Coffs Coast: the place of plenty for all

Blessed with an abundance of natural resources, there’s something for every kind of traveller on the Coffs Coast.

‘Giinagay’ and welcome to Gumbaynggirr Country, the bountiful land of its traditional owners, the Gumbaynggirr people. 

Known by many as the Coffs Coast (and by some as ‘that place where the mountains meet the sea’), the region always was and always will be a place of plenty for everyone – the Gumbaynggirr people welcoming visitors by delving into their rich past as the ‘sharing people’.

This isn’t anything new of course: the pristine rivers, plentiful oceans and fertile forests of their country have always provided the Gumbaynggirr people with such an abundance that a willingness to enjoy with other Indigenous nations has long been a way of life. 

While we associate Coffs Harbour with a modern trawler fleet, it has been the place of plenty for thousands of years.

Home to a wealth of national parks and state forests, as well as a thriving marine park, the ‘sharing is caring’ ethos is protected, too.

The legendary residents of Look At Me Now Headland on the Coffs Coast.

The Coffs Coast is committed to providing a significant number of sustainable nature-based tourism experiences, helping Coffs Harbour become NSW’s first destination to become accredited under the ECO Destinations Certification. It’s a way of operating that highlights the care taken for the region’s spaces and culture. Yes, not only does this mean the Coffs Coast will remain a place of plenty for generations to come, the region offers a wealth of experiences for every traveller, from families and young couples to silver adventurers.

Stand up paddle boarding through the mangroves on Moonee Creek with Wajaana Yaam is one of the new highlights of the Coffs Coast.

Here’s a little taste of what’s on offer…

For families

For adventure lovers

For spirited explorers

Family Escapades on the Coffs Coast

Generations of families have discovered the Coffs Coast is a place of plenty.

No Australian childhood is complete without a visit to The Big Banana Fun Park, but Coffs Harbour with its endless golden sand beaches and nature-based activities, offers so much more for families.

Support Marine life and learn more about rescuing and rehabilitating at Dolphin Marine Conservation.

The first port of call? Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, where a host of dolphins and seals (as well as a supporting cast of penguins, turtles and more) are keen to share tales of rehabilitation and conservation. During school holidays, kids aged eight to 16 can even sign up to be a Marine Animal Carer. 

The Coffs Harbour jetty is one of many cycling paths in the region.

The human residents are just as friendly, of course, and an excellent way to meet them (and make the most of Coffs Harbour’s magnificent coastline) is with a Montem Bike Tours around the Jetty foreshore. A range of leisurely rides are on offer suitable for all abilities.

For a splash of adventure TreeTops Adventure Park is serving up a healthy dose of magnificent gum trees as you navigate your way through the towering treetops on this self-guided rope course.

Invite your friends and get ready for some physical and intellectual and yet exciting adventure at TreeTop.

The Big Banana Fun Park offer so many amazing rides, slides and waterslides.

You’ll have a whole bunch of fun at the Big Banana Fun Park – enjoy amazing rides, slides and waterslides plus other exciting activities like mini-golf, laser tag, toboggan rides and more. Grab a choc-coated banana or a famous banana split!

And make sure you grab a selfie with Australia’s favourite ‘big thing’.

Accommodation: Check out Coffs Coast Holiday Parks comprising four award-winning, waterfront holiday parks dotted around the region. From villas to camping, waterparks to kids’ clubs, every need (and want) is catered for. 

Adventure together on the Coffs Coast

Whether you’re dreaming about a romantic hike, an exhilarating climb or a leisurely swim, there’s no better place to get your thrills (and spend quality time with your partner) than on the Coffs Coast.

Learn how to surf on some of the best beaches in NSW on the Coffs Coast.

Get to know the region’s riches of native animals, rainforests and waterways with a Waves to Wilderness tour. Essentially serving as a ‘top hits’ of Coffs, tours include a selection of experiences such as guided walks, kayaking, surfing and gourmet grazing.

No experience is required for kayaking or canoeing, just simply have fun as safety equipment will be provided.

Keen to continue that aquatic focus? C Change Adventures not only offers a range of canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddelboarding experiences, the adrenaline junkies among us can opt for a whitewater or sea kayaking experience (often complete with dolphins frolicking alongside).

A stand up paddle board tour of Red Rock, Moonee and Coffs Creek with local indigenous guides from Wajaana Yaam takes you into the local landscape and culture like never before.

Of course, if you want to experience cultural eco-tourism at its finest, Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours welcomes those keen to connect with land and sea by paddleboarding with the direct descendants of the world’s first paddleboarders. Choose your own adventure at Red Rock, Moonee Beach or Coffs Creek. 

Ready to dive in? Jetty Dive offers a range of adventures around the region, from whale watching and diving, to its popular snorkel trips out to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a sanctuary of underwater wonders.

Solitary Islands is one of the best dive sites in NSW.

Side note? Coffs Harbour has been assessed by the CSIRO as having the best climate in Australia so you can look forward to perfect subtropical weather, no matter the activity.

A living room with a view at the Observatory Holiday Apartments, Coffs Harbour.

Accommodation: Stay in style at Observatory Holiday Apartments. Located right by the heart of the action, the self-contained one- two- and three-bedroom apartments all take advantage of the spectacular foreshore. 

Spirited Explorer: relaxing on the Coffs Coast

Looking for inspiration and ready for fun? Coffs Harbour – home to significant Gumbaynggirr Indigenous cultural sites, spectacular food and drink offerings,  and some truly exquisite flora and fauna experiences – is all about living your best life in a manner befitting the region.

Critters Distillery tours offer award winning vodka crafted on site which is perfect way to spend the afternoon with friends.

Get in the spirit (literally) by dropping into Critters Distillery and signing up for the Critters Distillery Experience, an artisan vodka tour that pairs sustainability education with a range of specifically crafted vodka cocktail samples and an antipasto grazing plate.

A one of a kind gallery in Australia as it is known as the spiritual home of cartooning, inspire to entertain exhibitions and workshops.

Housed in a Second World War bunker, The National Cartoon Gallery is known as the spiritual home of cartooning in Australia and exhibitions include the Bill Leak Exhibition and Bald Archy Prize.

Stroll Coffs City Centre and discover where the locals eat.

The cherry on top? A CBD ‘eat and walk’ session with Bite Food Tours which includes sweet and savoury bites around town, including dessert at an American-style diner.

Adding wine, beer (or an evening of live music and dance) into the mix is easy; simply make a booking at Element Bar, a lively venue located on the popular Jetty strip. It’s as famous for its bands (Friday and Saturday nights as well as the Stone & Wood Sunday sessions) as it is for its varied menu.

For local Indigenous experience, an invitation to connect with the Gumbaynggirr culture presents itself in the form of a Bush Tucker & Medicine Tour courtesy of Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Taking place in the lush, coastal heath and wetlands, the classroom is every bit as intoxicating as the lesson itself.

Pacific Marina Luxury Apartments offer a birdseye view of Coffs Harbour Marina and Muttonbird Island.

Accommodation: Located within the heart of the Coffs Harbour Jetty Precinct, Pacific Marina Apartments offers a range of spacious, one- two- and three-bedroom apartments within a stone’s throw of some of Coffs Harbour’s best beaches and restaurants. 

For further information on a Coffs Harbour holiday, visit Coffs Coast.