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.

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 .