Coffs Harbour Local Knowledge

Browse accommodation in Coffs Harbour
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Activities

Bongil Bongil Kayak Tour
Journey with us into nature, kayaking the waters of the Bongil Bongil National Park. Encompass an array of rich and diverse plant and animal communities, with unspoiled beaches, wetlands, littoral rainforest and pristine estuaries. It's time to reconnect with nature.
Green Outback Experience
Why not experience our 8-day tour in the beautiful National Parks between Sydney and Brisbane. Experience sandy white beaches, mountains and Australia''s oldest rainforests.
Horse Ride Bushranger Pub Crawl 5 Day Tour
Come and join in on our 5 day Bushranger ride where you will experience riding through the New England Ranges on very reliable horses. Approximately 4-6 hours riding per day with a hot shower, country cooked meals and a comfy bed at the end of each day.
Horse Riding Through Falls Gorge - 3 days
A 3 day horse riding adventure where guests are reluctant to leave on the 4th morning. This ride goes through some spectacular rugged Gorge country. Meals, riding, accommodation, luggage and transfer are all included.
Morning Surf Lessons
Have you ever stood on the beach in awe of the surfers riding the waves onto the beach? Here's your chance to join the other surfers and immerse yourself in the waters of the Solitary Islands Marine Park with a surf lesson on the Coffs Coast.
Plateau Highlights
Why not experience 3 beautiful days in the National Parks on the Dorrigo Plateau, in the hinterland of New South Wales North Coast. Experience the granite tors, rainforest, wilderness and waterfalls.
Scuba Dive - Fish Rock Cave
Daily Scuba Dives to Fish Rock Cave Fish Rock Cave presents a truly unique experience for divers. The thrill of entering a 125 metre long cave and travelling right through the centre of a small island with an amazing array of marine life, is one dive that you will not want to miss.
Scuba Dive Fish Rock Cave - Midweek Special for 2
5 Nights Accommodation / 8 Boat Dives $415 p.p. Fish Rock Cave presents a truely unique experience for divers. The thrill of entering a 125 metre long cave and travelling right through the centre of a small island with an amazing array of marine life, is one dive that you will not want to miss.
Sea Kayaking Morning Tour
Coffs Harbour is renowned for its abundant marine life, perfect waves and extraordinary scenic beauty. What better way to explore the unique environment of the Solitary Island Marine Park than by sea kayak? We'll keep an eye out for dolphins, turtles, fish and in season - the beautiful whales.
Surfing Classes in Coffs Harbour
Surfing is one of the most incredible sports and lifestyles you can enjoy. There is no feeling so exhilarating as catching your first wave, or experiencing your longest ride or pulling off a hot manoeuvre. With our classes, we ensure you will have a positive and safe time in the surf.
Surfrafting Morning Tour
This unique Australian adventure activity has you surfing the waves in 12' rafts with plenty of 'thrills and spills'. Paddle out through the surf onto the cresting waves for a ride of a lifetime back to the beach - most times (you do get a little swimming practice at times!) .
Tandem Skydive Over Coffs Harbour
Skydive and experience up to 50 seconds of free-fall time over one of the most picturesque locations on the Australian Coastline. You'll spend up to eight minutes floating over Coffs Harbour and taking in the magnificent views. Great staff, great views and simply the best adrenaline rush...
Tandem Skydive over Coffs Harbour
Are you ready for the best experience of your life? Why not skydive at one of only a few location in NSW where you can land on the beach. We will take you up to 12,000 feet where you jump out over the magnificent Coffs' coastline. Experience the rush of the free fall then enjoy the view.
Whitewater Rafting Full Day
Come and raft the Nymboida River - one of the world's classic rivers. Dramatic granite gorges, rainforest-lined banks and professional guides ensure this is the perfect setting for whitewater enthusiasts and to fully appreciate the river's stunning beauty!
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Must do/see

Bruxner Park

Bruxner Park lookout allows you to view the whole region from Emerald Beach to the North back to Urunga to the South and the lovely Bellingen to the South West.

Coffs Harbour Beaches

Some of the many beautiful Coffs Harbour beaches
Enjoy National Parks in Coffs Harbour region

Dorrigo National Park

World Heritage listed Dorrigo National Park is a stunning sub tropical rainforest environment with altitude. Amazing views, scenic lookouts, excellent walking tracks, waterfalls and cafe, picnic spots and an interesting exhilerating drive.
1300 361 967

George's Gold Mine

Guided tours of a working gold mine. Scenic lookout, rainforest, walks and picnic facilities. Open Wed-Sun. and all Public Holidays First tour 10:30am Last tour 3pm. 25kms from Kalamunda Homestay B&B
02 66545355

Maze

Linda's Labyrinth is just amazing. Beautifuly manicured hedges form this spectacular labyrinth. Very reasonable admission charges. BBQ facilities and picnic area available all inclusive of admission. Small kiosk. You can even have a children's birthday party at the Labyrinth!

Moonie Farm Horse Riding

Liscense with the State Forest, providing one of Australia's best horse rides. Take a horse ride through beautiful countryside and visit the remains of Gold mine shafts, hidden creeks and watering holes of long ago. Take one of our trails which allows you to swim with the horses. Or maybe you've always wanted to ride a horse well now you can. We have a fully enclosed arena and small round yard for those who want to have a go, but don't feel confident to go bush. We specialise in learning through fun with our gymkhana 2 hour sessions- You don't need your own horse, you don't need to be able to ride, all you need is the ability to have fun! Contact us for our schedule times
(02) 6654 3163
rock pool

Sawtell Rockpool

Enjoy a relaxing swim in Sawtell's rock pool. Just down from Sawtell headland.

