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

Character-filled hotels, resorts, Airbnbs and bed-and-breakfasts round out our pick of the best Coffs Harbour accommodation.

From absolute beachfront homes and rustic hinterland cabins to a resort offering wraparound views of the Great Dividing Range and Pacific Ocean, Coffs Harbour accommodation offers a smorgasbord of ultra-cool stays. Here, we pinpoint our favourites within the holiday hot spot and within the wider Coffs Coast.

1. Sapphire Sands Beach House

the view from the living room of the pool at Sapphire Sands Beach House, Coffs Harbour — The four-bedroom abode sits metres away from the beach.

Make sure your hair is perfectly coiffed during your stay at Sapphire Sands Beach House so you can snap stellar selfies while swanning about poolside. The four-bedroom home, which sleeps up to 10 guests, sits metres away from Sapphire Beach, which is one of the loveliest spots on the Coffs Coast.

Bags the main bedroom and book a long stay so you can take advantage of the infinity-edge swimming pool and 12-person heated spa, gourmet galley kitchen, thatched gazebo with comfy lounges and complimentary fishing rods.

Address: 12a Beachfront Close, Sapphire Beach

2. Barellen Beach House

the sun room interior at Barellen Beach House, Coffs Harbour — The interiors feature a soothing palette of cream and tan with rattan furniture and oversized seashells also making an appearance.

Barellen Beach House is a sophisticated space that looks like it could have been airlifted in from The Hamptons. The five-bedroom waterfront hangout, which sleeps 10, spills directly onto Safety Beach and offers magical views of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

It’s awash with nautical vibes spanning giant seashells, life buoys and porthole wall mirrors sourced from all over the world, including India, Europe and Africa.

The word Barellen represents ‘the meeting of the waters’ in the local Indigenous language, to which the owners like to refer the home itself, a charming rendezvous point for your favourite people.

Address: 18 Ocean Drive, Safety Beach

3. Diggers Beach Cottage

the living room at Diggers Beach Cottage, Coffs Harbour — Settle into the charming Diggers Beach Cottage.

If you stir early enough, you’ll have the entire beach to yourself at Diggers Beach Cottage , located on prime real estate near Coffs Harbour’s pretty Diggers Beach.

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom estate blends coastal with country, creating a calming oasis that sleeps up to six people, just 10 minutes from the centre of town. Rifle through the selection of books and board games, kick back in the beautifully maintained courtyard or get your hands dirty in the luxurious gourmet kitchen.

Address: 2 Diggers Headland Place, Diggers Beach, Coffs Harbour

4. Hernani Wilderness Hut

the Hernani Wilderness Hut in Coffs Harbour — Hernani Wilderness Hut is the perfect place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.

Weave your way through Dorrigo National Park to get to Hernani Wilderness Hut , a property that should appeal to anybody seeking off-grid tranquillity. The eco-friendly escape, which sleeps nine people, is located about 1.5 hour’s drive west of Coffs Harbour so it really is just you and the greatest of outdoors. Expect old-school country comforts such as a slow-combustion fireplace and colourful crochet blankets as you go bush in cosy comfort.

Address: 10392 Armidale Road, Hernani

5. ArtHOUSE

While creativity defines your stay at ArtHOUSE , it’s the sensational views that take centre stage. A boutique property split into three self-contained apartments on Emerald Beach, it’s designed for couples but can accommodate up to four people in each. Featuring easterly aspects overlooking Emerald Beach (go for ArtHOUSE 3 for the most exceptional views), you’ll be treated to enclosed verandahs, queen size beds, air conditioning, robes, laundry facilities, flat screen TVs and more. There’s a cafe next door but nobody will blame you if you never want to leave.

Address: 1 Surf Street, Emerald Beach

6. Hampton on the Beach

the seating area at Hampton on the Beach, Coffs Harbour — The sprawling four-bedroom house is what beach house dreams are made of.

It doesn’t get any more delicious in Sapphire than this. Hampton on the Beach is a four-bedroom marvel that offers instant access to Sapphire Beach’s sandy shores.

All the bells and whistles are naturally thrown in, including a yoga studio, a media room, a fireplace, a gourmet kitchen and even an optional concierge service that grabs groceries and arranges a cook for you. Beachfront decadence direct from your holiday dreams.

Address: 13 Emerald Avenue, Sapphire Beach

7. Nautilus Beachfront Villas & Spa

the interior of Nautilus Beachfront Villas & Spa, Coffs Harbour — Villas are spacious and comfortable.

Fallen head over heels for Sapphire? Rest your head in style at Nautilus Beachfront Villas & Spa , located right off the sand and offering self-contained apartment living.

Pick your poison out of studio, one, two or three-bedroom stays as you seize the opportunity to laze poolside, dip into the spa, get your sweat on in the exercise space, play tennis at the two full-size courts and let the kids wear themselves out within two shallow wading pools. A reliably comfortable family-friendly hot spot.

