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

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.

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