, but Woopi (as it’s better known locally) is also home to one of the region’s most quintessential Aussie beaches. Offering dreamy conditions for surfing, swimming and fishing, Woolgoolga Beach is also a great spot to spy whales when they migrate to warmer waters between June and November (August and September score the most sightings, you should note). Families will find red and yellow flags poked into the sand from the September school holidays through to the end of the April school holidays, so it’s also a ripper spot for beach days with the extended clan.

4. Diggers Beach

Diggers Beach, Coffs Harbour from above — Rainforest meets beach at the Instagram-worthy Diggers Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

The extremely family-friendly Diggers Beach is another beautiful beach hang along the Coffs Coast, located right across the road from the Big Banana. My husband loves to take our kids climbing along the rocks – just make sure everyone’s got their grippiest footwear on – before they tear up the children’s playground at the neighbouring picnic area. One of my favourite sunset walks in town is the two-hour trail from Diggers Beach to Charlesworth Bay, so if you’ve got the time, make it happen. You’ll wander through the rainforest at Diggers Head and past the Solitary Islands Aquarium, which is another great stop for little ones.

5. Little Diggers Beach

Coffs Harbour’s unofficial nude beach, Little Diggers Beach is within walking distance from its older sibling and never really gets that busy, so peeling your kit off is highly encouraged. Parking is a cinch at this spot too, as there’s a car park at the southern end, plus there’s tall bluffs behind the sand to cosy into if you’re feeling a little shy.

6. Jetty Beach

a woman enjoying a morning walk at Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour — Welcome the sunrise with a morning walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another awesome family-friendly spot, Jetty Beach is an always-busy Coffs Harbour beach that, as the name suggests, houses that historic jetty. Additionally, it’s in the middle of town and it’s netted by Coffs’ breakwall so I like it for easy and forever-safe swims. Visitors with access needs should also visit this Coffs Harbour beach for its long beach mat and multiple wheelchairs you can reserve for free here . There’s also the amenity-heavy Jetty Foreshores Park right behind the sand, which houses toilets, showers, picnic shelters, barbecues, a bike path and a playground. Need more convincing? Jetty Beach is smack-bang in front of a train station so getting there without a set of wheels is simple.

7. Moonee Beach

the Look At Me Now Headland track leading to Moonee Beach — Moonee Beach is an idyllic slice of paradise. (Image: Destination NSW)

The almighty Moonee Beach is long and chilled, luring surfers and fishing folk all year round. I like it for family days myself as there’s loads of shade, but visitors should note that this Coffs Harbour beach isn’t patrolled so swimming is at your own risk. If you’ve got a four-legged pal in tow, you can bring them along too, but all dogs must remain leashed. Roll a rug over the sand or park your set-up at the Moonee Beach Reserve, right behind the beach, for pet-friendly picnicking in proximity to the water. You’ll also find barbecues, toilets, showers and a playground at the reserve so lazing the entire day away isn’t out of the ordinary.

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

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3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

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5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.

The most idyllic Coffs Harbour beaches for summer getaways