Top Towns for 2022: Where to eat, stay and play in Coffs Harbour

In addition to its pretty coastline and perfect latitude, the Coffs Coast has an abundance of innovative places to lap up the sunshine, no wonder it appears at 33 on your list of Top 50 Aussie Towns.

Find the complete list of the Top 50 Aussie Towns here.

Coffs Harbour locals know better than to leave town for a beach holiday. Why would they? Instead, they take advantage of the city’s idyllic 30-degrees latitude (which leads to mostly sunshine-filled days and a minimal chance of rain) to surf, swim and enjoy a seaside staycation.

While technically, Coffs Harbour’s population deems it to be a city, its covetable culture and lifestyle makes it feel more like a coastal town.

As well as being nirvana for those craving a beachside hang, Coffs is an ECO Tourism Destination, and offers a slew of sustainable activities, has a super-slick food scene, brilliant bars and breweries, and family-friendly stays to boot. Use our guide on where to eat, stay and play in this eco-accredited destination.

Coffs Harbour Marina at sunset — Relax down by the marina. (Image: Destination NSW)

Eating there

Latitude 30 will remind visitors to see Coffs Harbour in its best light, i.e. while bathed in sunshine with a seafood platter to share. It’s also worth spending a day or two strolling the charming main street of nearby Sawtell, which is lined with Moreton Bay fig trees and where you’ll find hinterland hideaways such as The Hilltop Store and Bar Que Sera .

Oysters from Latitude 30 in Coffs Harbour — Fresh oysters from Latitude 30 are to-die-for.

It’s also worth joining the dots between The Athletic Club , French Basket and The Spare Room , all fashionable spots to kick back in while visiting the coastal village.

If you want a brew with a view, head to Jetty Beach House , on Corambirra Point, while King Tide Brewing , tucked down a graffiti-clad inner-urban laneway, has a fun atmosphere alongside some of the city’s finest froths.

The Harbourside Markets are held every Sunday at The Jetty foreshore and are a favourite with locals and tourists for everything from fresh produce to locally made wares such as candles, clothing and collectables. What does the Coffs Coast taste like? You’ll find out at the annual Coffs Coast Food & Wine Festival , which works closely with OzHarvest making it a conscious gourmand’s dream.

Visit the Indigenous-run Nyanggan Gapi Cafe , located at Niigi Niigi/Sealy Lookout, which is surrounded by towering gums and is located within the Bruxner Park Flora Reserve.

Burger with egg on it from the Hilltop Store in Coffs Harbour — Sustenance at the Hilltop Store looks a bit like this.

Playing there

If you want to explore the water, you can do so by kayak with Matt Sparrius, of C-Change Adventures , who has a degree in marine and environmental science or via paddleboard with Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours , where you can learn about the region’s rich Indigenous history.

Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours in Coffs Harbour — Try Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours when you’re in Coffs Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

You can also go deep at South Solitary Island with Jetty Dive . Surfers will also appreciate the numerous quality breaks such as Gallows Beach on Corambirra Point. Back on land, you can learn the ropes on a Treetops Adventure, nod to nostalgia at the Big Banana by indulging in a banana split, or visit the Look at Me Now Headland or Sealy Lookout with Coffs Harbour Trike Tours .

Bonville Headland is another great vantage point from which to spot migrating whales (in season) and dolphins. Keen to change down a few gears? You can also plod along at a slower pace during a trail ride with HWH Stables or simply head to Boambee for a picnic and a paddle in the crystal-clear creek.

Forest Sky Pier and Sealy Lookout Coffs Harbour. — Walk the Forest Sky Pier.

There’s evidence that the Coffs Coast is luring bright minds to the region at small batch Critters Distillery , where ex-engineer Chris Fraser has implemented a zero-waste policy, and Woopi Brewing Co , which is run by sea changers Aaron Dobner and wife Jacqui, who relocated to Woolgoolga from Wollongong.

You can also fan your fascination for the local flora at the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens , which has a patch dedicated to sub-tropical plants from countries that share the appealing latitudinal position of 30.

Don’t miss a Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience. (Image: Wayila Creative)

Staying there

The self-contained Observatory Apartments are considered one of Coffs Harbour’s most foremost places to stay, as the spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom fully self-contained apartments are just a short stroll from the city’s hip Jetty strip.

Pacific Marina Apartments are also popular for their proximity to the happening Jetty precinct, while Pacific Bay Resort ’s fully self-contained apartments appeal to active types who like to alternate between playing tennis and golf, swimming, jogging or going to the gym.

You can do as little or as much as you like at Opal Cove Resort , which is located on a beautiful beachfront reserve surrounded by banana plantations, and includes a day spa, sauna, tennis court and on-site restaurant.

The Big 4 Park Beach Holiday Park is another favourite, particularly with extended families who are drawn to the sprawling resort pool, 18-hole mini golf course, jumping pillow and playgrounds.

Those looking to extend their stay in the region should look into Lunar Shores , a five-bedroom holiday home overlooking Korora Bay. The home, located in swanky Melrose Place, boasts spectacular views from every room and has an abundance of outdoor living areas to enjoy. It’s the stuff of castaway Coffs Coast fantasies.

Jumping off the Coffs Harbour Jetty. — Jump for joy at the jetty. (Image: Destination NSW)

Explore more of Coffs Harbour in our travel guide or find out which other towns made it into your Top 50.

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 .