Address: 8 Solitary Islands Way, Sapphire Beach

8. Opal Cove Resort

Coffs Harbour’s infamous views, spanning the mountain and the sea, can be soaked up in full at Opal Cove Resort . Whether you’re booking a summer stay or winter escape, the resort’s location near Korora Bay means you’ve got a great sun-splashed position all year round. Enjoy a plunge in the outdoor pool fitted with a water slide and sun deck or just pop across the manicured lawns for a swim in the turquoise sea. Spa Elements is located on-site so you can indulge in your favourite treatment before chasing it with dinner at Horizons Restaurant.

Address: Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour

9. Pacific Bay Resort

a one bedroom with private balcony at Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour — Nautical-inspired decor features throughout.

Pacific Bay Resort has earned a reputation for being one of Coffs Harbour’s premier stays. And, as the sister hotel to Jonah’s in Sydney’s Whale Beach and the nearby Bonville Golf Resort where you can stay and play, it’s in good company.

Pacific Bay’s rooms range from studio configurations to three-bedroom apartments and plush penthouse suites. If the sun’s shining, dine on local seafood on the outdoor terrace at Bayside Bar and Grill, adjacent to the lagoon or take aim at the nine-hole golf course. There’s also Tranquillity Day Spa, buffing and shining holidaymakers seven days a week.

Address: Corner Pacific Highway and Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour

10. Pacific Towers Beach Resort

This absolute beachfront hotel is expertly dressed in subdued colours to let those stunning sea and sky views act as artworks. Settle into one of Pacific Towers Beach Resort ’s self-contained apartments to spot, if you’re lucky, whales migrating throughout the glistening waters. Enjoy a spot of tennis, swim laps in the 20-metre pool, and soak in the heated spa. You can also join a fishing charter from the Coffs Harbour International Marina, located just nearby.

Address: 121 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour

11. BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort

This tropical-inspired resort, positioned right on Diggers Beach, is a great place for a family-friendly gallivant. For the ultimate all-immersive experience, opt for one of BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort ’s Paradise Spa Bures, decked out like a traditional Balinese hut with a king bed and spa bath. The resort provides all the creature comforts your clan will nee,d including three tennis courts, four swimming pools, two outdoor spas, a kids’ play area, a barbecue area, a gym and a day spa.

Address: 11 Firman Drive, Coffs Harbour

12. The Pier Hotel

a room with twin beds at The Pier Hotel, Coffs Harbour — Stay within walking distance of all the action at the classy Pier Hotel.

Book any one of the beautiful queen, single or twin-share rooms at The Pier Hotel to stay within walking distance of the Jetty precinct, the marina and waterfront walking and cycling paths. Savvy travellers have been staying overnight at the pub, one of the best pubs within the Coffs Coasts, since 1905 and although you can no longer tether your horse to a hitching rail, you will score secure alarmed parking if you’re riding a motorcycle. Non-motorcycle travellers will still get free wi-fi, LED TVs and plush bedding.

Address: 356 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

13. Ibis Budget

the outdoor at Ibis Budget, Coffs Harbour — What the Ibis lacks in beachfront location, it makes up for in value and an inground pool.

Although the Ibis Budget sits a little bit back from the coastline, it’s a perfect option for families keen to stick to Coffs Harbour’s centre. The 70-room hotel has a mix of standard rooms with queen beds as well as rooms with singles and bunks so it caters for every style of family. There’s also a swimming pool, a laundry and free-flowing wi-fi to help everyone relax.

Address: 1A McLean Street, Corner Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour

14. Quality Hotel City Centre

the spacious bedroom at Quality Hotel City Centre, Coffs Harbour — The Quality Hotel City Centre is perfect for business travellers.

The Quality Hotel City Centre is smack bang in the centre of Coffs Harbour, making it well suited for urbanites who want to be within walking distance of the best places to eat and drink.

The rooms in this low-key hotel span queen-bed executive-style, king-bed suites and three-bedroom apartments. Grab a relaxed feed at Marinara Restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner and dishing up modern Australian fare with Italian inspiration. Facilities include a fitness centre, outdoor pool, laundry services and on-site parking.

Address: 22 Elizabeth Street, Coffs Harbour

15. Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat

Head for the hills with a stay at Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat . Plunging you right into the beautiful Orara Valley, the property features two beautifully appointed cabins fitted with hot tubs, outdoor dining settings, barbecues, fire pits, fully equipped kitchens and all your linen. Plus, four-legged friends are welcome. The owners are firmly focused on ensuring they leave the planet in better shape than when they entered it so you can count on solar power, all-natural materials and upcycled features throughout.

Address: 84 Gundarene Road, Lowanna

16. Friday Creek Retreat

scenic views of the surrounding valley at Friday Creek Retreat — Friday Creek Retreat is nestled among the rolling green hills of the Orara Valley.

Journey 20 minutes inland from Coffs Harbour to find the stunning Friday Creek Retreat in the Orara Valley. Set among rolling green hills, the Coffs Coast accommodation offers nine cottages with fully equipped kitchens and open fireplaces.

And while you’re certainly out in the middle of the forest, there’s still plenty to indulge in. An outdoor pool puts you right into the fresh country air while a poolside barbecue space is fitted with a woodfire pizza oven to inspire party times.

Address: 267 Friday Creek Road, Upper Orara

For more unexpected wonders of the Coffs Coast, read our guide to Coffs Harbour and beyond.

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