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.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

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