16 perfectly placed Coffs Harbour accommodation picks

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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.

This article was originally written by Carla Grossetti with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams
Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Harbour views and seasonal luxuries: this Sydney hotel is elevating Christmas

Luxury meets hyper-local hospitality with an exclusive Christmas stay package and menu you’ll want to be present for.

An Aussie Christmas is like no other. December signals the start of summer, celebrations and festive cheer. While Mariah Carey might not have defrosted just yet, we’ve got less than 100 days left of the year. So it’s time to start planning. Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney is reimagined with a luxurious festive stay package. Celebrate with a curated summer tote, a special seasonal menu that captures the flavours of a Sydney summer and cocktails crafted to capture the spirit of a harbourside Christmas.

This is your sign to skip the end-of-year chaos and let Christmas be taken care of for you.

A stay at Park Hyatt

couple with champagne on the balcony of their park hyatt sydney room
Gaze out from your balcony to see Sydney’s icons.

If you love a room with a view, imagine waking up on Christmas Day to the sound of waves and a sunrise over the iconic Sydney Opera House. Step out to your private balcony to soak in the sun, and you’ll find you’re on the doorstep to the coastal cobblestone charm of Sydney’s very own Christmas boulevard, The Rocks.

Enter Park Hyatt Sydney, a 155-room harbour-side hotel, centered in the beating heart of a historic neighbourhood, seamlessly blending life’s little luxuries with living like a local. Spend long, summer days lounging by the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of this harbour city or indulge in tailored treatments at The Spa.

aerial of park hyatt sydney rooftop pool
Spend summer days by the rooftop pool.

Be seated in The Dining Room, overlooking sparkling waters, to taste the vibrancy of an Australian summer. Led by Executive Chef Tyson Gee, discover a lunch and dinner menu that heroes coastal ingredients.

The festive stay package

Park Hyatt Sydney has introduced a festive stay package to up the Christmas spirit. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in a guest room or suite with uninterrupted views, valet parking and a full breakfast for two in The Dining Room.

The Summer Kit

branded tote bag of park hyatt sydney with the sydney opera house in background
Take home a branded tote bag.

Because it’s an Aussie Christmas, guests booking the package will also receive a curated, limited-edition Summer Christmas kit stocked with seasonal luxuries, including the hotel’s first-ever branded merch.

Think a signature Park Hyatt Sydney sun cap and Aesop sunscreen valued at $300, all in a branded luxury tote bag. This kit will also be available for purchase throughout December, if you’re in need of any gift ideas.

The details

The festive stay package applies to stays from 1 – 27 December, with a limited number of suites available. Guests can book using the exclusive offer code XMAS25 on parkhyattsydney.com . They can also call +61 2 9256 1234 or email sydney.park.accommodation@hyatt.com.

Christmas dining

christmas menu at the dining room restaurant in park hyatt sydney
Taste a special Christmas menu at The Dining Room.

For the gourmands who want to participate in the festivities but are unable to stay as an overnight guest, Park Hyatt Sydney can still be your Christmas go-to. Taste Chef Tyson Gee’s themed culinary creations throughout December .

From 1 – 24 December, diners can book a Christmas Afternoon Tea from $95 pp. Prepare for Christmas flavours like braised turkey pie with cranberry gel, plus gingerbread and salted vanilla bûche de Noël and a chocolate hazelnut bauble for dessert.

On Christmas Day, The Dining Room and The Living Room will both offer a five-course menu from $425 per person. Start with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne on arrival – accompanied by Sydney’s finest seafood – and end with a reimagined mango pavlova, with rice pudding and pink peppercorn.

“Our vision was to capture the flavours of a harbourside Australian Christmas,” says Gee. “Guests will enjoy seafood at its best, from fresh oysters to cured ocean trout, paired with tropical fruit accents and festive touches like glazed Berkshire ham and roast duck. Every dish has been imagined for a harbourside Christmas celebration.”

Guests can also enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails crafted by Head Mixologist Kevin Botte, including the Christmas Negroni, Christmas Mulled Wine and a Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail.

Exploring Sydney

woman drinking festive cocktail in the dining room restaurant of park hyatt sydney
The best of Sydney is right on your doorstep.

For those planning a visit, Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney means you’re perfectly situated to explore the best of Sydney.

The hotel is mere steps away from the icons, from Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Add open-air galleries full of murals and explore the nearby cobblestone streets.

Head to the charming Rocks Markets, where the streets transform with seasonal Christmas creations, of the artisan and foodie variety. Then head over to Dawes Point Park for a picnic under the bridge.

Find more 360-degree rooftop views at the Glenmore, or listen to live music at Brewhouse at Squire’s Landing from Wednesday to Sunday (times vary). There’s something for everyone.

For more details on Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney, visit parkhyattsydney.com or call +61 2 9256 1234.