The Coffs Harbour Pubs Putting the Coastal City on the Map

From old-school pubs that deliver truckloads of charm to those modelled on the famed beer halls of Europe and others with family-friendly beer gardens by the sea, Coffs has a pub to suit.

If you think you’ve seen all Coffs has to offer, we suggest it’s time you take another look. Coffs Harbour, and the greater Coffs Coast region, is morphing into one of northern NSW’s most alluring sun-soaked regions. Abuzz with a burgeoning craft beer scene and breezy waterfront watering holes, it’s a trendy locale for sinking a tipple and savouring local flavours. We collate the most exciting Coffs Harbour pubs to help you plot your next visit.

1. Jetty Beach House

cosy seating with food on the table inside Jetty Beach House — Soak up Mediterranean-inspired interiors and a menu of refined pub favourites.

Frozen margaritas with views out to one of NSW’s largest marine-protected marvels? Don’t mind if we do. Jetty Beach House , at the foot of the beautiful Solitary Islands Marine Park, is a chic, coastal dream rolling out killer cocktails, beers and wine. It’s family-friendly (with more than a few kids’ meals on the menu), which means you’ll be politely elbowing extended tribes for tables on the deck or on the grass at this standout Coffs Harbour pub.

Let the kids tire themselves out on the lawn as you soak up Mediterranean-inspired interiors and a menu of refined pub favourites including smoked salmon bruschetta, a soba noodle salad, baja fish tacos, a Karaage chicken burger and an elegant ploughman’s platter.

Address: 1 Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Harbour

2. The Coffs Hotel

a hand holding a glass alongside a plate of food on the table — Find reliably good pub food on offer.

One of central Coffs’ best-loved pubs, established in 1937, has undergone a glow-up. The Coffs Hotel , located on the corner of West High Street and the Pacific Highway, has opened Backroom, a space for local and touring entertainment.

If you’re not there for a gig, you’ll likely be hooked on the pub’s regular events, including Air Wave Saturdays with live DJs from 9pm, Trivia Night Wednesday and Cocktail Happy Hour from 7pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The bistro also dishes up hearty classics, plus there’s a relaxed beer garden and comfortable accommodation onsite.

Address: 135 West High Street, Coffs Harbour

3. Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant and Bar

an al fresco dining with umbrella facing the sea at Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant and Bar — Find a table with a view of Park Beach.

Set on a beautiful slice of real estate overlooking Park Beach, Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant and Bar is a local favourite, now attracting out-of-towners for its quality meals jazzed with fresh ingredients. Chef Matt Donovan plays with exotic flavours and local produce to deliver a seasonal menu across breakfast and lunch. Think a signature warm Greek seafood salad, seafood chowder, rich curries and epic corn fritters in the AM.

Let relaxed drinks flow freely as you gaze out to serene ocean vistas from the northern deck and the indoor dining room thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.

Address: 23 Surf Club Road, Coffs Harbour

4. King Tide Brewing

A Coffs Harbour brewpub to fall for, King Tide Brewing is a colossal 250-seat space fitted out with two bars, a beer garden and glorious tanks of their home brew. Inspired by the famed beer halls of Europe, the team are elevating the Coffs region’s craft brewing chops to all-new heights. There’s always something new to try on tap, but you’ll always find smashing pale ales and lagers plus ginger beer cameos and more. Hungry? Don’t miss the traditional Polish dumplings, paying homage to one of the founders’ Euro roots, and there’s also small plates, burgers and heavy hitters like crispy pork knuckle, Wiener Schnitzel and a sausage plate to devour.

Address: 1 Studio Lane, Coffs Harbour

5. Woolgoolga Brewing Co.

the al fresco spot with umbrellas at Woolgoolga Brewing Co. — Find a sunny spot outside and let little ones run free on the spacious lawn.

Another craft beer label giving Coffs serious beer cred is Woolgoolga Brewing Co. , known locally as Woopi Brewing Co. (the town is more commonly called Woopi). Bringing the Coffs Coast’s most passionate beer aficionados together in a giant shed just 25 minutes from Coffs Harbour, the brewery is set atop a hill that’s dotted with picnic benches and more than enough space to exhaust little ones.

While they’re occupied, taste the brand’s core range spanning ciders, pale ales, a lager and ginger beer and snap up dishes from the lunch and dinner menu including woodfired pizzas, generous share plates, grazing platters and desserts.

Address: 7 Willis Road, Woolgoolga

6. The Pier Hotel

the building exterior of Pier Hotel — The historic Pier Hotel dates back to 1905.

Love your pubs for their cosy meals? The Pier Hotel is a beautiful old Coffs Harbour pub that dates back to 1905 and delivers truckloads of charm within the town’s Jetty strip. Just five minutes from the beach, it retains many of its old-world features, carefully modernised through contemporary furnishings. Order your feed from the bistro menu, which includes delicious pub classics like bangers and mash, battered fish and burgers alongside smaller Asian-inspired dishes like duck spring rolls and Korean chicken.

