Start at the jetty and the marina, walk out to Muttonbird Island, then spend a day inland for Dorrigo and Bellingen. Keep a beach day for Sawtell or the northern beaches.
1 Coffs Harbour Jetty
Built in 1892 for shipping timber, the long timber jetty is now a favourite place for a stroll, fishing and sunset, with the Jetty Strip of restaurants nearby.
Practical: Free. Beach next to the jetty.
2 Muttonbird Island
Linked to the harbour by the northern breakwall, this nature reserve is a nesting site for wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds) from roughly spring to autumn. A short path climbs to lookouts, good for whale watching in winter.
Practical: Free. About 30–45 minutes return. Stay on the path to protect burrows.
3 Coffs Harbour Marina
The working harbour, with fishing boats, cruise departures and a fish co-op. Dive and snorkel trips to the Solitary Islands leave from here.
Practical: Free to wander.
4 The Big Banana
Opened in 1964, the giant banana is one of Australia’s “Big Things”. Behind it is a fun park with a toboggan, water slides and other rides.
Practical: Free to see; rides ticketed.
5 Dorrigo National Park
Up on the escarpment, about an hour from Coffs, this rainforest park has the Skywalk, a boardwalk over the canopy, and walks to Crystal Shower Falls and other waterfalls.
Practical: Free entry. Rainforest Centre at the entrance. Allow half a day.
6 Bellingen
A creative small town on the Bellinger River, with cafés, galleries and markets, at the foot of the road up to Dorrigo.
Practical: About 30 minutes south of Coffs.
7 Sawtell
A seaside village with a palm-lined main street, a patrolled beach and a headland lookout.
Practical: About 15 minutes south of Coffs.
