7 Ways to Spend Your Days on a Coffs Coast Road Trip

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.

Go for the beaches but stay for artisanal creativity and action-packed things to do in Coffs Harbour.

There are serious waves being made on NSW’s Coffs Coast as the holiday hot spot, almost smack-bang between Sydney and Brisbane, is poised to become the new capital of Mid North Coast cool. From hinterland exploration and inspired dining to activities you can’t do anywhere else, here are the very best things to do in Coffs Harbour and throughout the Coffs Coast.

1. Make furry friends at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary

The main town is a tourist magnet thanks to the exceptional Coffs Harbour restaurants and lively cafes that dot the streets but make time to meet the adorable locals.

the exterior of Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is home to enchanting marine life as the passionate team strives to instil deeper care and responsibility through its conservation efforts.

What of the animals, you ask? Spy penguins, sea lions, dolphins, turtles, fantastical fish, peacocks and more as you stroll the relaxed space on Orlando Street right near the Jetty.

Kids can experience up-close encounters with a range of wildlife. (Image: Fire & Fly Photography)

2. Soak up contemporary art at Yarrila Arts and Museum

Avant-garde art mightn’t be the first thing that pops into your mind when somebody says Coffs Harbour, but Yarrila Arts and Museum is upping the ante.

Step into Yarrila Arts and Museum.

Paying respect to the original Gumbaynggirr country, the word ‘yarrila’ means illuminate, which sums up exactly what this fascinating space is doing to the region.

Appreciate more than 18,000 individual objects and artefacts and gaze at more than 600 pieces of art across five spaces as rotating exhibitions shine a light on contemporary thought leaders in the most intriguing of ways.

the installation view at Yarrila Arts and Museum

Explore the installations and exhibits at Yarrila Arts and Museum.

3. Surf or swim your dream waves in Coffs

Surf culture has long been part of Coffs Harbour’s DNA, but that scene is being increasingly energised as surfers looking to escape the crowds explore this part of the coastline in search of the perfect break.

surfers at the pier of Jetty Beach. during sunrise

Welcome the sunrise with a morning swim. (Image: Destination NSW)

Solitary Islands Surf School will find a wave to suit everyone at Boambee, Jetty, Murrays, North Wall and Sawtell beaches while swimmers can dip between the flags at Woolgoolga Beach.

Experienced surfers will froth on Gallows near the quarry and Trapdoors in Sawtell. Lee Winkler’s Surf School is another goodie and offers multi-day camps to help you really lean in.

Hit the waves in Coffs. (Image: Destination NSW)Hit the waves in Coffs. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Walk to the top of Muttonbird Island

Start your heroic stride to the top of Muttonbird Island from the Coffs Harbour Marina and along the northern part of the breakwall until you reach the base of Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, where interpretative signage tells the Dreamtime story of the moon-man who protected the land.

the aerial view of Muttonbird Island Walking Track in Coffs Harbour

Reach the top of Muttonbird Island. (Image: Destination NSW)

The 1.3-kilometre-return walk will steer you to the eastern lookout, which offers stunning views over Solitary Island, a prime spot for whale watching (from May to November).

the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, CoffsHarbour from above

See spectacular views from Muttonbird Island. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Enjoy an Indigenous-led SUP tour

Who better to guide you on a two-and-a-half-hour SUP tour of Red Rock Creek than a Gumbaynggirr guide from Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours? Their ancestors have been cutting canoes from trees and paddling around these waterways for thousands and thousands of years.

Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours stand-up paddle boarders on Coffs Creek

Paddle Red Rock Creek with Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours. (Image: Destination NSW)

Indeed, the most stirring stories about Gumbaynggirr country are written in the landscape and told by members of the local Aboriginal clan who invest a proportion of their profits to support young people in the community.

paddleboarding with Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours at Moonee Creek on the Coffs Coast

Go SUPing with a Gumbaynggirr guide. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Swim with humpback whales

Visit the Coffs Coast in August or September and you will get the chance to swim with humpback whales as they migrate south to the waters off Antarctica.

the tail of a humpback whale swimming into the water

Have a chance to swim with humpback whales.

It’s worth noting that whale-swimming tours with Jetty Dive Centre are weather dependant, as they are conducted in the deep ocean, and they’re only on offer to children over the age of 12 and those who can confidently swim 200 metres.

Those reluctant to slide off the boat and into the sea can enjoy a whale-watching tour instead.

You can also join whale-watching tours with Jetty Dive Centre.

7. Get on your bike and cycle around Coffs Harbour

Coffs Creek Walk and Cycleway is a shared trail that pretzels around the CBD, North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetty Beach and Park Beach. While the walk and ride can be broken down into shorter sections, you can also go the distance if you’re feeling energetic. Alternatively, explore the Jetty foreshore by bike by renting two wheels from Coffs Harbour Electric Bike Hire. If you’re feeling like changing down a few gears, ask Coffs Harbour Trike & Private Tours to design a custom adventure just for you.

