Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Coffs Harbour, Australia

This historic fruit-growing center on the North Coast of New South Wales has consistently served as a cherished holiday destination for numerous generations.

Coffs Harbour boasts beautiful sandy beaches, entertaining family attractions, and abundant natural beauty, notably due to the proximity of the Solitary Islands Marine Park located just offshore.

Ecotourists will be amazed by the diverse plant and animal life at this unique location where tropical and temperate currents converge. From May to November, humpback whales can be observed resting close to shore during their extensive migrations along the eastern coastline of Australia.

Adjacent to the historical harbor lies an island that is home to thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters every summer. Additionally, a lively farmers’ market takes place on the foreshore every Sunday, hosting a range of creative and environmentally-conscious vendors.

1. Forest Sky Pier

The Coffs Coast is the only area in New South Wales where the mountains of the Great Dividing Range converge with the Pacific Ocean.

This unique geographic intersection creates breathtaking vistas, which can be experienced at the Sealy Lookout, a brief drive from Coffs Harbour through picturesque banana plantations.

Nestled within the Orara East State Forest, the Sky Pier is situated atop an escarpment that rises 310 meters above the coastline and extends over 20 meters out from the lookout’s edge.

The panoramic views are extraordinary, showcasing the city, the Solitary Islands Marine Park, and the extensive Coffs Coast.

On a clear day, the view extends southward for at least 100 kilometers.

Visitors can also explore several rainforest trails, while facilities such as a café, picnic tables, and shelters are available by the lookout.

2. The Big Banana Fun Park

Home to the largest amusement park between Sydney and the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour features The Big Banana Fun Park, which has been operational since 1964, developed on a banana plantation.

This iconic site, which includes a walk-through Big Banana, may be one of the earliest examples of the monumental “Big Things” scattered throughout Australia.

However, the fun park offers much more, including the impressive 82-meter Racer water slide, a skating rink, toboggan rides, a 4D simulator, mini-golf, an amusement arcade, reptile exhibits, a children’s aqua play area, laser tag, among many other attractions.

Visitors can enjoy a chocolate-coated banana at the café, or explore the Cheesemaking Workshop & Deli, which showcases over 200 different cheeses and offers courses and tasting sessions.

3. North Coast Regional Botanic Garden

Coffs Harbour’s subtropical botanic garden is surrounded on three sides by Coffs Creek, making it one of the most beautiful gardens in northern New South Wales.

Spanning over 20 hectares, the garden features an array of diverse environments including a rainforest, Japanese garden, sensory garden, natural woods, mangroves, and a remarkable collection of tropical plants, condensed within a one-hectare display area.

Additionally, the facility includes five distinct glasshouses dedicated to orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and plants from arid climates.

A short walk from the CBD will lead you to the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, which hosts a busy events calendar, culminating in the multicultural Harmony Day celebrated in March.

4. Muttonbird Island

The causeway serving as the northern breakwater of Coffs Harbour leads visitors to this elevated green island located at the southernmost point of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Muttonbird Island provides a remarkable vantage point for viewing the Solitary Islands to the east, as well as surveying the Coffs Coast and its lush hills to the west.

Observe the ocean, and you might spot a stingray, sea turtle, or dolphin surfacing nearby.

Furthermore, the island earns its name from the thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters, or muttonbirds, that migrate annually to feeding areas in the Philippines, yet breed here during the summer.

The Outdoor Learning Space educates visitors about the significance of the island and its avian inhabitants within Aboriginal culture.

5. Butterfly House

This year-round attraction features the Butterfly House, which is home to more than 400 Australian butterflies at any given time.

Guests can experience an indoor subtropical rainforest, replete with palms and ferns, providing a chance to observe butterflies in various activities, including flying, courting, mating, and feeding on nectar.

The optimal visiting hours to observe these colorful insects are between 10:00 and 14:00, as they are most active during this period.

In addition to the butterfly house, there is a live bug exhibit, and families can entertain themselves with a walled maze outside.

6. Park Beach

Coffs Harbour’s most beloved beach, Park Beach, is located north of Coffs Creek and the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park.

This expansive, open beach is regularly patrolled and features beautiful white sand alongside a range of dunes that gently follow the coastline.

Open to the Pacific Ocean, Park Beach is favored by experienced surfers, though caution is advised due to strong riptides near the creek mouth.

Adjacent to the banks of Coffs Creek, the Park Beach Reserve provides ample natural shade, barbecue facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds for children, and expansive grassy spaces.

7. Harbourside Market

The historic jetty and foreshore at Coffs Harbour host a vibrant weekly market every Sunday, from 08:00 until 13:00. This market provides an opportunity to support local growers, farmers, and artisans at numerous stalls offering fruits, vegetables, olive oil, macadamia nuts, fresh cut flowers, bread, handmade cosmetics, pottery, jewelry, and much more.

