Coffs Harbour
,Coffs Harbour is a coastal city located in New South Wales, Australia known for its stunning beaches and lush rainforest surroundings. The city is famous for the iconic Big Banana - a large banana statue and amusement park that is a popular tourist attraction. Coffs Harbour offers a range of outdoor activities such as surfing, diving, and hiking in nearby national parks.
With its relaxed coastal lifestyle and abundance of natural beauty, Coffs Harbour is a popular holiday destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $35
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $70 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $80
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Coffs Harbour Adventure
morning
:Start your day with a refreshing walk along the stunning Jetty Beach. Grab breakfast at a local café and soak in the ocean views.
afternoon
:Visit the Coffs Harbour Marina for some water activities or enjoy a boat cruise. Explore the local shops and indulge in some retail therapy.
evening
:Dine at a seaside restaurant and watch the sunset over the horizon. Don't miss out on a night stroll along the beach.
Nature Exploration
morning
:Begin your day at the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House and enjoy the colorful surroundings. Engage with nature and take plenty of pictures.
afternoon
:Head to the Bruxner Park Flora Reserve for a scenic walk through the lush forest. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and unique flora.
evening
:Wind down with a picnic dinner at the park. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and listen to the sounds of nature.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful beaches and natural scenery
- Mild climate year-round
- Access to outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports
- Family-friendly community with various amenities
- Rich cultural activities and local festivals
Bad
- Limited job opportunities in certain industries
- Higher cost of living compared to rural areas
- Potential for natural disasters, such as storms or flooding
- Fewer entertainment options compared to larger cities
- Public transport can be limited in some regions
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Whale Watching
Coffs Harbour is a popular spot for whale watching, with the chance to see humpback whales during their annual migration season from June to November.
Water Sports
Enjoy activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking in the beautiful waters surrounding Coffs Harbour.
Hiking in Dorrigo National Park
Explore the stunning rainforest and waterfalls of Dorrigo National Park, just a short drive from Coffs Harbour.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Coffs Harbour with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Muttonbird Island
Offers panoramic views of Coffs Harbour and is a great spot for watching the sunset.
Sealy Lookout
Provides stunning views of the coastline and surrounding hinterland, with a skywalk and forest sky pier.
The Big Banana
Iconic tourist attraction with a lookout offering views over Coffs Harbour and the surrounding landscape.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Barramundi
A must-try local dish, barramundi, a delicious freshwater fish, is served in many restaurants and cafes across Coffs Harbour. The fish is often grilled or fried and showcases the region's abundant seafood offerings.
Must-Try!
Macadamia Nuts
Indigenous to Australia, macadamia nuts are a popular snack and ingredient in many local dishes. Look for them in cafes, bakeries, and markets around Coffs Harbour.
Avocado Smash
Coffs Harbour's avocado smash is a renowned breakfast choice, featuring locally grown avocados served on artisanal bread with various tasty accompaniments.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Coffs Coast Growers Market
Held every Thursday, the Coffs Coast Growers Market is a fantastic place to experience fresh local produce, artisanal products, and ready-to-eat street food. Visitors can savor authentic flavors from various stalls and food trucks while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Hawker-style Food Stalls
Venture into the heart of Coffs Harbour and discover hawker-style food stalls offering an array of global cuisines. From Asian-inspired noodle dishes to tantalizing Indian street food, these stalls promise a gastronomic adventure for all food lovers.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect Personal Space
In Coffs Harbour, it is important to respect personal space and maintain a comfortable distance when interacting with others.
Acknowledging Indigenous Culture
It is respectful to acknowledge and show appreciation for the rich indigenous culture and heritage present in the area.
Be Mindful of Local Wildlife
Coffs Harbour is known for its diverse wildlife, so it is important to show consideration and respect for the environment and local wildlife.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Australia, including Coffs Harbour. However, it is appreciated for exceptional service in restaurants, cafes, and hotels. A 10% tip is customary for good service, but it is not a widespread practice.
Payment
In Coffs Harbour, as in the rest of Australia, payment is commonly made using credit or debit cards. Cash is also widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available. Contactless and mobile payments are becoming increasingly popular and are widely supported by businesses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summer (December to February)
Warm weather, ideal for beach activities and water sports. The town is livelier with many events and festivals.
Autumn (March to May)
Milder weather, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the surrounding nature reserves. The landscape is vibrant with autumn colors.
Winter (June to August)
Cooler weather, but still pleasant. Whale watching is a popular activity during this season, and it's a great time to enjoy the region's coffee culture and indoor attractions.
Spring (September to November)
Warmer weather returns, and the flora and fauna come to life. It's a good time for outdoor adventures and witnessing the blooming of flowers in the surrounding gardens.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coffs Coastal Walk
A scenic coastal walk that stretches for 10 kilometers, providing stunning ocean views, rainforest areas, and diverse wildlife. Suitable for walkers of all levels.
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
Located offshore from Coffs Harbour, this island offers a short hike with panoramic views of the coastline and opportunities to see seabirds and marine life.
Bellingen River National Park
A short drive from Coffs Harbour, this park features a range of hiking trails through lush rainforests, alongside the Bellingen River, ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Dorrigo National Park
A bit further from Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo offers stunning hikes through ancient rainforests, with spectacular waterfalls and lookouts along various trails.
Gordon Park
A local favorite, this small park features walking tracks through scenic bushland, great for a quick hike or leisurely stroll close to the city.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Coffs Harbour by plane.
Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)
The primary international airport serving Sydney, located approximately 550 km south of Coffs Harbour.
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
The main airport serving Brisbane, situated about 250 km north of Coffs Harbour.
Gold Coast Airport (OOL)
Located near Coolangatta, this airport is approximately 300 km north of Coffs Harbour, serving both domestic and international flights.
Newcastle Airport (NTL)
Located approximately 400 km south of Coffs Harbour, serving domestic routes with some international flights.
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Though further away at about 1,200 km south of Coffs Harbour, it is one of the largest international airports in Australia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Australian citizens
The majority population of Coffs Harbour, predominantly comprising various ethnic backgrounds.
Indigenous Australians
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in and around Coffs Harbour.
Older adults (65+ years)
A significant demographic in the region, reflecting a trend towards an aging population.
Young adults (18-34 years)
A vibrant demographic contributing to the local workforce and cultural scene.
Families with children
A substantial group contributing to Coffs Harbour's community and school systems.
International students
A growing demographic attending local educational institutions.
Tourists
Seasonal visitors that impact the local economy and demographic trends.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Surfing
Coffs Harbour is known for its beautiful beaches and great surf conditions, attracting surfers from all over.
Cricket
Cricket is popular in the local community, with various clubs and competitions for all ages.
Netball
Netball enjoys a strong following in Coffs Harbour, with many local teams participating in regional competitions.
Rugby League
Rugby league is a favored sport, with local clubs and a passionate fan base supporting the game.
Soccer
Soccer has been growing in popularity, with local leagues and youth programs encouraging participation.
Golf
Coffs Harbour features several golf courses, making it a popular sport for residents and visitors alike.
Tennis
Tennis is widely played in the area, with facilities available for both casual and competitive players.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Coffs Harbour embraces vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, with many establishments offering plant-based menus. Visitors will find a wide range of meat-free and dairy-free options, from hearty mains to tempting desserts, in various cafes and restaurants.
Gluten-Free Choices
For those seeking gluten-free dining, Coffs Harbour provides numerous eateries that cater to this dietary requirement. From dedicated gluten-free bakeries to restaurants offering gluten-free meals, individuals with gluten sensitivities can explore the local food scene with confidence.