Address: 356 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

7. Moonee Beach Hotel

a close-up of pizza and drinks on the table — The menu runs the gamut from sticky chilli wings to pizza to seafood laksa.

Venture just 15 minutes north of Coffs Harbour along the coast by car and you’ll hit the fun-loving Moonee Beach Hotel , putting smiles on the dials of sun-seeking locals.

The chilled-out pub is especially family-friendly, catering to little ones through their playground, various games and even school holiday programs. Even fur babies are welcome, plus there’s a huge beer garden for everyone to soak up the salty air.

When it’s time to eat, a lunch and dinner menu features delicious comfort food like sticky chilli wings, cheesy garlic bread, pizzas, burgers, pastas, nachos, seafood laksa and even more.

Address: 2 Moonee Beach Road, Moonee Beach

8. The Coramba Hotel

It’s technically in the Orara Valley, one of the Coffs Coast’s most spectacular tourist trails, but no list of the region’s best pubs can neglect The Coramba Hotel . Located 15 minutes inland from Coffs Harbour, it won’t look like much at first glance but head out the back of the venue to be floored. Backing out over picturesque farmland, it’s a one-of-a-kind beer garden that’s endlessly atmospheric. Let those strong country vibes, especially on the weekends when live music lights the place up, wash over you as an extensive bistro menu keeps you there well into the evening.

Address: 17 Gale Street, Coramba

9. Toormina Hotel

the bar at Toormina Hotel — Savour the moment with your beverage of choice. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Hug the coastline south for about 15 minutes beyond Coffs Harbour and you’ll get to Toormina Hotel , a popular spot to unwind right near the town’s shopping centre. It’s a familiar setting, all leafy greens against timber tables, but make a beeline for The Palms, its outdoor bar and dining area to seize prime real estate. Filled with cabanas and a fenced children’s playground, it’s a chilled-out spot to savour the bar menu which spans traditional pub favourites and Asian-inspired bites.

Address: Lot 1 Minorca Place, Toormina

10. Sawtell Hotel

Just a short stroll from Sawtell Beach, south of Coffs Harbour, is the Mediterranean-inspired Sawtell Hotel , owned by the same people who have breathed new life into the Moonee Beach Hotel and the Toormina Hotel. This venue first opened its doors in 1932 but their recent remodelling efforts have propelled the old pub to hipster ranks and it’s now a magnet for the young and old.

Climb up a level to perch yourself on its wraparound verandah, offering mellow street views and a sublime spot to laze away an afternoon. Food-wise, there’s great pub classics plus they’ve been nationally acclaimed for their seafood.

Address: 51-55 First Avenue, Sawtell

11. The Seaview Tavern

Located about 25 minutes north of Coffs Harbour, The Seaview Tavern is worth the extra drive, thanks to this pub’s festoon-lit beer garden, kids play area, cocktail bar, live music and endlessly relaxed good times. Didn’t process anything except that award-winning schnitty? The headliner can be ordered off the bistro menu with gravy for $24, a total steal.

Address: 51 River Street, Woolgoolga

12. The Hoey Moey

Arguably the most iconic Coffs Harbour pub, The Hoey Moey is still roping crowds in for its reliably rowdy fun times and laidback, quintessentially Coffs attitude. You’ll find it right by Park Beach and guaranteed to be pumping of a weekend (especially Sundays) when live music draws locals in to effortlessly bump into mates. The extensive bar menu covers everything you’re craving, whether it’s smoked barbecue pork ribs, fettuccini carbonara, pizzas, burgers and more.

Address: 84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour

The sunshine-y weather on the Mid North Coast makes Coffs Harbour markets a precious commodity year-round.

Coffs Harbour markets matter more than ever as a place for the community to connect and support the work of local farmers and artisan producers. On any given weekend, you will find crowds of Coffs Harbour locals browsing, chatting and shopping for everything from homewares to bric-a-brac and gourmet produce. Here are the Coffs Harbour markets that are a must-visit.

1. Woolgoolga Beach Market

Check Woolgoolga Beach Markets Facebook page to see which stalls you want to zero in on at this popular new market on the Coffs Coast. The monthly market is a potpourri of different colours, scents and sounds where everything from jewellery to clothing, candles and pottery is up for sale. Go full woo-woo at the Woopi Beach Markets with practitioners offering opportunities to reset during treatments that range from relaxation manoeuvres to energy healing with crystals. Have a dip in the ocean and then enjoy lunch at one of the food trucks dedicated to international cuisine.

When: The second Saturday of every month.
Where: 87 Beach Street, Woolgoolga

2. Harbourside Markets

a woman buying plants at Harbourside Markets — Find stalls selling plants, bric-a-brac and homewares.

