5 best beaches in Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is known for a comically large Big Banana plantation and incredible coastal weather, but it’s also surrounded by vast hinterlands of National Parks and uncrowded beaches.

If you’re basing your trip in the centre of Coffs Harbour, these places aren’t hard to travel to. Only a 20-minute car ride up or down the road and you’ll find yourself at some of the best beaches on the coast. You’ll find our guide to five of the best below.

1. Emerald Beach

Spot the wild kangaroos at Look At Me Now Headlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Make your way to the headland of Emerald Beach with a picnic basket and rug to soak up some sunshine while taking in the panoramic views of surrounding shores. When it’s ‘busy’, you might spot a few people strolling along the sand keeping an eye out for a playful pod of dolphins.

The Look At Me Now Headland is located around this area. It’s only a short 30-minute walk (roughly) and you’ll get stunning coastal views all year round. Pack a picnic lunch and take the little ones up for a nice afternoon in the sun. You might even spot some ‘roos hopping about.

2. Woolgoolga Beach

ship wreck at Woolgoolga Beach coffs harbour

Head to ‘Woopi’ in whale season to spot some gentle giants. (Image: Destination NSW)

Woopi, as the locals call it, is suitable for surfers, swimmers, fishers and divers alike. Find a range of natural wonderlands to explore in the surrounding area, from unspoilt beaches to charming farmland to lush rainforests. Plus, throughout May to October, this is the prime location on the Coffs Coast for whale watching.

3. Jetty Beach

Jetty Beach is one of the more popular beaches in Coffs. (Image: Destination NSW)

A very family-friendly and popular beach spot is Jetty Beach. You’ll find the locals mingling with tourists while wading through the waves. The restaurant strip sits in the backstreets behind the beach and features a heap of quality eats. Stop into the Urban Espresso Lounge for an avo and feta smash toast before you hit the sand for the day.

If you’re coming down on the train, this beach is located right in front of the station for your utmost convenience. Pop down and see if you can book a spot on a whale and dolphin watching tour, or just bring your own flippers and snorkels to witness some epic marine life.

The picturesque Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is only an hour round trip, and although it has some steep trails along the way, they give you the advantage of being able to perch out over the water to see some stingrays or sea turtles down below – if you’re lucky. Once you’ve reached the finish, step back and get your cameras ready for those stunning Coffs hinterlands and city views.

4. Diggers Beach

stairs leaading to diggers beach coffs harbour

Surfs up at Diggers Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Diggers is known as a prime surfing spot along the Coffs Coast, and it’s located right across the road from the Big Banana. You can go for a climb along the rocks – wear proper shoes so you don’t slip! If you walk a little further up you’ll stumble across Little Diggers Beach, which is an unofficial nude beach, for when you’re feeling a little cheeky (pardon the pun).

The best scenic late afternoon or sunset walk in the area is undoubtedly from Diggers Beach to Charlesworth Bay. It will take you two hours to complete, and you’ll spot some bush turkeys, walk through the rainforest at Diggers Head and past the Solitary Islands Aquarium (a perfect place to stop if you’re walking with little ones). Backtrack the way you came and stop into the SSS BBQ Barns for a juicy steak.

5. Moonee Beach

Moonee Beach is an unknown slice of paradise. (Image: Destination NSW)

Moonee Beach is a haven for those looking for calm waves and chilled vibes. The beach has shallow waters and plenty of shaded areas, so you can either lie peacefully in the sun or catch up on that good book you’ve been carrying around. It is also dog-friendly, so bring your puppy along for the day too.

If you want to grab some of the best fish ‘n chips in the area, head on over to Rosie’s. Serving up plates of crispy calamari, beer-battered fish and potato scallops alongside crunchy salted chips. Grab it to take away and sit under the trees to enjoy your grub and one of the best views in Coffs.

Planning a trip to Coffs Harbour? Check out our guide on everything you need to know before visiting the coast.

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour, your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village. Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park, a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail.

Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen.

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout.

Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views.

Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op, before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island, a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion, a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour

Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures.

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton

Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca.

Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.