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

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

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