Coffs Harbour is a thriving, mid sized town on the coastline of New South Wales. It is a place that I have been to dozens of times, and somewhere that most residents of the state would find themselves visiting at some stage. In this Guide to Coffs Harbour, I will explore why this beautiful seaside town is so popular, and how you can make the most out of your next visit.
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Table of Contents
- Where is Coffs Harbour?
- About Coffs Harbour
- How to get to Coffs Harbour
- Coffs Harbour Weather
- Things to do in Coffs Harbour
- Coffs Harbour Accommodation
- How to get around
- Summary
Where is Coffs Harbour?
Coffs Harbour is a coastal town located on the mid north coast of NSW. Situated approximately 540 kilometers north of Sydney, and about 390 Kilometers south of Brisbane, it makes for a perfect stop over for travelers heading up or down the East Coast. Indeed, long before the motorways were built and the driving time between Sydney and Brisbane was a lot longer, Coffs Harbour thrived on the dollars of tourists seeking a rest from the long journey.
Coffs Harbour is not a large town at only around 80k residents. It is still the largest town along the stretch of Mid North Coast NSW, and is a major hub for tourism, business and other activities.
About Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Great Dividing Range to the west. It is known for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, making it a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world.
The town itself has a population of approximately 80,000 people and is the commercial and administrative center of the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area. It is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery and the Jetty Theatre.
Coffs Harbour is also known for its agricultural industry, with bananas, blueberries, and avocados being some of the region’s primary exports. The town is home to the Big Banana, a giant banana-shaped building that houses a variety of activities and celebrates the region’s banana industry.
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, Coffs Harbour is also a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. The town offers a variety of activities, including surfing, kayaking, hiking, and whale watching, making it an ideal destination for those who love the great outdoors. Indeed, my first visits to the town were for surfing contests every year. Now, I visit with my family simply because I love the area so much!
How to get to Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is very easy to get to, as it is located on the coastline midway between major cities. As a major town of Regional NSW, it is also connected to all major transportation.
The main ways to get to Coffs Harbour are:
- Plane – The Coffs Harbour Regional Airport is connected with Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, with a couple of flights arriving daily from each.
- Train – The XPT Train line runs right through Coffs Harbour, connecting it with Sydney and Brisbane. There are a couple of services arriving daily from each.
- Bus or Car – The main highway that runs up and down the East Coast of NSW runs right through Coffs Harbour. Buses are frequent, and travel times are a lot less and a lot more comfortable with all the new major motorways that have replaced the old Highway. Likewise, travel to Coffs Harbour is also easy from those that live within the state or South East Queensland.
Guide to Coffs Harbour tip – Travel by car is always my preferred way to travel to Coffs Harbour. This is a personal preference, as I always enjoy having my own car with me to explore further afield, and often stay at accommodation that is a few kilometers out of the center.
Coffs Harbour Weather
The weather in Coffs Harbour is almost perfect. I personally love it as its a sort of sub tropical climate, which means it never gets extremely cold, and stays in a zone that is relatively comfortable all year round.
In Winter, the daytime temps can get down to about 18°C, so it’s not all THAT cold. At night time in Winter, it can be a lot colder so make sure you pack appropriately. Although it doesn’t sound like beach weather, there aren’t many better places in NSW that you could actually enjoy a Winter day at the beach than Coffs Harbour.
Summer in Coffs Harbour sees temperatures peaking at about 28°C, although I’m sure I’ve seen 30° days there in the past. Traditionally, the Summer period and temps last from November through to March, with March seeing the most rain as well. So you might want to stay away in March, unless you want less crowds, in which case go for it!
April and May are a favorite time for many to visit as the temps sit around 22 to 24°C, and crowds are less than in the Summer.
The Guide to Coffs Harbour best time to visit though has to be September and October. This is when the temperatures are just starting to warm up nicely, and rainfall is at a minimum. The best way to spend a holiday!
Things to do in Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. If you’re planning a trip to Coffs Harbour, here are the Guide to Coffs Harbour top 10 things you should add to your itinerary:
- Visit the Big Banana – The Big Banana is an iconic landmark in Coffs Harbour and a must-visit attraction. It is a giant banana-shaped building that houses a variety of activities, including a water park, ice skating rink, and mini-golf course. You can also take a tour of the banana plantation and learn about the history of the banana industry in the region.
- Explore the Solitary Islands Marine Park – Coffs Harbour is home to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, which is a protected area that encompasses a diverse range of marine habitats. You can take a snorkeling or diving tour to explore the vibrant coral reefs and see a variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, and colorful fish.
- Relax on the Beach – Coffs Harbour has some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia, with crystal clear waters and soft white sand. You can spend a day relaxing on the beach, swimming, surfing, or taking a leisurely walk along the shoreline.
- Go Whale Watching – Coffs Harbour is a popular spot for whale watching, with humpback whales passing through the region during their annual migration. You can take a whale watching tour to see these majestic creatures up close and learn about their behavior and habitat.
