Muttonbird Island
The Gumbaynggirr people knew this island as Giidany Miirlarl (Place of the Moon). It was joined to Coffs Harbour by the northern breakwater in 1935. The…
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Coffs Harbour
Despite its inland city centre, Coffs has a string of fabulous beaches. Equally popular with families and backpackers, the town offers plenty of water-based activities, action sports and wildlife encounters, not to mention the kitsch yellow beacon that is the Big Banana. It also makes an easy base for exploring the quaint towns and beautiful drives of the hinterland.
The jetty was built in 1892 to load cedar and other logs. Bananas were first grown in the area in the 1880s, and the industry reached its peak in the 1960s. These days tourism is the mainstay of the local economy. The town is split into three: the jetty area, the commercial centre and the beaches.
Coffs is located on Gumbaynggirr country and there are a few important sites here you can visit to learn about the cultures and traditions of the Gumbaynggirr people.
Explore Coffs Harbour
- Muttonbird Island
The Gumbaynggirr people knew this island as Giidany Miirlarl (Place of the Moon). It was joined to Coffs Harbour by the northern breakwater in 1935. The…
- JJetty Beach
This sheltered beach, with its picturesque jetty, is protected by a breakwater, creating calm swimming conditions. It's a quick walk from nearby…
- FForest Sky Pier
Wind your way through banana plantations on the 10-minute drive from Coffs Harbour to Sealy Lookout in the Orara East State Forest. A short cantilevered…
- NNorth Coast Regional Botanic Garden
Immerse yourself in the subtropical surrounds of the greenhouses, sensory gardens and lush rainforest of these botanic gardens. The 8km Coffs Creek Walk…
- DDiggers Beach
Diggers is popular with surfers and good for beginners, with swells averaging 1m to 1.5m. Access is via a turn-off from the highway near the Big Banana.
- LLittle Diggers Beach
Naturists let it all hang out at Little Diggers, an unofficial nude beach, just inside the northern headland.
- PPark Beach
A long, lovely stretch of sand backed by dense shrubbery and sand dunes, which conceal the buildings beyond.
- BBig Banana
Built in 1964, the Big Banana started the craze for ‘Big Things’ in Australia. Admission is free, with charges for associated attractions, such as ice…
- SSolitary Islands Aquarium
On weekends this small aquarium belonging to Southern Cross University's Marine Science Centre is open to the public. Touch tanks and enthusiastic, well…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Coffs Harbour.
See
Muttonbird Island
The Gumbaynggirr people knew this island as Giidany Miirlarl (Place of the Moon). It was joined to Coffs Harbour by the northern breakwater in 1935. The…
See
Jetty Beach
This sheltered beach, with its picturesque jetty, is protected by a breakwater, creating calm swimming conditions. It's a quick walk from nearby…
See
Forest Sky Pier
Wind your way through banana plantations on the 10-minute drive from Coffs Harbour to Sealy Lookout in the Orara East State Forest. A short cantilevered…
See
North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
Immerse yourself in the subtropical surrounds of the greenhouses, sensory gardens and lush rainforest of these botanic gardens. The 8km Coffs Creek Walk…
See
Diggers Beach
Diggers is popular with surfers and good for beginners, with swells averaging 1m to 1.5m. Access is via a turn-off from the highway near the Big Banana.
See
Little Diggers Beach
Naturists let it all hang out at Little Diggers, an unofficial nude beach, just inside the northern headland.
See
Park Beach
A long, lovely stretch of sand backed by dense shrubbery and sand dunes, which conceal the buildings beyond.
See
Big Banana
Built in 1964, the Big Banana started the craze for ‘Big Things’ in Australia. Admission is free, with charges for associated attractions, such as ice…
See
Solitary Islands Aquarium
On weekends this small aquarium belonging to Southern Cross University's Marine Science Centre is open to the public. Touch tanks and enthusiastic, well…
Guidebooks
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