Harbourside Markets are an institution in Coffs Harbour thanks to the water views all around. Head into the hubbub early – stalls open at 8am – to avoid the crowds and fossick for everything from vintage jackets and collectables to jewellery and custom art. You’ll also find stalls selling plants, bric-a-brac and homewares as well as gourmet produce. BYO picnic blanket and unfurl on the lawn for a spot of people-watching. The beachside boutique market also has food trucks selling go-to treats such as gozleme, loaded potatoes and hot dogs.

When: 8am to 2pm every Sunday
Where: Jetty foreshores, Coffs Harbour

3. Coffs Coast Growers Markets

This weekly market is split between farmers and growers who bring in their produce every Thursday. Coffs Harbour markets boast a wide variety of seasonal fruit and vegetables, everything from tomatoes, mushrooms, blueberries, sprouts and cabbage to potatoes, pumpkin and pineapples thanks to the region’s sun-drenched climes. Stock up on your farm-fresh produce at the Coffs Coast Growers Markets and supplement with pickles, preserves, baked goods, olive oil, eggs and more.

When: 8am to 2.30pm every Thursday
Where: City Square

4. Twilight Food Market

crowds of shoppers at Twilight Food Market, Coffs Harbour — Foodies flock to the Twilight Food Market.

Foodies unite near a crook of the Coffs Creek to visit these Coffs Harbour markets that happen in the heart of the Park Beach Reserve between September and April each year. The family-friendly Twilight Food Market is a maze of street-food stalls that span the globe from Indian to Italian and Middle Eastern. Expect lively music as well as kid-friendly treats as the sky fades from blue to black. Bring a bottle of wine and enjoy the people-watching. Like all Coffs Harbour markets, it’s as much about commerce as community.

When: Every Friday from early September to the middle of April.
Where: Coffs Harbour Park Beach Reserve

5. Made with Love Markets

cacti for sale at Made with Love Markets — Find plants and ornaments for your home. (Image: Made with Love Markets)

The brief for vendors who want a stall at the quarterly Made with Love Markets is simple: everything produced must be made with love. When it comes to Coffs Harbour markets, this colourful undercover market attracts local artisans selling everything from hand-thrown pottery to bougee sandals hand-crafted from leather. Don your Blundstones and favourite beanie in order to fit in with the cool crowds being lured to the seasonal market.

When: March, May, August, December
Where: Coffs Harbour Showground

6. Glenreagh Markets

The Glenreagh Markets are a great place to stock up on local produce grown by local farmers and growers in the Orara Valley region. Make room in the esky for pickles, preserves, freshly picked herbs, relishes and chutneys. Visiting the market is a genuine community experience and popular with locals trawling for second-hand books, coins and collectables. Start your day here with a fresh Devonshire tea which arrives looking like ‘A day in the country’ on a plate.

When: First Saturday of the month (excluding January)
Where: 62 Coramba St, Glenreagh

7. Bellingen Growers Markets

organic mushrooms at Bellingen Growers Markets, Coffs Harbour — Find everything from organic mushrooms to seasonal local produce. (Image: Bellingen Growers Markets)

The friendly boho Bello types who flock to the Bellingen Growers Market are like walking advertisements for a tree change. Hundreds of locals and tourists go with the flow three Saturdays each month to find everything from medicinal mushroom powders to plants, flowers, organic sourdough, eggs, organic honey, seedlings and spices. Standout stalls include Boggy Creek Natives, Bello Beef, the Barefoot Farmer and The Patch Organics.

When: Open every Saturday, 7.30-11.30 am (except the third Saturday of the month)
Where: Bellingen Showgrounds, Corner of Black St & Hammond St

8. Bellingen Community Markets

hand-crafted bags for sale at Bellingen Community Markets, Coffs Harbour — The stalls feature local artisans selling hand-crafted bags.

Cool interactions with the community are a given at the Bellingen Community Markets . Expect purveyors clad in plaid. And a disproportionate amount of faux leopard-skin coats and dreadlocks per head per capita. There’s also a rotating line-up of live bands giving it a red-hot go in front of the local community of creatives and van-lifers passing through. The market has more than 200 stalls, which include purveyors of fresh produce and homemade treats, second-hand clothing stalls and bric-a-brac.

When: Third Saturday of every month
Where: Bellingen Park, corner of Church, Park and Ford Streets, Bellingen

9. City Centre Sunday Markets

fresh vegetables on offer at City Centre Sunday Markets, Coffs Harbour — Fill your basket with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. (Image: Getty/lzf)

Follow the signs to City Centre Sunday market in the rain, hail or shine every Sunday in the Castle Street car park. This undercover inner-urban Coffs Harbour market is an oasis for lovers of fresh food who gather here to do their weekly shop. The stallholders sell everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to honey, eggs and plants. You can also fossick for vintage vinyl, colourful hand-knit jumpers, beaded bags and books.

When: Every Sunday
Where: Castle St Car Park, Vernon St, Coffs Harbour

These Coffs Harbour pubs are putting the coastal city on the map