Sleep Amid Nature At The Best Coffs Harbour Caravan Parks

Switch the city for the sand at the best Coffs Harbour caravan parks and camp sites.

I love a plush hotel but stargazing under a sky freckled with light and breathing in fresh air always instils instant calm. Offering private, one-site only campsites to the creature comforts of a kitchen, bathroom and top-speed waterslides, my favourite Coffs Harbour caravan parks and camping sites showcase the endless splendour of the Coffs Coast.

In short

If you only have time to stay at one of the best Coffs Harbour caravan parks, make it Big4 Park Beach Holiday Park. The outdoor pool is designed for little ones, and the poolside eatery makes it easy to keep an eye on them.

1. Reflections Moonee Beach

the Moonee Beach, Coffs Harbour from above — The beautiful Moonee Beach lures surfers and fishing folk. (Image: Destination NSW)

I’ve never stayed at a Reflections I didn’t love, but Reflections Moonee Beach ’s location across the road from soft sand is one of my favourite New South Wales picks. Right off Moonee Beach, one of the best Coffs Coast beaches of all, the Coffs Harbour caravan park is home to unpowered and powered camp sites as well as cabins and two styles of dog-friendly tiny homes stacked with sizeable front decks and full bathrooms. It’s a simple stay as families hop between the beach and the barbecue area (plus the communal fire pit in winter), but amenities spanning tennis courts, a playground, a school holiday activities program and a small kiosk (that does coffee) up the ante if lazy nothingness grows tiring.

Address: 50 Moonee Beach Rd, Moonee Beach

2. Big4 Park Beach Holiday Park

Big4 Park Beach Holiday Park, Coffs Harbour — The family-friendly Big4 Park Beach Holiday Park features a splash zone next to a cafe.

I checked into Big4 Park Beach Holiday Park on a rainy day but nothing could stop my family and I from charging into its super impressive outdoor pool and splash zone located right next to Parkies Poolside Cafe which opens from 7am daily. Once my kids smashed their sillies out under the giant tipping bucket and in the water slides, we strolled about five minutes beyond the park’s back entrance for lunch at Donovans Surf Club Restaurant & Bar – one of the more standout Coffs Harbour dining experiences. Facilities include hireable pedal karts, mini golf, a jumping pillow, a games room, a playground and a kids’ club, so it’s really the ultimate kids’ saviour for parents. Our cabin provided comfortable four-walled accommodation, but you can also haul in your caravan, tent or trailer to seize a powered or unpowered site.

Address: 1 Ocean Pde, Coffs Harbour

3. Sapphire Beach Holiday Park

Sapphire Beach, Coffs Harbour — Surf or chill by the Sapphire Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Idyllic, untamed waves are just a short stroll from Sapphire Beach Holiday Park , a Coffs Harbour campsite with its own billabong in a quiet, shady pocket of lush, subtropical rainforest. From there, you can surf, fish, tackle gentle hikes or chill by the outdoor swimming pool, which serves as a hub for happy campers. While its prime coastline location, just 50 metres from the sand and surf, is the main draw, the family-friendly choice also has a nine-hole putt putt course, a games room, a camp kitchen, barbecues, coin-operated washing machines, a playground, kiosk and a communal lounge with a TV.

Address: 48 Split Solitary Rd, Coffs Harbour

4. Mojosurf Camp Spot X

surfers at Mojosurf Camp Spot X, Coffs Harbour — Mojosurf Camp Spot X is a haven for surfers. (Image: Destination NSW)

If sitting around the campfire with a bunch of grizzled surfers sounds like your idea of nirvana, then mark Mojosurf Camp Spot X on your map. The absolute beachfront campsite, which offers share accommodation, is found 31 kilometres north of Coffs Harbour and is best known for its easy-access kayaking, volleyball and surf rafting. Those new to the sport of surfing might also want to join the Academy and become an instructor themselves through a three-month process. Creature comforts include a cooking area, hammocks, a movie room, a laundry, table tennis, a pool table and a walking trail.

Address: 46 Arrawarra Beach Rd, Arrawarra

5. Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park

Looking for a stripped-back stay for ample nothingness? Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park is a safe bet. Choose from a range of villas, cabins, unpowered and powered sites as shimmering lake views and golden sand beaches encourage unbridled unwinding. There’s a large amenities block, barbecue shelters, a dog wash, dump point, recycling station, playground and laundry facilities to make use of.

Address: 80 Lake Rd, Woolgoolga

6. Reflections Coffs Harbour

rabits at Reflections Coffs Harbour — Meet the resident rabbits at Reflections Coffs Harbour.

In town to tick off the Big Banana? I don’t blame you; I can’t get enough of their choc-coated frozen bananas either. Reflections Coffs Harbour puts you just up the road from it on the Pacific Highway. Whether you’re travelling with a caravan or canvas, or seeking a secure cabin, this Coffs Harbour caravan park offers plenty of amenities, to boot. Choose from one or two-bedroom stays or powered and unpowered sites before launching into the park’s camp kitchen, kiosk, barbecue area, bushtucker and herb garden, school holiday activities and more. Run errands easily thanks to the dog wash (yep, furry pals are welcome), laundry and dump point.

