Coffs Harbour boasts picturesque beaches, rainforests, local wildlife experiences, national parks, and plenty of adventure, but there’s a lot more to this laidback coastal city than meets the eye. With a robust reputation among coffee connoisseurs, Coffs Harbour — not Sydney or Melbourne — was named the coffee capital of Australia earlier this year. Naturally, the list of things to do here starts with a selfie at the iconic ‘Big Banana,’ arguably the state’s most popular ‘big thing.’ But summer in general is ripe for outdoor exploration, from swimming at pristine beaches to exploring the rainforests and waterfalls along Waterfall Way, or discovering the incredible Solitary Islands Marine Park, NSW’s third largest. Ready to plan a visit? Here is everything you should see, eat and do in Coffs Harbour this summer.
Things to do in Coffs Harbour this summer
Coffs Harbour is a sought-after summer getaway, so expect to mingle with tourists in its most popular spots, or venture beyond the crowds, and you’ll find a treasure trove of hidden gems that are worth seeking out.
With over 30 beaches, the Coffs Coast offers something for every beach lover. Jetty Beach is the perfect spot for a laid-back day, with easy access and great views of the harbour. For a bit of adventure, Park Beach is a hotspot for fishing, kayaking, and a refreshing dip in the ocean, with the Macauleys Headland Walk offering sparkling coastal views. Meanwhile, Diggers Beach is a peaceful retreat, and if you want a relatively wild and remote experience, Look At Me Now Headland at Emerald Beach offers kangaroo sightings and perfect waves for surfers.
When you’re ready to leave the beach behind, the Coffs Coast offers plenty of land-based adventures. Offshore, the Solitary Islands Marine Park is home to incredible marine life, while Dorrigo National Park boasts ancient rainforests and some of NSW’s best hidden waterfalls. For a scenic summer road trip, take the Moonpar Forest Drive, winding through 800-year-old trees and two lush national parks. You can also enjoy a serene walk along the Coffs Harbour Jetty, or soak up the views from one of the many waterfront cafes. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, Solitary Islands Aquarium, and the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can get up close to dolphins, seals, and penguins.
No trip to Coffs Harbour is complete without a visit to the Big Banana Fun Park, with amazing rides, mini-golf, laser tag and heaps more fun on the cards. This is where you’ll find the ‘Big Banana‘, so be sure to stop a while and mingle with locals and tourists at this famous spot.
Other ways to enjoy the town
With over 149 coffee shops, Coffs Harbour is a caffeine lover’s dream, and cafe-hopping is a rite of passage to discover what all the fuss is about.
Start at local favourite Dark Arts Cafe and Bar, known for its quirky gothic decor and locally roasted coffee, paired with delicious comfort food, or make your way to Palate & Ply Espresso Bar, a funky little spot serving (even more) coffee and a community vibe. Other stellar spots include Artisti Espresso Bar & Roastery, the place to go for everything coffee, Peach & Wolf Bakery for delicious baked goods and pastries, and the famous Going Bananas Cafe for their famous banana pancakes, banana cakes, and tasty banana smoothies. Find more cafes to check out around town here.
For something a little more upscale, head to Latitude 30 for seafood, cocktails, and turquoise ocean views or Bistro Vue for modern European flavours and elegant dinners. For something super local, add the lovely Harbourside Markets to your itinerary and fill your bags with jewellery, clothes and delicious hot food. Read more about Coffs Harbour and find accomodation options here.
Planning your trip
Coffs Harbour is a beautiful 5-hour, 45-minute drive from Sydney and just over 4 hours from Brisbane. It’s a perfect stop on a road trip, especially if you’re exploring the wonderful Waterfall Way. For those relying on public transport, you can catch a train from Sydney, which takes about nine hours. If you’re short on time, there are direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Coffs Harbour. Plan your trip on Transport for NSW.