Game-Changing Things To Do In Coffs Harbour

Here are the best things to do in and around Coffs Harbour, the capital of Mid North Coast cool.

The best things to do in Coffs Harbour usually revolve around the ocean. But there are also waves being made across the city for everything from Coffs Harbour’s artisanal coffee houses to Indigenous art. From exploring hidden hinterland gems to inspired epicurean experiences, here are the very best things to do in Coffs Harbour and the broader Coffs Coast when you’re road-tripping between Sydney and Brisbane.

Make furry friends at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary

Coffs Harbour remains a draw for road-trippers thanks to its exceptional restaurant scene and mix of lively cafes. But Coffs Harbour is also a dream destination for a growing number of visitors in search of Australia’s marine animals. Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary cares for animals such as little blue penguins, Australian sea lions, dolphins and green sea turtles that are ill or injured. Learn about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and how you can participate. The sanctuary is located on Orlando St, near the Jetty.

Soak up contemporary art at Yarrila Arts and Museum

installation viewing at Yarrila Arts and Museum — Explore the installations and exhibits at Yarrila Arts and Museum.

Pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the Coffs Coast, the Gumbaynggirr people, with a visit to Yarrila Arts and Museum. The word ‘yarrila’ means illuminate, which sums up exactly how this fascinating space lights up the region. See Yaamanga Around here, one of the permanent exhibitions on show at the museum, which explores the Coffs Coast through its themes of place, community and belonging. All up, there are more than 18,000 individual objects and artefacts on display as well as 600 artworks across five spaces.

Surf or swim your dream waves in Coffs

a woman heading to Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour — Surf’s up at Jetty Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Surf culture has long been part of Coffs Harbour’s DNA, and that scene is being increasingly bolstered by surfers looking to escape the crowds in search of the perfect break. Solitary Islands Surf School will find a wave to suit everyone at Boambee, Jetty, Murrays, North Wall and Sawtell beaches while swimmers can dip between the flags at Woolgoolga Beach. Experienced surfers will froth on Gallows near the quarry and Trapdoors in Sawtell. Lee Winkler’s Surf School offers multi-day camps to help you really lean in.

Walk to the top of Muttonbird Island

an aerial view of aerial of Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, Coffs Harbour — The aptly named island is a site for nesting mutton birds. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start your heroic stride to the top of Muttonbird Island from the Coffs Harbour Marina and along the northern part of the breakwall until you reach the base of Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve . The 1.3-kilometre return walk will steer you to the eastern lookout, which offers stunning views over Solitary Island. BYO binoculars as this is a prime spot for whale watching during the season (from May to November). The trail features an outdoor learning space with interpretative signage that tells the Dreamtime story of the giant moon-man who protected the land. Tours are available on request through the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve.

Enjoy an Indigenous-led SUP tour

SUPing with Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours — Go SUPing with a Gumbaynggirr guide. (Image: Destination NSW)

Who better to guide you on a two-and-a-half-hour SUP tour of Red Rock Creek than a Gumbaynggirr guide from Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours ? This mob’s ancestors have been cutting canoes from trees and paddling around these waterways for thousands and thousands of years. Indeed, the most stirring stories about Gumbaynggirr Country are written in the landscape and told by members of the local Aboriginal clan who invest a proportion of their profits to support young people in the community.

Swim with humpback whales

a humpback whale swimming in the water, Coffs Harbour — Coffs Coast is one of the best locations in Australia to spot whales. (Image: Destination NSW/Coffs Coast Marketing)

Visit the Coffs Coast in August or September and you will get the chance to swim with humpback whales as they migrate south to the waters off Antarctica. It’s worth noting that whale-swimming tours with Jetty Dive Centre are weather-dependent, as they are conducted in the deep ocean. Furthermore, they are only on offer to children over the age of 12 and those who can confidently swim 200 metres. Those reluctant to slide off the boat and into the sea can enjoy a whale-watching tour instead.

Paddle the waterways

Be prepared for time to dissolve while you’re paddling through Boambee Creek with C-Change Adventures . The experience-based tour company hires out kayaks and SUPs and offers eco-tours around Coffs Harbour, an accredited ECO destination. On my last visit to Coffs Harbour, I paused during my paddle to observe an osprey plunge feet-first into the water to pluck out a fish. Up in the canopy, common sightings include kingfishers and cockatoos.  Aim for early morning or late afternoon paddles when the mirrored waters reflect the sky and wildlife is most active.

Soar through the treetops

a man walking along the course at Treetops Adventure Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour — Embrace your inner Tarzan at Treetops Adventure. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swing through the towering gum trees like Tarzan with Treetops Adventure right near Sealy Lookout in the Orara East State Forest. Courses are graded according to difficulty but there are more than 90 aerial challenges to choose from including 20 ziplines. Plus, kids from the age of three can also participate. Budding ninja warriors (and probably their parents) will enjoy the challenge of climbing through the adventure park configured with elevated obstacles, rope ladders, tunnels, cargo nets, wobbly bridges and more.

