The Coffs Harbour Pubs Putting the Coastal City on the Map

From old-school pubs that deliver truckloads of charm to those modelled on the famed beer halls of Europe and others with family-friendly beer gardens by the sea, Coffs has a pub to suit.

If you think you’ve seen all Coffs has to offer, we suggest it’s time you take another look. Coffs Harbour, and the greater Coffs Coast region, is morphing into one of northern NSW’s most alluring sun-soaked regions. Abuzz with a burgeoning craft beer scene and breezy waterfront watering holes, it’s a trendy locale for sinking a tipple and savouring local flavours. We collate the most exciting Coffs Harbour pubs to help you plot your next visit.

1. Jetty Beach House

cosy seating with food on the table inside Jetty Beach House

Soak up Mediterranean-inspired interiors and a menu of refined pub favourites.

Frozen margaritas with views out to one of NSW’s largest marine-protected marvels? Don’t mind if we do. Jetty Beach House, at the foot of the beautiful Solitary Islands Marine Park, is a chic, coastal dream rolling out killer cocktails, beers and wine. It’s family-friendly (with more than a few kids’ meals on the menu), which means you’ll be politely elbowing extended tribes for tables on the deck or on the grass at this standout Coffs Harbour pub.

Let the kids tire themselves out on the lawn as you soak up Mediterranean-inspired interiors and a menu of refined pub favourites including smoked salmon bruschetta, a soba noodle salad, baja fish tacos, a Karaage chicken burger and an elegant ploughman’s platter.

Address: 1 Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Harbour

2. The Coffs Hotel

a hand holding a glass alongside a plate of food on the table

Find reliably good pub food on offer.

One of central Coffs’ best-loved pubs, established in 1937, has undergone a glow-up. The Coffs Hotel, located on the corner of West High Street and the Pacific Highway, has opened Backroom, a space for local and touring entertainment.

If you’re not there for a gig, you’ll likely be hooked on the pub’s regular events, including Air Wave Saturdays with live DJs from 9pm, Trivia Night Wednesday and Cocktail Happy Hour from 7pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The bistro also dishes up hearty classics, plus there’s a relaxed beer garden and comfortable accommodation onsite.

Address: 135 West High Street, Coffs Harbour

3. Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant and Bar

an al fresco dining with umbrella facing the sea at Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant and Bar

Find a table with a view of Park Beach.

Set on a beautiful slice of real estate overlooking Park Beach, Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant and Bar is a local favourite, now attracting out-of-towners for its quality meals jazzed with fresh ingredients. Chef Matt Donovan plays with exotic flavours and local produce to deliver a seasonal menu across breakfast and lunch. Think a signature warm Greek seafood salad, seafood chowder, rich curries and epic corn fritters in the AM.

Let relaxed drinks flow freely as you gaze out to serene ocean vistas from the northern deck and the indoor dining room thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.

Address: 23 Surf Club Road, Coffs Harbour

4. King Tide Brewing

A Coffs Harbour brewpub to fall for, King Tide Brewing is a colossal 250-seat space fitted out with two bars, a beer garden and glorious tanks of their home brew. Inspired by the famed beer halls of Europe, the team are elevating the Coffs region’s craft brewing chops to all-new heights. There’s always something new to try on tap, but you’ll always find smashing pale ales and lagers plus ginger beer cameos and more. Hungry? Don’t miss the traditional Polish dumplings, paying homage to one of the founders’ Euro roots, and there’s also small plates, burgers and heavy hitters like crispy pork knuckle, Wiener Schnitzel and a sausage plate to devour.

Address: 1 Studio Lane, Coffs Harbour

5. Woolgoolga Brewing Co.

the al fresco spot with umbrellas at Woolgoolga Brewing Co.

Find a sunny spot outside and let little ones run free on the spacious lawn.

Another craft beer label giving Coffs serious beer cred is Woolgoolga Brewing Co., known locally as Woopi Brewing Co. (the town is more commonly called Woopi). Bringing the Coffs Coast’s most passionate beer aficionados together in a giant shed just 25 minutes from Coffs Harbour, the brewery is set atop a hill that’s dotted with picnic benches and more than enough space to exhaust little ones.

While they’re occupied, taste the brand’s core range spanning ciders, pale ales, a lager and ginger beer and snap up dishes from the lunch and dinner menu including woodfired pizzas, generous share plates, grazing platters and desserts.