Toogoolawah Wedding Gardens

Exquisite private gardens for that special occasion. If you are looking for that perfect venue for you special day, come and see Toogoolawah (means Place of The Heart' )
02 66512480
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Eating out

Burgers

Good burgers can sometimes be hard to find. The 2 best places to get a great burger are Saphire Corner Store at Saphire beach and Julies Galley at the marina. mmm both delicious.
house baked cakes

Ferndahl Mountain Inn

sit back and enjoy the ambiance of award winning gardens; overlooking Orara Valley; licensed/BYO cafe restaurant; casual dining Wednesday to Sunday from 10am and Thursday thru Saturday from 5.30pm
02 66538448

Room 101

This wonderful new restaurant only opens for dinner, and is at 101 Fiddamon Road, Emerald Beach - an easy walk from Ocean View Holiday Cottage. Book early if you want a table for Friday or Saturday, or you may be disappointed.
02 6656 1633

Wood Fired Pizza

You will find the best wood fired, home-made pizzas at the local Coramba Cafe every Friday evenings from 6pm until 8pm. Dine in or take away available. Only 16kms from Coffs Harbour and 2 kms from Kalamunda self-contained accommodation.
02 66544120
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Entertainment

White Water Rafting

Liquid Assets Adventure

For the adventurers, sea kayaking, surfrafting, surf lessons, Bongil Bongil Kayaking or Whitewater rafting. Special packages available at motel
02 6658 0850

Moonie Farm

Pony Parties- Have a party your kids won't forget!
(02) 6654 3163
The Big Banana

The Big Banana

Visit the Coffs Coast Icon, The Big Banana and learn all about Bananas and get a taste of the real banana. Toboggans, Ice Skating and Coffee shop all one location.
02 6652 4355

Yacht Club

Enjoy drinks and fine dining at Sails at the Yachtie on any day of the week. Great views and great people. Live entertainment and enjoyable nights.
0266525725
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What to do

Beach Safety Tips

Surf Lifesaving Australia Beach Safety Tips

Diving & Swimming around Coffs

Coffs Harbour has excellent reserves such as the Solitary Island Marine Park and many beautiful beaches
1st avenue

First Avenue

Sawtell is renowned for its first avenue fig trees and restaurants

Raleigh Winery

Visit our local winery and get the taste of white port or Brandy Cream a speciality of the winemaker.
02 6655 4388

Station Creek - Yuraygir National Park

If you are looking for a great place to get-back-to-nature Station Creek is a great place for all the family. Take your fishing rod, swimmers, sunscreen and a packed lunch, kids will enjoy taking their boogey boards to "ride the river". The turn off is about 20 mins north of Coffs and then another 20 mins to the day use area - warning you will need to be prepared to travel on about 10km of dirt road. When you arrive expect to be met by the local kangaroos. To get to the river look for a track in the north east corner of the day area. Safe swimming for all age groups or wade across to great fishing spots. You can also walk the river to the ocean or play in the sand dunes, take some cardboard boxes to rip up and ride the sand hills (don't forget to take them with you).

Whale watching season

The best time is June-October. Contact the Coffs Harour Visitor Information Centre or coffscoast.com
1300369070
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What to see

bonville creek

Bonville Creek

A lovely creek with a number of picnic spots including Bongil Bongil, Boronia Park, Mick's Retreat
coffs marina

Coffs Marina

Visit Coff's Harbour Marina for a day out. Restaurants and yachts, fishing boats walk up Mutton Bird Island for a wonderful vista. Also visit Boambee Headland for a beautiful scenic walk. Swim in pretty boambee creek.
griffiths lookout

Dorrigo

Bellingen is 30 minutes and Dorrigo 60 minutes. A nice day out. Lots to see and do. Nice places to eat. A wonderful view from griffiths lookout where you can see forever.
relax on decks

Ferndahl Mountain Inn

beautiful rainforest just 11kms west of Coffs Harbour in the beautiful Orara Valley. Turning left along Coramba Road at Mt Browne Road, take a leisurely drive along the "loop" road. Drop in for chat at Ferndahl Mountain Inn with Suzi and Allen.
02 6653 8448
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Local history

ABC news feature on the Solitary Islands

An ABC News special with a brief explanation of the history of Coffs and description of the Marine reserve.

Cocas Beach House

Coffs Harbour is positioned on the East Coast of Australia approximately half way between Sydney and Brisbane It was voted the ‘most livable city 2002’ a United Nations endorsed international environment program and voted the best climate in Australia by the CSIRO. Average summer temperature of 260 and winter temperature of 180. Average rainfall of 1708mm. Verdant sub-tropical coastline vegetation where the mountains meet the sea. Coffs Harbour embraces an area of 960km2 of which 57% is covered by forests. It has 51km of beaches. There is an additional 3600ha in Dorrigo National Park and next-door to the North, the Yuragir National Park stretches for 60km along the coastline up to Angourie near Yamba. In the Pacific Ocean is the 90,000ha Solitary Island Marine Park – last of the warm water and home to both warm (80%) and temperate (20%) marine life varieties. There are 90 species of hard coral and 280 species of fish, all protected in the haven of Marine Park Sanctuary. In short Coffs Harbour is Paradise, just ask Russell Crowe, Jack Thompson, David Helfgott, George Negus, Peta Wilson, Wendy Matthews and Jo-Beth Taylor why they choose to call Coffs Harbour home?

Sawtell History

Visit this page to see a report of Sawtell's History.
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Children's activities

Coff Harbour Butterfly House

Learn the Birth cycle of butterfly and see the amazing colours of various species. Get lost in The Maze, see tree chopping competetion or just relax in the coffee shop.
6653 4766
Dolphin Show

Pet Porpoise Pool

Located 5 min dr away. Get kissed by a seal and dolphin, feed a turtle and penguins. Specail package available at reception.
02 6652 2164