Flap around the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House

a close-up shot of a butterfly at the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House — Get up close and personal with beautiful butterflies in the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House. (Image: Destination NSW)

Learn about the life cycle of butterflies as they flit and fly around you at Coffs Harbour Butterfly House , an institution for insects in Bonville, 20 minutes south of Coffs Harbour. In addition to displays of live insects, there’s a dinosaur forest that houses “extinct" dinosaurs that move and roar around you. Here for the exclusively winged creatures? Then look out for fairies that figure-eight around the trees. Children will love learning about different species such as the distinctive Ulysses butterfly, which is velvety black and metallic blue.

Go horse-riding along Boambee Beach

horse-riding along Boambee Beach with HWH Stables — Join the ‘Photographic Horse Riding Tour’ with HWH Stables.

Boambee Beach is much-loved by locals and you can see why as you plod along the beach to admire this pristine swathe of coastline on horseback with HWH Stables . The popular ‘Photographic Horse Riding Tour’ starts with a canter along Boambee Beach before curving back to Boambee Bay Lagoon, where your four-legged companions are led into the water for a swim. HWH Stables guide and photographer Chris Fenech is on hand to help you capture the day.

Get a selfie at The Big Banana

The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour — See the iconic Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

You don’t need to consult your Little Book of Dad Jokes to pre-empt the fact old mate will likely say, ‘Keep your eyes peeled for The Big Banana ’ when road-tripping toward this iconic big thing. While the giant yellow 13-metre piece of fruit, one of Australia’s best Big Things, is certainly an impressive landmark when it lurches into view, it’s the adjacent water park, toboggan ride, ice skating rink, bumper cars, escape rooms, candy kitchen, giant slide and laser tag that are the park’s main draws. It’s also compulsory to buy some choc-coated bananas, which are, thankfully, more to scale.

Discover the creative side of Coffs Harbour

inside the Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery, Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Coffs Harbour — Admire traditional and contemporary art from First Nations people. (Image: Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery/Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre)

The Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery at Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Corindi Beach exhibits traditional and contemporary art from First Nations people from the northern lowlands of Gumbaynggirr Country and across regional Australia. ‘Yarrawarra’ means ‘happy meeting place’ and the centre, 25 minutes north of Coffs Harbour, hosts a range of activities spanning bush tucker tours and art workshops. Another great stop for art lovers is The Gallery , which celebrates artists and makers from the Worimi, Biripi, Dunghutti and Gumbaynggirr nations across the Saltwater Freshwater region of the Coffs Coast.

Sip your way around the Coffs Coast

gin and vodka at Critters Distillery, Coffs Coast — Kick off your gin tasting at Critters Distillery. (Image: Destination NSW)

Coffs Harbour breweries are calling. Be it for blonde beers, crisp lagers or XPAs, the craft of brewing is considered somewhat of a religion in Coffs Harbour. Kick off your brewery trail at King Tide Brewing, where you can sip on traditional European beers such as a wheaty Weissbier or German IPA. For more of an easy-drinking beer, try the Blue Groper lager or ‘Beached as’ XPA.  Woolgoolga Brewing Co. , or ‘Woopi Brewing’, makes for a pleasant excursion for its Road Trip’n IPA.  Meanwhile, Critters Distillery uses hyperlocal ingredients to craft vodka, gin and rum. If you are still thirsty, check our guide to the region’s best pubs.

Spot a koala in the wild at Bongil Bongil National Park

A short drive south of Coffs Harbour leads to Bongil Bongil National Park , where subtropical forest meets open beach. The Bundagaree Rainforest Walk loops through a grove of eucalypts and pretzels around a palm forest before opening out onto beautiful Bongil Beach. The park has one of the region’s most reliable wild koala populations, so keep an eye on the canopy as you walk. You might also spot marsupials crashing through the undergrowth. The six-kilometre-long circuit is mostly flat and easy underfoot. Be sure to carry water and set off early to avoid the midday heat.

Take in the view from Forest Sky Pier

Forest Sky Pier, Niigi Niigi - Sealy Lookout, Korora — Capture spectacular rainforest views and the Coffs Harbour coastline. (Image: Destination NSW)

Forest Sky Pier at Niigi Niigi – Sealy Lookout – just 10 minutes up from Coffs Harbour – is one of the best lookouts on the Coffs Coast. It juts out like an open drawer over the Orora East State Forest towards ribbons of blush-coloured sand and turquoise-tinted tributaries. Set your phone to panorama mode to capture the breathtaking views of Solitary Islands Marine Park and surrounding mountain ranges. Head to Nyanggan Gapi Cafe to pick up a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the nearby picnic shelters. Visitors should also tackle Gumgali Track, a short forest walk that follows a Gumbaynggirr Dreaming story through sculptures and audio. Visit when the forest lights up in the late afternoon.

Get active, and a bit competitive at Town Padel

a man playing racket sports at the Town Padel, Coffs Harbour — Pop into the Town Padel for an action-packed game of racket sports. (Image: Supplied)

Padel is one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world, and Town Padel brings the action to Coffs Harbour. The centre offers courts for casual play and coaching sessions for beginners and experienced players alike. The hybrid sport – a blend of tennis and squash – is fast-paced, social and a lot of fun, whether you’re joining friends for a game or testing your skills for the first time. Fossick for some short shorts, eighties windbreakers or vintage tennis whites so you look the part. Online booking is recommended, particularly on weekends when the courts are in high demand.

Discover the best Coffs Harbour markets

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

Things to do in Coffs Harbour: Swimming with whales, the Big Banana and contemporary art