- Walk the Coffs Creek Walkway – The Coffs Creek Walkway is a scenic walking trail that follows the banks of Coffs Creek. It is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the region and see a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and turtles.
- Visit the Butterfly House – The Butterfly House is a unique attraction in Coffs Harbour that houses a variety of exotic butterflies and insects. You can take a guided tour of the facility and learn about the different species of butterflies and their life cycles.
- Take a Rainforest Walk – Coffs Harbour is surrounded by lush rainforests, with several walking trails that allow you to explore this natural wonder. You can take a guided tour or venture out on your own to discover the diverse plant and animal life that calls the rainforest home.
- Visit the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery – The Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers, with a collection of contemporary and traditional artworks from local and international artists. You can also attend one of the many exhibitions, workshops, and events held at the gallery throughout the year.
- Explore the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve – Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is a protected area located just off the coast of Coffs Harbour. It is home to a variety of seabirds, including the wedge-tailed shearwater, and offers stunning views of the coastline. You can take a guided tour of the island and learn about its history and ecology.
- Go Fishing – Coffs Harbour is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, with a variety of freshwater and saltwater fishing spots to choose from. You can fish from the beach, jetty, or take a fishing charter to explore the deeper waters and catch a variety of fish species.
Coffs Harbour is a beautiful destination that offers a variety of activities for travelers of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Coffs Harbour has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and head to this coastal paradise for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Coffs Harbour Accommodation
Coffs Harbour offers some great accommodation options, with your pick of resorts style or hotel style. Most of the resorts are of a very high standard, and are located just a little out of the CBD. Hotels, however, tend to be located closer to the center. You can also find some nice accommodation more in the budget category in Coffs Harbour too, as well as the good old fashioned Motor Inn Style of days gone by!
Here are the Guide to Coffs Harbour choices of places to stay.
Luxury
SENSOM LUXURY BED AND BREAKFAST
Sensom is a little out of Coffs Harbour, but I just had to include it here. If you are looking for a real escape from it all, then check this one out. Surrounded by nature, this tranquil place offers peace and seclusion that you won’t find in many other places. Gorgeous rooms, lovely hosts, peace and serenity. Can you ask for any more?
PACIFIC BAY RESORT
Pacific Bay Resort has always been one of the places to stay in Coffs Harbour. The location is great, being nice and close to places like the Big Banana. The Golf Course is a really nice addition to the already wonderful facilities, and the food in the restaurant has always been on par. If you are looking for a nice place to stay with everything you need, then take a look at Pacific Bay Resort.
Mid Range
THE PIER HOTEL
The Pier Hotel is a wonderful old pub with nice rooms in a prime location in Coffs Harbour. Only a short walk to Coffs Jetty and many other places around the center, as well as the train station which makes it very handy for travelers. The food is also good, pub bistro style food that you just can’t go past!
BIG 4 PARK BEACH HOLIDAY PARK
Big4 have a reputation throughout Australia of having great facilities and campsites, and the Park Beach Holiday Park is one of their best. Always of a high standard, with beautiful grassy campsites and well maintained cabins, you just can’t go wrong. The location is also amazing, being nice and close to the Big Banana as well as the center of town.
PLANTATION HOTEL
Good location and nice rooms make the Plantation Hotel a good choice in Coffs Harbour. Meals at the bistro are some of the best in town. Just be aware that this hotel is also close to the main road and traffic noise can sometimes be an issue.
Budget
AUSSITEL BACKPACKERS
Aussitel Backpackers is in a great location, is well known as being a clean and quiet place to stay. Free hire of surfboards and kayaks is a hit, and the good price keeps people coming back.
COFFS HARBOUR YHA BACKPACKERS
A great hostel in a perfect location in Coffs Harbour. Staff a excellent, and all the facilities you could want are right at your doorstep. Definitely worth checking out for a budget choice in Coffs.
Looking for the best Budget accommodation? Hostelworld have you covered with all of the very best budget friendly accommodation around town. Check them out at THIS LINK.
How to get around
I never personally found the public transport in Coffs Harbour to be very good, to be honest. There are public buses that are easy to catch and will get you nearly anywhere, or close to it, but there are not many options past that.
Otherwise, your main way of getting around is by car, and that means private vehicle, taxi or Uber. My personal preference is Uber over Taxi, and then Private vehicle over Uber. This is why I tend to drive to Coffs Harbour, but then I have always lived within a few hours of the town, and that may not be the case with many visitors.
Guide to Coffs Harbour tip – Stay around the main area of town and you will be able to catch the bus everywhere local. Bus #365 is the main bus you would use so that makes it pretty simple. If you want to go further afield, think about Uber, or ask your hotel/resort if they have any options they offer.
Summary
I hope you have enjoyed by Guide to Coffs Harbour!
Coffs Harbour is a beautiful spot on the NSW Mid North Coast that offers everything that a holidaymaker could want. Sun, sand, surf, and mountains are all available right on the doorstep. So whether you are just stopping over on the way through, or looking for a longer stay, Coffs Harbour is the perfect choice.
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