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

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 .

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