Address: 123 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour

7. Banana Coast Caravan Park

Another highway highlight, Banana Coast Caravan Park puts you in prime position to tick off the Coffs Coast’s hottest spots. Within walking distance to the beautifully secluded Charlesworth Bay Beach, less than five minutes in the car to the Big Banana, and right on track to dip in and out of the Coffs Coast’s most charming villages, it’s a convenient option with cabins and camping sites. A swimming pool, kids’ playground, barbecue area, laundry, tennis court and convenience store are all located within the grounds.

Address: 429 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour

8. Woolgoolga Beach Holiday Park

Located just a few steps from the coastline, Woolgoolga Beach Holiday Park puts you in the heart of the Coffs Coast’s suburb’s fabulous beach culture. Whether you’re strolling the short walk up to Woolgoolga Headland to spy on whales or seizing a sun-soaked beach day, this is a great spot for relaxed camping with a few key amenities. Powered and unpowered sites are up for grabs, as are one-, two- and three-bedroom villas and cabins with beach views. Plus, there’s a camp kitchen, an amenities block, a laundry, dump point and a playground for added comfort.

Address: 12 Wharf St, Woolgoolga

9. Reflections Corindi Beach

caravans at Reflections Corindi Beach — Caravans are welcome in the tranquil bush setting. (Image: Reflections Corindi Beach)

Another sublime Coffs Harbour caravan park from the Reflections team, Reflections Corindi Beach totally set up my recent stay with direct stair access to the beach. It made trotting back and forth with the kids that much easier. The dog-friendly site (Reflections is big on four-legged inclusion) is sleepy but stacked with amenities like a children’s playground, bush tucker garden, boat ramp, barbecues, the odd food truck visit, a camp kitchen, laundry and one very clean amenities block.

Address: 93 Pacific St, Corindi Beach

10. Big4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park

an aerial view of Big4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park — The family-friendly holiday park is set in a picturesque beach location. (Image: Big4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park)

Offering beautiful bushwalking trails and pristine creek-to-beach action, Big4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park offers another one of the chain’s typically picturesque locations stacked with amenities. Catering to caravan and canvas right off Sawtell Beach and offering a range of cabins, the Coffs Harbour caravan park is filled with a clean camp kitchen, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a BMX track, a playground, a convenience store, in-house movies (the program is seasonal so check the website for up-to-date information) and nature walks that take in that ultra-serene water. Bonus: it’s located next to a bowls club so grabbing a laidback drink and meal is effortless.

Address: 5 Lyons Rd, Sawtell

11. NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort

a lagoon-style pool at NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort — The tropical oasis is nestled alongside Arrawarra Beach.

NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort gets my tick for more family-friendly adventuring on the Coffs Coast, providing everything from pedal-powered karts to waterslides and pools, a nine-hole golf course, giant bouncing pillow, kids club, archery and lawn bowls. The park is in prime position on Arrawarra Beach, which is surrounded by subtropical forest. Find your home away from home in a spacious villa, safari tent, caravan or campsite.

Address: 134 Eggins Close, Arrawarra

12. Discovery Parks — Emerald Beach

a deluxe cabin terrace at Discovery Parks — Emerald Beach — Settle into a cosy cabin next to Emerald Beach.

Unplug from your smartphone and pitch a tent on an unpowered site at Discovery Parks – Emerald Beach to start releasing your escape valve. For families and those who like their creature comforts, the park has a swimming pool, bouncing pillow and water activities as well as cabins and powered sites for campers and caravanners. The park, 30 minutes from Coffs Harbour, is an ideal base for surfers who want to catch a few lefthanders at Emerald Beach, a not-so-hidden gem.

Address: 73 Fishermans Dr, Emerald Beach

13. Reflections Red Rock

an aerial view of Reflections Red Rock, Coffs Harbour — Reflections Red Rock is a great base camp near the coastline.

Parents of fur babies are welcomed by the Reflections team again at Reflections Red Rock . This hot spot, located 30 minutes away from Coffs Harbour, ticks off all the icons when it comes to facilities: a barbecue area, wi-fi, great fishing, a boat ramp, laundry, camp kitchen, school holiday activities, dump point, dog wash, table tennis and more. My favourite part about this old-school holiday park, which has powered and unpowered sites, cottages and glamping tents, is its proximity to the coastline.

Address: 1 Lawson St, Red Rock

14. Coffs Harbour Camping & Farmstay

a horse grazing in the field at Coffs Harbour Camping & 4WD — Spot farm animals in the lush bushland.

Keen to find your hinterland fix in the stunning Orara Valley? Book a spot at Coffs Harbour Camping & Farmstay , five minutes from Nana Glen to immerse yourself in lush, 4WD-friendly bushland. The space itself sprawls across 230 acres so there’s plenty of room to keep your setup private. Offering direct access to the Lower Bucca State Forest, the campsite welcomes caravans, motorhomes and tents as well as your adventure wheels. You’ll find fire pits and shared toilets on-site, as well as farm animals and bush trails to explore.

Address: 1119 Bucca Rd, Bucca

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Soak up nature with the best Coffs Harbour caravan parks and camping