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

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 .