Located on the
mid-north coast of NSW, 540 kilometres north of Sydney, Coffs Harbour is one of NSW’s most popular tourist destinations. With an average maximum summer temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, which drops to a mild 19 degrees average in mid-winter, Coffs Harbour gets the scientists’ vote for the best climate in Australia.
Toss in pristine beaches, a lush hinterland, fishing, challenging golf courses, cavorting whales and dolphins and a variety of theme and adventure parks, and Coffs has it all.
Families have been holidaying at Coffs Harbour since the 1880s. While its natural beauty, enhanced by the fact that it is the only point on the east coast where the Great Dividing Range kisses the ocean, remains much as it did back then, the man-made attractions of Coffs Harbour keep it in the vanguard of modern tourist destinations.
If all the action begins to take its toll, you can recharge the batteries taking time out in the regional Botanic Gardens. Located in the centre of town, the botanical park features tranquil walkways through the sub-tropical flora typical of this singular corner of NSW.
The region boasts a great diversity of landscapes, from the banana-clad hills (over 50% of the state's bananas are grown here) of the Great Dividing Range to the west and the pristine beaches of the Pacific Ocean to the various national parks, nature reserves and state forests that occupy almost half of the city area.
Captain John Korff, who ferried timber cutters to and from the forests, first appreciated the potential in the 1840s, and the area was named Korffs Harbour in 1847, which was changed to the anglicised Coffs Harbour in 1861.
The diving is excellent out of Coffs Harbour, particularly off the Solitary Island Marine Park, where more than 100 different types of coral and numerous species of exotic fish can be seen.
A few kilometres north of Coffs is that singular attraction, The Big Banana, which celebrates and markets the product of one of the district's staple industries.
Major attractions in and around Coffs include:
Coffs Harbour Jetty - stroll the jetty and gaze out at the ocean, have a swim at Jetty Beach or visit one of the area’s cafes, restaurants and shops
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve - habitat for 12,000 or so pairs of muttonbirds that nest here each year. The island is also a great spot in June and Setember from which to view the passing humpback whales
The Big Banana - located 4 km north of the Coffs CBD, a much-stopped at attraction for generations of holidaymakers. Buy banana products, take a train tour, have a meal in the café or check out the panoramic views of the Coffs Coast
Coffs Harbour Zoo - in Moonee, 11 km north of Coffs on the pacific Highway. Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, snakes, rainforest birds, barnyard animals and more
Beaches - the region boasts more than 40 km of beaches. Those closest to the town are Park Beach, Diggers Beach, Jetty Beach and Boambee Beach
Golf - numerous courses dot the region, none more impressive than Bonville International Golf Resort. The course is a challenging par 73, and is one of the best resort courses in the country
Coffs Harbour Museum - everything from a fully operational lighthouse to photographs and historical artefacts. Located on High Street, 5 minutes walk from the city centre
Pet Porpoise Pool - located on Orlando Street, near the mouth of Coffs Creek. Dolphin shows daily, oceanarium and café
Aquajet Leisure Park - water slides, wading pools, mini golf, picnic and BBQ areas and more
The Clog Barn - a little piece of Holland in Coff Harbour. Browse the clogs, or walk around the model Dutch village
Whitewater rafting on the Nymboida River - various operators in town can arrange this thrilling experience for you
Horseriding - in Valery, south-west of Coffs Harbour
Visitor Information Centre - located on the corner of the Pacific Highway and McLean Street
Find out more about the mid-north coast of NSW.
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