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

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.