Experience a Coffs Coast road trip - Your ultimate itinerary

Sun-soaked beaches, lush rainforests and coastal charm

Explore one of New South Wales’ most scenic coastal drives, where golden beaches meet rainforest hinterlands and seaside towns are packed with character. From Nambucca Heads up to Red Rock, this itinerary takes you along iconic coastal roads with plenty of stops perfect for adventure, relaxation or family fun.

Set out from Nambucca Heads

Begin your journey in Nambucca Heads, an inviting seaside town on the Coffs North Coast. Stroll the scenic beaches, soak up the calm estuary views or hit the cycling trails through thick rainforest.

Where to stay:

Spend the night before your trip at Reflections Nambucca Heads with cabins or sites to suit your style.

Glide through Urunga

Drive time: 20 min from Nambucca Heads

Next stop: Urunga, a small coastal gem known for calm waters and laid-back charm. The protected waters where the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers meet the sea are ideal for SUP, kayaking and swimming. It’s beginner-friendly and a beautiful way to experience the estuary. Stretch your legs on the 1km boardwalk (currently being refurbished) that winds through mangroves and out to the ocean. It’s an easy, scenic walk with sweeping views, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.

Where to stay

Reflections Urunga is a beautiful, quiet park with premium cabins, large, spacious family cabins and flat campsites to set up on.

Discover Sawtell

Drive time: 15 min from Urunga

Charming and effortlessly cool, Sawtell is well worth pulling over for. Explore First Avenue; lined with cafés, boutiques and a historic cinema, this leafy street is perfect for brunch or a casual lunch stop. Visit Sawtell Headland and follow the short coastal walk for panoramic ocean views and seasonal whale watching. Sawtell Beach is ideal for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing on the sand.

Head into Coffs Harbour

Drive time: 15 min from Sawtell

Arrive in Coffs Harbour, the vibrant heart of the region. There's more than Big Banana Fun Park (although that's a great stop too), we highly recommend Muttonbird Island Walk for sweeping coastal views (grab a gelato before you go, and then keep an eye out for whales from the lookout. Take an inland detour to Dorrigo National Park for a lush rainforest walk, waterfalls and the iconic Skywalk lookout.

Where to stay

Choose from Reflections Coffs Harbour, conveniently right on the highway or Reflections Moonee Beach, right on the estuary, both perfectly positioned to explore the coastline.

Beach hop north

As you continue north of Coffs Harbour, take your time exploring smaller coastal villages:

• Emerald Beach – Known for its headland walk and kangaroos grazing nearby.
• Woolgoolga (Woopi) – A vibrant seaside town with excellent surf and coastal views.
• Corindi Beach – Quiet, uncrowded and ideal for fishing or a peaceful beach stroll.

Explore Grafton and finish in Red Rock

Drive time: 1 hour from Coffs Harbour (via Clarence Valley)

Take an inland detour to Grafton, famed for its jacaranda trees and heritage architecture. Wander the historic streets or enjoy a riverside picnic before heading back toward the coast.

End your journey in Red Rock, a tranquil seaside village where river and ocean collide. Spend your final afternoon fishing, kayaking, or simply unwinding on the beach.

Where to stay:

Reflections Red Rock offers absolute beachfront camping and cabins, a peaceful finale to your Coffs Coast road trip.

Tips for the road

• Bring your paddleboard or hire one locally in Urunga to make the most of the calm estuary waters.
• Allow extra time for beach swims and café stops; this stretch of coastline rewards slow travel.
• Keep an eye out for whales during migration season (May–November)

Hit the road

Beaches, rainforests, quirky towns, and iconic coastal views, it’s all here on the Coffs Coast. Pack your bag, grab your playlist and hit the road; adventure awaits just around the bend.