Every memory-making stop on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip

The stretch from Yamba to Coffs Harbour is short (just under 1.5 hours), but photo-perfect stop-offs demand a full day of exploration.

Most people drive from Yamba to Coffs Harbour in one stretch because it’s such a short route. But if you fly, pedal to the metal, along the Pacific Highway, it’s far too easy to miss the quaint country towns and beach detours begging to be savoured. Find the time to weave in and out of the northern rivers countryside and back to the NSW North Coast to enjoy every inch of the region’s staggering beauty. Our favourite spots to gawk at on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip are mapped out just below.

Maclean

Yamba to Maclean: 23 minutes

the exterior of Argyle Hotel — The newly restored pub is housed within a heritage-style estate.

Your first stop outside of Yamba should be in the country town of Maclean. Well, Maclean and Townsend, since they’re right next to each other, but mostly Maclean for its literal crowning glory. Labelled 2024’s best Australian tiny town by Airbnb, the Clarence Valley superstar is also known as the “Scottish town of Australia" so there are plenty of reasons to drop in.

Not that you’ll need further convincing once you immerse yourself in Maclean’s charms. First up: the coffee. On the Bite along River Street is a local’s secret, pouring liquid gold alongside excellent cafe classics from Monday to Friday. There’s also the other local hot spot, Botero Roastery Cafe , which crafts its own beans and stocks them throughout Yamba’s best cafes.

al fresco dining at Sanctus Brewery Co, Clarence Valley — Sanctus Brewery in Townsend is an excellent lunch stop. (Image: Destination NSW)

Let your belly lead you to lunch as the Argyle Hotel , which opened late 2024, provides a beautiful pub meal in an equally striking restored estate dating back to 1894. The reworked 245 Bar & Pizzeria , a popular eatery that reopened with an all-new menu in November 2024, is another delectable option. Keep the indulgence kicking over at Sanctus Brewery Co in Townsend as house ales and experimental picks put smiles on dials.

Organised holidaymakers take note. If you can swing a trip to Maclean around Easter, you’ll catch the annual Maclean Highland Gathering , a celebration of the town’s Scottish heritage that encourages kilt-wearing, games and all the bagpipe-decorated festivities.

Ulmarra

Maclean to Ulmarra: 24 minutes

Hop back on your Yamba to Coffs Harbour adventure and scoot past Tyndale before following the signs to Grafton and taking a detour for Ulmarra. The picturesque river port village is steeped in history, plus it’s a dreamy spot for a (non or low alcohol) cold one.

The Ulmarra Hotel is your best pub pit-stop, hydrating locals since the late 1800s. While the facade looks like any other historic pub, the back garden hides a riverside oasis that welcomes dogs. Ulmarra Food Co. is another great spot for a feed, plus it doubles as a produce market so you can take its goodies home with you.

butter croissants at Ulmarra Food Co — Nibble on a butter croissant with your espresso at Ulmarra Food Co.

Don’t miss an awesome selfie opportunity in front of At the Wood Shop , a custom furniture shop with one helluva cinematic facade to resemble something out of a 1960s Spaghetti Western. There are also Ulmarra Books and Collectables to help you find your next second-hand beach read.

Minnie Water

Ulmarra to Minnie Water: 37 minutes

It doesn’t get any more retro than Minnie Water on your Yamba to Coffs Harbour day escape. You’ll need to steer away from the main route (but don’t miss the cute antique store in Tucabia as you’re leaving Ulmarra) for about thirty minutes, but this place is worth it.

One of the oldest fishing towns in the state, Minnie Water offers a lengthy beach and calm surroundings. In summer, there’s a surf lifesaving crew keeping watch over swimmers in the north, but if you prefer your swims a little more relaxed, jump straight into Minnie Lagoon, just down from the Tree Of Knowledge lookout on the headland.

Minnie Water is a sleepy corner of the world but you can stock up on quality day trip supplies at the Minnie Water General Store on Sandon Road. If you happen to be passing by on a night when they’re flinging pizzas (it happens sporadically), don’t miss out – locals can’t get enough of them.

Corindi Beach

Minnie Water to Corindi Beach: 50 minutes

Snorkellers will love dropping into Corindi Beach on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip, which sits at the very north of Coffs. It has a huge reserve filled with walking trails and picnic areas, so settle in and enjoy a late afternoon filled with nature’s prettiest handiwork.

If you’re done with swimming and surfing for the day, head to the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Culture Centre , a gallery and museum celebrating the Gumbaynggirr people, and there’s a cafe specialising in bush tucker to explore.

Woolgoolga

Corindi Beach to Woolgoolga: 11 minutes

hands grabbing pizza slices at Seaview Tavern — Refuel with a hearty meal at Seaview Tavern.

Woolgoolga, better known as Woopi to locals, crosses into Coffs Coast country (you’re that close to your final destination now) and boasts one of the most lovable village lifestyles around. Once a sleepy hamlet for fishermen, it’s crawling with crafty creatives while still clinging to its laidback roots.

From swims at the beach (some of the best whale watching up this end of the coast is found here) to the pet-friendly Woolgoolga Brewing Co. , one of the best spots to find a beer in the region, top-quality time-killers are endless. While we’re talking home-crafted magic to get giggly over, add Critters Distillery and Mogul Beer to your to-do list (again, drink responsibly). Tasty treats of the food variety are best found at the Seaview Tavern on River Street as well as Blue Cow Gelato , which nails traditional Italian sweetness.

a cup of Blue Cow Gelato — Make a beeline for Blue Cow Gelato.

If you’re going to visit Woolgoolga on a Yamba to Coffs Harbour day trip in September, align it to Curryfest – a celebration of local Punjabi heritage, featuring over 100 stalls serving up curries (what else?) alongside other multicultural dishes, entertainment and traditional dance performances.

Emerald Beach

Woolgoolga to Emerald Beach: 8 minutes

kangaroos grazing on the beach — Kangaroos grazing on Emerald Beach at sunrise. (Image: Destination NSW)

A stone’s throw from Woopi (see? You’re a local already) is where you’ll find Emerald Beach, a great area for fishing, surfing and swimming as it’s one of the best beaches in Coffs Harbour. It’s also made for kids thanks to easy surf conditions and a playground to help tire out little legs.

North of Fiddamans Creek is a dog-friendly beach area (if your pup stays on a lead), and plenty of eateries to help you score your next bite. Try EB General (the fabulously rebranded local general store) for great coffee and Rattle Restaurant and Bar , home to oceanfront Mediterranean-inspired dining.

the menu at Rattle Restaurant and Bar — Feast on excellent Mediterranean fare at Rattle Restaurant and Bar.

Coffs Harbour

Emerald Beach to Coffs Harbour: 17 minutes

guests browsing the artworks on display at Yarrila Arts and Museum — Yaamanga Around Here installation lets you explore the identity and history of the Coffs Coast. (Image: Supplied)

If you’ve made it to the holiday hot spot with ample time to spare, get stuck into the best bits of Coffs Harbour. From falling in love with native creatures at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary to scoring a surprisingly exceptional culture fix at the Yarrila Arts and Museum , your epic things to do in Coffs Harbour list harneses the good life.

And if you’re in need of a last-minute bed for the night, check out our guide to the best Coffs Harbour accommodation for every style of traveller. We wouldn’t be surprised if this quality bunch of options inspired you to linger even longer.

Originally written by Melissa Mason with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.