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

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

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