Coffs Harbour lies about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, where the Great Dividing Range comes unusually close to the coast. Banana plantations once covered the hillsides, and the Big Banana, opened in 1964, is one of Australia’s best-known roadside attractions. This is Gumbaynggirr Country.
Offshore, the Solitary Islands Marine Park protects reefs where tropical and temperate waters meet. Inland, a winding road climbs to Dorrigo National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, and the pretty river town of Bellingen. Coffs is a good family base and a natural stop between Port Stephens and Byron Bay.
Highlights
- Coffs Harbour Jetty: a timber jetty from the 1890s and a lively foreshore.
- Muttonbird Island: a walk along the breakwall to a nature reserve and lookout.
- Solitary Islands Marine Park: snorkelling, diving and kayaking.
- Dorrigo National Park: the Skywalk and rainforest walks to waterfalls.
- Bellingen: a creative river town in the Bellinger Valley.
- The Big Banana: a family fun park with a giant banana out front.
Quick facts
| Where | Mid-north coast, about 540 km north of Sydney |
|---|---|
| Airport | Coffs Harbour (CFS), a few minutes from the centre |
| From Sydney | About 1 h 15 by air, 6 h by car |
| Ideal stay | 2–3 nights |
| Best for | Families, beaches, rainforest |
| Getting around | Car is easiest; local buses are limited |
How long to stay & where to base yourself
Two or three nights covers the jetty, Muttonbird Island, a beach day and a trip to Dorrigo and Bellingen. Stay near the jetty for restaurants, at Park Beach or the northern beaches such as Korora and Sapphire for resorts, or in Sawtell for a village feel.
