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.

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.