Address: 7 Willis Road, Woolgoolga

6. The Pier Hotel

The historic Pier Hotel dates back to 1905.

Love your pubs for their cosy meals? The Pier Hotel is a beautiful old Coffs Harbour pub that dates back to 1905 and delivers truckloads of charm within the town’s Jetty strip. Just five minutes from the beach, it retains many of its old-world features, carefully modernised through contemporary furnishings. Order your feed from the bistro menu, which includes delicious pub classics like bangers and mash, battered fish and burgers alongside smaller Asian-inspired dishes like duck spring rolls and Korean chicken.

Address: 356 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

7. Moonee Beach Hotel

a close-up of pizza and drinks on the table

The menu runs the gamut from sticky chilli wings to pizza to seafood laksa.

Venture just 15 minutes north of Coffs Harbour along the coast by car and you’ll hit the fun-loving Moonee Beach Hotel, putting smiles on the dials of sun-seeking locals.

The chilled-out pub is especially family-friendly, catering to little ones through their playground, various games and even school holiday programs. Even fur babies are welcome, plus there’s a huge beer garden for everyone to soak up the salty air.

When it’s time to eat, a lunch and dinner menu features delicious comfort food like sticky chilli wings, cheesy garlic bread, pizzas, burgers, pastas, nachos, seafood laksa and even more.

Address: 2 Moonee Beach Road, Moonee Beach

8. The Coramba Hotel

It’s technically in the Orara Valley, one of the Coffs Coast’s most spectacular tourist trails, but no list of the region’s best pubs can neglect The Coramba Hotel. Located 15 minutes inland from Coffs Harbour, it won’t look like much at first glance but head out the back of the venue to be floored. Backing out over picturesque farmland, it’s a one-of-a-kind beer garden that’s endlessly atmospheric. Let those strong country vibes, especially on the weekends when live music lights the place up, wash over you as an extensive bistro menu keeps you there well into the evening.

Address: 17 Gale Street, Coramba

9. Toormina Hotel

Savour the moment with your beverage of choice. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Hug the coastline south for about 15 minutes beyond Coffs Harbour and you’ll get to Toormina Hotel, a popular spot to unwind right near the town’s shopping centre. It’s a familiar setting, all leafy greens against timber tables, but make a beeline for The Palms, its outdoor bar and dining area to seize prime real estate. Filled with cabanas and a fenced children’s playground, it’s a chilled-out spot to savour the bar menu which spans traditional pub favourites and Asian-inspired bites.

Address: Lot 1 Minorca Place, Toormina

10. Sawtell Hotel

Step into the Mediterranean-inspired Sawtell Hotel. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Just a short stroll from Sawtell Beach, south of Coffs Harbour, is the Mediterranean-inspired Sawtell Hotel, owned by the same people who have breathed new life into the Moonee Beach Hotel and the Toormina Hotel. This venue first opened its doors in 1932 but their recent remodelling efforts have propelled the old pub to hipster ranks and it’s now a magnet for the young and old.

Climb up a level to perch yourself on its wraparound verandah, offering mellow street views and a sublime spot to laze away an afternoon. Food-wise, there’s great pub classics plus they’ve been nationally acclaimed for their seafood.

Address: 51-55 First Avenue, Sawtell

11. The Seaview Tavern

Located about 25 minutes north of Coffs Harbour, The Seaview Tavern is worth the extra drive, thanks to this pub’s festoon-lit beer garden, kids play area, cocktail bar, live music and endlessly relaxed good times. Didn’t process anything except that award-winning schnitty? The headliner can be ordered off the bistro menu with gravy for $24, a total steal.

Address: 51 River Street, Woolgoolga

12. The Hoey Moey

Arguably the most iconic Coffs Harbour pub, The Hoey Moey is still roping crowds in for its reliably rowdy fun times and laidback, quintessentially Coffs attitude. You’ll find it right by Park Beach and guaranteed to be pumping of a weekend (especially Sundays) when live music draws locals in to effortlessly bump into mates. The extensive bar menu covers everything you’re craving, whether it’s smoked barbecue pork ribs, fettuccini carbonara, pizzas, burgers and more.

Address: 84 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour

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.

These Coffs Harbour pubs are putting the coastal city on the map