Visitors can find fresh food to take away, including hamburgers, sweet treats, Thai food, or innovative vegan options. Each week, guests can enjoy live music, unique activities, and performances by street artists.

8. Diggers Beach

Located within walking distance from the Big Banana, Diggers Beach lies within a sheltered bay protected from the open ocean by Diggers Head to the north and Macauleys Headland to the south.

These headlands create a tranquil environment, featuring gentle ocean breezes and moderate waves that are ideal for novice surfers.

The beach is shallow, with waves breaking a safe distance from the shore, making it suitable for young swimmers.

On land, patrons can enjoy the foreshore parkland, which includes a barbecue station and an elevated pavilion perfect for bird-watching or simply enjoying the scenic views.

9. The Clog Barn

Located in Coffs Harbour, this Dutch-themed attraction known as The Clog Barn was introduced to accompany a caravan park in 1984. Under the stewardship of the Hartsuyker family, particularly the patriarch Tom, The Clog Barn has significantly expanded since its inception.

Visitors can witness traditional clog-making demonstrations, showcasing the cutting and painting processes.

Tom has also created a charming model village featuring canals, operational windmills, and gabled houses, all hand-built over more than 35 years.

After your visit, be sure to stop by Big Oma’s Coffee House and indulge in “Dutchstralian” comfort food, ranging from pancakes to Dutch-style ham and eggs.

10. Coffs Harbour Jetty

The historic timber jetty at the marina evokes memories of Coffs Harbour’s early days when ships docked here in the late 19th century to collect timber from the surrounding hinterland.

Today, this area serves as a place for relaxation, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of Coffs Harbour, engage in pier fishing, or embark on a whale watching cruise.

A fishing fleet operates from the marina, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Fishermen’s Co-operative for extraordinarily fresh fish and seafood, or savor fish and chips prepared on-site.

Surrounding the base of the jetty is elevated parkland, offering stunning coastal views, multi-use pathways, and a variety of cafes. Directly to the south, the sheltered Jetty Beach awaits.

11. Solitary Islands Aquarium

This aquatic attraction is part of the National Marine Science Centre, affiliated with Southern Cross University.

Open during weekends and school holidays, you can learn about the critical role of the Solitary Islands Marine Park in supporting ocean wildlife, all without getting wet! With large, meticulously maintained saltwater tanks, visitors can observe over 60 species of fish and 20 types of invertebrates.

Highlight species include the anemonefish, blue tangs, and exceptionally intelligent octopuses. Additionally, the touch pool allows visitors to experience the textures of sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and sea stars.

Each species is accompanied by informative displays and interactive exhibits.

12. Coffs Creek Walk and Cycleway

One unique aspect of Coffs Harbour is the bushland that lines the creek, providing a feeling of wilderness just steps away from the CBD.

Visitors can stroll or cycle along the 8.6-kilometer Coffs Creek Walk and Cycleway, which meanders through gum trees and palms beside the water, including a section along a boardwalk.

This path also serves as a practical route connecting Coffs Harbour’s attractions, including the Botanic Garden, Park Beach, Historic Jetty, and Dolphin Marine Conservation Park.

13. Solitary Islands Coastal Walk

Stretching from Red Rock in the north to Sawtell in the south, the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk is a 60-kilometer trail that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of the Coffs Coast.

This path is considered one of the most picturesque in New South Wales, leading adventurers through rainforests, around striking rocky headlands, and along idyllic sandy beaches.

Along the route, you will encounter friendly beachside villages, and throughout the year, you are likely to spot dolphins surfing in the waves.

14. National Cartoon Gallery

A genuine World War II underground bunker has been transformed into Australia’s only gallery dedicated exclusively to cartoons.

In this impressive, fully accessible facility, the gallery showcases a collection exceeding 23,000 Australian cartoons.

Notable works feature original illustrations or lithographs from esteemed artists such as Stan Cross, Percy Lindsay, Jim Russell, Monty Wedd, Mark Lynch, and Emile Mercier.

The gallery hosts dynamic exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, live performances, and other events suitable for all ages.

Visitors will also learn about the building’s history and its renovation into a gallery.

15. Whale Watching

From May to November, tens of thousands of humpback whales migrate along the New South Wales coastline, traveling to and from Antarctica.

As a resting area with calmer waters, the Solitary Islands Marine Park serves as an excellent vantage point to observe these majestic creatures and their calves.

With a bit of luck, you might witness a whale breaching, while pods of bottlenose dolphins are a common sight throughout the year.

For those preferring to remain on land, binoculars can be used at various lookouts, including Muttonbird Island, Look at Me Now Headland, Arrawarra Headland, and Woolgoolga Headland.

Alternatively, for a closer experience, various cruise operators based in Coffs Harbour, such as Pacific Explorer, Jetty Dive, or Cougar Cat 12 Charters, offer whale watching excursions.