Coffs Coast: the place of plenty for all

Blessed with an abundance of natural resources, there’s something for every kind of traveller on the Coffs Coast.

‘Giinagay’ and welcome to Gumbaynggirr Country , the bountiful land of its traditional owners, the Gumbaynggirr people.

Known by many as the Coffs Coast (and by some as ‘that place where the mountains meet the sea’), the region always was and always will be a place of plenty for everyone – the Gumbaynggirr people welcoming visitors by delving into their rich past as the ‘sharing people’.

This isn’t anything new of course: the pristine rivers, plentiful oceans and fertile forests of their country have always provided the Gumbaynggirr people with such an abundance that a willingness to enjoy with other Indigenous nations has long been a way of life.

Fishing, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia — While we associate Coffs Harbour with a modern trawler fleet, it has been the place of plenty for thousands of years.

Home to a wealth of national parks and state forests, as well as a thriving marine park, the ‘sharing is caring’ ethos is protected, too.

Emerald Beach, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia — The legendary residents of Look At Me Now Headland on the Coffs Coast.

The Coffs Coast is committed to providing a significant number of sustainable nature-based tourism experiences, helping Coffs Harbour become NSW’s first destination to become accredited under the ECO Destinations Certification. It’s a way of operating that highlights the care taken for the region’s spaces and culture. Yes, not only does this mean the Coffs Coast will remain a place of plenty for generations to come, the region offers a wealth of experiences for every traveller, from families and young couples to silver adventurers.

Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours, NSW Australia — Stand up paddle boarding through the mangroves on Moonee Creek with Wajaana Yaam is one of the new highlights of the Coffs Coast.

Here’s a little taste of what’s on offer…

For families

For adventure lovers

For spirited explorers

Family Escapades on the Coffs Coast

Family, Beach Park, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia — Generations of families have discovered the Coffs Coast is a place of plenty.

No Australian childhood is complete without a visit to The Big Banana Fun Park, but Coffs Harbour with its endless golden sand beaches and nature-based activities, offers so much more for families.

Dolphine Marine Conservation Park, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia — Support Marine life and learn more about rescuing and rehabilitating at Dolphin Marine Conservation.

The first port of call? Dolphin Marine Conservation Park , where a host of dolphins and seals (as well as a supporting cast of penguins, turtles and more) are keen to share tales of rehabilitation and conservation. During school holidays, kids aged eight to 16 can even sign up to be a Marine Animal Carer.

Montem Bike Tours, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia — The Coffs Harbour jetty is one of many cycling paths in the region.

The human residents are just as friendly, of course, and an excellent way to meet them (and make the most of Coffs Harbour’s magnificent coastline) is with a Montem Bike Tours around the Jetty foreshore. A range of leisurely rides are on offer suitable for all abilities.

For a splash of adventure TreeTops Adventure Park is serving up a healthy dose of magnificent gum trees as you navigate your way through the towering treetops on this self-guided rope course.

TreeTop Adventure Park, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia — Invite your friends and get ready for some physical and intellectual and yet exciting adventure at TreeTop.

The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour, NSW — The Big Banana Fun Park offer so many amazing rides, slides and waterslides.

You’ll have a whole bunch of fun at the Big Banana Fun Park – enjoy amazing rides, slides and waterslides plus other exciting activities like mini-golf, laser tag, toboggan rides and more. Grab a choc-coated banana or a famous banana split!

And make sure you grab a selfie with Australia’s favourite ‘big thing’.

Accommodation: Check out Coffs Coast Holiday Parks comprising four award-winning, waterfront holiday parks dotted around the region. From villas to camping, waterparks to kids’ clubs, every need (and want) is catered for.

Adventure together on the Coffs Coast

Whether you’re dreaming about a romantic hike, an exhilarating climb or a leisurely swim, there’s no better place to get your thrills (and spend quality time with your partner) than on the Coffs Coast.

Surf, North Wall Marina Drive, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia — Learn how to surf on some of the best beaches in NSW on the Coffs Coast.