Family cycling the jetty in Coffs Harbour

Wind your way along the Coffs Coast on two wheels.

8. Soar through the treetops

Swing through the towering gum trees like Tarzan with Treetops Adventure right near Sealy Lookout in the Orara East State Forest. Courses are graded according to difficulty but there are more than 90 aerial challenges to choose from including 20 ziplines. Plus, kids from the age of three can get stuck in. Budding ninja warriors (and probably their parents) will enjoy the challenge of climbing through the adventure park configured with elevated obstacles, rope ladders, tunnels, cargo nets, wobbly bridges and more.

walking along the course at Treetops AdventureCoffs Harbour

Embrace your inner Tarzan at Treetops Adventure. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Flap around the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House

Learn about the life cycle of butterflies as they flit and fly around you at the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, an institution for insects in Bonville, just 20 minutes south of Coffs Harbour.

a close-up shot of a butterfly on a flower at the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House

See a butterfly up close at Coffs Harbour Butterfly House. (Image: Destination NSW)

Not only are there displays with live insects, but there’s also a dinosaur forest that houses “extinct” dinosaurs that move and roar around you. Here for the exclusively winged creatures? Look out for fairies that figure-eight around the trees, then.

Children will love learning about different species such as the distinctive Ulysses butterfly, which is velvety black and metallic blue.

You’ll also find other winged creatures in the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House. (Image: Destination NSW)

10. Go horse-riding along Boambee Beach

Boambee Beach is much-loved by locals and you can see why as you plod along the beach to admire this pristine swathe of coastline on horseback with HWH Stables.

horse-riding along Boambee Beach with HWH Stables

Join HWH Stables on a horseback ride along Boambee Beach.

The popular ‘Photographic Horse Riding Tour’, which can be booked for one hour, two hours or three-and-a-half hours, heads along Boambee Beach and curves to Boambee Bay Lagoon, where your four-legged companions are led into the water for a swim as guide and photographer Chris Fenech zooms in on the action to help you savour the day.

horseback rides along Boambee Beach, HWH Stables

Book the popular Photographic Horse Riding Tour.

11. Get a selfie at The Big Banana

You don’t need to consult your Little Book of Dad Jokes to pre-empt the fact old mate will likely say, ‘Keep your eyes peeled for The Big Banana’ when road-tripping toward this iconic tourist attraction.

See the iconic Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

While the giant yellow 13-metre piece of fruit, one of Australia’s best Big Things, is certainly an impressive landmark when it lurches into view, it’s the adjacent water park, toboggan ride, ice skating rink, bumper cars, escape rooms, candy kitchen, giant slide and laser tag that are the park’s main draws.

a mother and daughter enjoying a toboggan ride at The BigBanana in Coffs Harbour

Try the toboggan ride. (Image: Destination NSW)

And that’s not even the entire list. Whatever you tackle, it’s compulsory to buy some choc-coated bananas, which are, thankfully, more to scale.

a choc-coated banana sundae at The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour

Grab a banana sundae while you’re at it. (Image: Destination NSW)

12. Discover the creative side of Coffs Harbour

The Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery at the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Corindi Beach exhibits traditional and contemporary art from First Nations people from the northern lowlands of Gumbaynggirr country and across regional Australia. ‘Yarrawarra’ means ‘happy meeting place’ and the centre, 30 minutes north of Coffs Harbour, hosts a range of activities spanning bush tucker tours and art workshops.

the inside of Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery at YarrawarraAboriginal Cultural Centre, Coffs Harbour

Admire traditional and contemporary art from First Nations people. (Image: Wadjar Regional Indigenous Gallery, Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre)

13. Go brewery hopping across the Coffs Coast

Craft beer nuts, this one’s for you. Flexing their artisanal chops in the centre of Coffs Harbour and right up along the Coffs Coast, local brewers are blending up the hard stuff like nobody’s business.

Embark on your brew trail at King Tide Brewing, paying homage to traditional European beers as well as fabulous twists on Aussie natives.

a look inside King Tide Brewing in Coffs Harbour

Kick off your brewery hopping at King Tide Brewing.

You won’t want to miss Woolgoolga Brewing Co. either, where killer IPA flows and locals converge for quality pub grub on a giant kid-friendly lawn. Don’t miss a chance to sample the fruits of Gallows Brewing Co.’s labour too, on tap at Jetty Beach House, one of the region’s best pubs, among other local hangouts.

people dining and drinking at Woolgoolga Brewing Co.

Catch up over beers at Woolgoolga Brewing Co.

This article was originally written by Carla Grossetti with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams.

7 great day trips from your Coffs Coast homebase