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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

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Coffs Harbour.

  • Island

    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 walk to the top (steep at the end) provides sweeping vistas. From late August to early April it's occupied by thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds). Muttonbirds by Moonlight tours – led by respected Gumbaynggirr Elder Uncle Mark Flanders – are a great way to see them and to learn about the Aboriginal significance of the island.

  • Viewpoint

    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 walkway juts out 15m above the forest with views sweeping across to Coffs and the surrounding hinterland. There are a few walking trails in the area, including the 600m Gumgali track from the Korora car park to Korora Lookout – an interpretative walk that tells the story of Gumgali, the Black Goanna, part of local Gumbaynggir culture.

  • Gardens

    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 passes by, starting at the pool on Coff St and finishing near the ocean.

  • Beach

    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 restaurants.

  • Beach

    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.

  • Beach

    Little Diggers Beach

    Naturists let it all hang out at Little Diggers, an unofficial nude beach, just inside the northern headland.

  • Beach

    Park Beach

    A long, lovely stretch of sand backed by dense shrubbery and sand dunes, which conceal the buildings beyond.

  • Amusement Park

    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 skating, toboggan rides, minigolf, the waterpark, plantation tours and the irresistibly named 'World of Bananas Experience'. Beyond the kitsch appeal there's really little to see, but kids might get a kick out of it.

  • Aquarium

    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-qualified guides provide close encounters with an octopus and the fish and coral that inhabit the waters of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Coffs Harbour.

  • Activities