Get to know the region’s riches of native animals, rainforests and waterways with a Waves to Wilderness tour. Essentially serving as a ‘top hits’ of Coffs, tours include a selection of experiences such as guided walks, kayaking, surfing and gourmet grazing.

C Change Adventure, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia — No experience is required for kayaking or canoeing, just simply have fun as safety equipment will be provided.

Keen to continue that aquatic focus? C Change Adventures not only offers a range of canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddelboarding experiences, the adrenaline junkies among us can opt for a whitewater or sea kayaking experience (often complete with dolphins frolicking alongside).

Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia — A stand up paddle board tour of Red Rock, Moonee and Coffs Creek with local indigenous guides from Wajaana Yaam takes you into the local landscape and culture like never before.

Of course, if you want to experience cultural eco-tourism at its finest, Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours welcomes those keen to connect with land and sea by paddleboarding with the direct descendants of the world’s first paddleboarders. Choose your own adventure at Red Rock, Moonee Beach or Coffs Creek.

Ready to dive in? Jetty Dive offers a range of adventures around the region, from whale watching and diving, to its popular snorkel trips out to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a sanctuary of underwater wonders.

Solitary Island, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia — Solitary Islands is one of the best dive sites in NSW.

Side note? Coffs Harbour has been assessed by the CSIRO as having the best climate in Australia so you can look forward to perfect subtropical weather, no matter the activity.

Observatory, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia — A living room with a view at the Observatory Holiday Apartments, Coffs Harbour.

Accommodation: Stay in style at Observatory Holiday Apartments . Located right by the heart of the action, the self-contained one- two- and three-bedroom apartments all take advantage of the spectacular foreshore.

Spirited Explorer: relaxing on the Coffs Coast

Looking for inspiration and ready for fun? Coffs Harbour – home to significant Gumbaynggirr Indigenous cultural sites, spectacular food and drink offerings, and some truly exquisite flora and fauna experiences – is all about living your best life in a manner befitting the region.

Critters Distillery, Coffs Coast, NSW Australia — Critters Distillery tours offer award winning vodka crafted on site which is perfect way to spend the afternoon with friends.

Get in the spirit (literally) by dropping into Critters Distillery and signing up for the Critters Distillery Experience, an artisan vodka tour that pairs sustainability education with a range of specifically crafted vodka cocktail samples and an antipasto grazing plate.

National Cartoon Gallery, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia — A one of a kind gallery in Australia as it is known as the spiritual home of cartooning, inspire to entertain exhibitions and workshops.

Housed in a Second World War bunker, The National Cartoon Gallery is known as the spiritual home of cartooning in Australia and exhibitions include the Bill Leak Exhibition and Bald Archy Prize.

Bite Food Tours, Coffs Harbour, NSW Australia — Stroll Coffs City Centre and discover where the locals eat.

The cherry on top? A CBD ‘eat and walk’ session with Bite Food Tours which includes sweet and savoury bites around town, including dessert at an American-style diner.

Adding wine, beer (or an evening of live music and dance) into the mix is easy; simply make a booking at Element Bar , a lively venue located on the popular Jetty strip. It’s as famous for its bands (Friday and Saturday nights as well as the Stone & Wood Sunday sessions) as it is for its varied menu.

For local Indigenous experience, an invitation to connect with the Gumbaynggirr culture presents itself in the form of a Bush Tucker & Medicine Tour courtesy of Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre .

Taking place in the lush, coastal heath and wetlands, the classroom is every bit as intoxicating as the lesson itself.

Aerial, Pacific Marina Luxury Apartments, Coffs Coast, NSW Australia — Pacific Marina Luxury Apartments offer a birdseye view of Coffs Harbour Marina and Muttonbird Island.

Accommodation: Located within the heart of the Coffs Harbour Jetty Precinct, Pacific Marina Apartments offers a range of spacious, one- two- and three-bedroom apartments within a stone’s throw of some of Coffs Harbour’s best beaches and restaurants.

For further information on a Coffs Harbour holiday, visit Coffs Coast .

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .