Things to Do in Coffs Harbour

Table of Contents

Discover Coffs Harbour

Outdoor activities

Local attractions

Dining, cafés & markets

Seasonal activities & events

Discover Coffs Harbour: Your ultimate things to do guide

Popular amongst locals and tourists alike, Coffs Harbour isn't short on fun, adventure and relaxation. As a family-friendly destination in New South Wales, Coffs (as it's affectionately known) has fairly mild weather year-round. It offers a nice blend of indoor and outdoor things to do, no matter the day or season.

From surf beaches to wildlife parks, fine dining to fish and chips, take a breather from normal life, surrounded by tranquil rainforests and endless coastlines to explore.

Outdoor activities

Surf and sand

If you're after things to do in Coffs Harbour for free, nothing beats a day at the beach. Pop up an umbrella at Jetty Beach and enjoy a picnic between ocean dips or water sports. And if surfing is on the agenda, take the board out to nearby Diggers Beach or catch a wave at Park Beach, a local favourite.

Diggers Beach - Coffs Harbour - Destination NSW

Wildlife watching

A must-see while you're here is the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. This award-winning sanctuary has been around since 1970 and is the perfect place to go to see animals up close. Swim with dolphins or seals, feed cheeky penguins or get a behind-the-scenes tour of the sanctuary itself. Or if you fancy a spot of birdwatching, check out Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve to see the wedge-tailed shearwaters in flight.

Hang in the tree tops

Get above the crowds and up into the forest with Treetops Adventure Coffs Harbour. There's a zipline to take or a high ropes course to travel, depending on your appetite for adventure! Regardless of which activity you choose, expect beautiful views of the surrounding area and a chance to get your blood pumping.

Walks and hikes

Let your feet do the talking and take one of Coffs Harbour's many walking paths or hiking trails. The Solitary Islands coastal walk has breathtaking coastal views, while Dorrigo National Park immerses you in the rainforest. Of all the things to do around Coffs Harbour, it's sure to keep you busy and get that blood pumping!

Local attractions

The Big Banana

One of the more iconic, yet unusual things to do in Coffs Harbour is visit the Big Banana Fun Park. Beyond the enormous banana, you'll find attractions, like laser tag and a water park, designed for kids of all ages.

The National Cartoon Gallery

When it comes to things to do in Coffs Harbour when it's raining, a visit to the National Cartoon Gallery is the perfect indoor activity. Home to the Rotary Cartoon Awards, its collection holds more than 25,000 cartoons on a rotating basis through the exhibition galleries. You'll leave with a belly full of laughs and a different take on Australian history.

National Cartoon Gallery - Destination NSW

Coffs Harbour Creative Arts Group

This local group of artists offers classes and workshops, as well as exhibitions, to bring out your creative side. It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or an artist in your own right; a visit to the Coffs Harbour Arts Group gives you a peek into the thriving local art scene.

Dining, cafés & markets

If local markets, cool cafes and a fun foodie scene are more your jam, Coffs Harbour also delivers. For more inspiration, explore our guide to where to eat in Coffs Harbour.

Breakfast and brunch options

For the early birds, grab your latte at Urban Espresso Lounge or for something a little quirky, check out Tin Donkey on the corner of Frances and Long streets. Other great spots to add to your list include Dark Arts Cafe & Bar, Hope Road - Espresso Bar and Miquette.

Get a scrumptious local lunch

There's no shortage of lunch options in and around Coffs Harbour. Our top picks are the Jetty Beach House Coffs Harbour, and The Happy Frog. Both have a wide range of food options to suit different preferences and a great atmosphere if you're looking for somewhere to spend a few hours on your holiday.

Where to go after the sun goes down

If ocean breezes are your thing, check out Latitude 30 for an unforgettable dinner. Grab a spot on the deck right by the marina and enjoy fresh seafood and drinks. Or, for a nearby spot with modern Australian cuisine, book a table at The Jetty Pavilion. And if you're craving Italian food, Stef & Co turns into an Osteria restaurant on weekends.

Latitude 360 Coffs Harbour - Destination NSW

Food and drink on the Coffs Coast

From bountiful cafes at sunrise to relaxed things to do in Coffs Harbour at night, you're spoiled for choice. Whether you're looking for vegan options or a beachside smoothie spot, we've got a few ideas for how you can keep your belly full while exploring everything this beautiful coast has to offer.

More spots to eat and drink

Filter by

Events

Summer Time

9.76km from park

Enjoy the latest exhibition, "Summer Time", at the Coffs Harbour Showground Gallery, featuring artworks created by members of the...

Things to Do in Coffs Harbour

Discover Coffs Harbour: Your ultimate things to do guide

Outdoor activities

Surf and sand

Wildlife watching

Hang in the tree tops

Walks and hikes

Local attractions

The Big Banana

The National Cartoon Gallery

Coffs Harbour Creative Arts Group

Dining, cafés & markets

Breakfast and brunch options

Get a scrumptious local lunch

Where to go after the sun goes down

Food and drink on the Coffs Coast

More spots to eat and drink

Discover local markets

Seasonal activities & events

Summer means surf's up

Things to do in Coffs Harbour in winter

What's on in Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour Holiday Inspiration

Ways to stay in Coffs Harbour