Best Coffs Harbour Beaches

Explore the Stunning Beaches in Coffs Harbour

Most people know Coffs Harbour as the coastal paradise on the NSW Coffs Coast. It’s where the forest meets the sea and there are over 30 incredible beaches to explore and enjoy. Coffs Harbour beaches are next level beautiful, boasting that truly iconic laid-back Australian vibe with perfect conditions for swimming, surfing and just doing a whole lot of nothing much. The Coffs Coast stretches over almost 80km between Sawtell in the south to Red Rock in the north with visitors guaranteed to find a beach that’s perfect for them along the strip. From secluded bays to popular surf breaks and all the dog-friendly beach options in between, our Coffs Harbour Beaches guide covers them all.

Best Beaches in Coffs Harbour – Where to Soak Up the Sun

There’s plenty of sand and waves to choose from when it comes to the best beaches in Coffs Harbour, but let’s start with a few of the most well-known coastal hangs. Whether you’re after a ripper session in the surf, a private patch of sand to relax and soak up the rays on or a family-friendly space to make use of the beach cricket and boogie boards, Coffs Harbour beaches have got you covered.

Park Beach – The Iconic Surf & Swim Spot

Let’s start in the heart of all the Coffs Harbour action at Park Beach, just moments from the city centre and Reflections Coffs Harbour Holiday Park, where Coffs Creek trickles out into the ocean. Park Beach is the perfect spot for swimming, surfing and long beach walks or bring along the fishing rod for some beach fishing action when the tides are just right. The family will love the central location and the safety of a year-round lifeguard beach patrol, and the grommets will enjoy the open beach break with consistent waves, adding to the fun.

Spend a few hours or the day, with plenty of facilities nearby that make packing a post-swim picnic easy. Check out the south end of Park Beach, with everything you need for a DIY feast – BBQS, shelters and toilets. For those looking to sample the local food scene, the Coffs Harbour Surf Club, Café Aqua and Peach and Wolf Bakery all offer tasting treats perfect for a post-swim fuel up.

Fancy a bit of adventure? Take a wander from the northern end of Park Beach around the nearby Macaulay’s Headland Walk and be rewarded with suburb views out to Muttonbird Island and north to Split Solitary Island.

Jetty Beach – Calm Waters & Family Fun

If you’re after a calm, protected beach that looks like something from a holiday postcard, Jetty Beach is the one for you. Right under the Coffs Harbour Jetty, this iconic beach is a firm favourite with families, thanks to its gentle waves and easy accessibility. There’s even a beach matt and beach wheelchairs available, making Jetty Beach an easy pick as one of the best beaches in Coffs Harbour.

In the water, there’s boogie boarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and snorkelling around the jetty. On land, there are sandcastles to be built and the nearby Jetty Foreshores Park to be explored with all the normal facilities for picnicking fun, plus paths for scooters and roller-skates, a playground and sheltered BBQ areas. Food and drink options are an easy stroll away, with the Jetty café and restaurant strip, marina and Yacht Club all serving up delicious seaside fare.

And no trip to Jetty Beach is complete without a stroll along the famous historic jetty itself, which was finished way back in 1892. Pack the rod and try your luck at fishing from the end or simply revel in the views of Coffs Harbours’ local islands on a relaxing walk. Visit Jetty Beach on a Sunday and squeeze in a spot of shopping at the Harbourside Markets - they’re just up the road.

Diggers Beach – A Surfer’s Paradise

When it comes to surf beaches in Coffs Harbour, Diggers Beach is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Known for its exposed beach break with consistent waves that always attract a strong line up, it’s worth the paddle out to snag a few left or right-hand breakers. In the heart of the Coffs Coast action, right opposite the Big Banana, learn to surf groups always set up shop at Diggers Beach, with the laid-back atmosphere and protected, wide stretch of waves making getting wet here extra fun. Read our surfing tips here before paddling out at Diggers!

Swimmers love the southern end of Diggers Beach, thanks to its smaller waves and seasonal lifeguard patrol, but if you’d prefer to stay dry, Diggers Beach is still one of the best beaches near Coffs Harbour. Start your day by taking five and watching the sunrise over the sea from the elevated pavilion – the views are second to none. Diggers Beach boasts clean and well-equipped amenities, a BBQ area and playground that are just a short walk from the rolling waves plus plenty of grass to kick a ball or lay out the picnic rug. Or if walking is more your thing, pack the binoculars for seabird and sea life spotting, then take a stroll along the easy pathway to Macauleys Headland. Say hi to the passing whales for us!

Emerald Beach – Stunning Scenery & Coastal Walks

A list of the best beaches Coffs Harbour isn’t complete without Emerald Beach, a top pick for families, surfers and nature lovers alike and just down the road from Moonee Beach Reflections. An easy 15 minutes south of the centre of Coffs Harbour, Emerald Beach is one of those magic spots where you can pop the umbrella up and wile away the day, with safe swimming conditions, summertime patrols and long stretches of golden sand. Packed the surfboard? You’re in luck with Emerald Beach offering an excellent beach break, tried and tested by the locals plus a southern left-handed reef break for added fun.

For a post-swim adventure, take off on a beach walk up to the Look At Me Now Headland – the stunning panoramic views from up high are worthy of a few holiday selfies and if you’re lucky, the wildlife locals will make an appearance too. The kids will love the park that’s nestled just behind the beach, along with BBQs and picnic tables for the whole tribe. Perhaps the most noteworthy part of this best beach near Coffs Harbour, is the regular mob of kangaroos that enjoy a hop along the sand, just as much as a quiet evening graze on the headland grass.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Coffs Harbour – Where Pups Can Play

No holiday with your favourite furry friend is complete without a couple of visits to the beach, and lucky for us, beaches in Coffs Harbour aren’t just people-perfect – there are plenty that tick all the doggie boxes too.

Boambee Beach – The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Beach

Looking for room to run where your dog can feel the wind in their fur? Boambee Beach is the cream of the crop when it comes to beaches in Coffs Harbour with plenty of space to play and fewer visitors to cramp your style. Boambee Creek has on-leash dog access and plenty of things to do with your pup, but once you hit the sands of Boambee Beach, your furry mate can run and stretch its legs all the way to Corambirra Point – just see if you can keep up!

Pack the ball or find a stick and run and chase into the waves at Boambee Beach, or just meander along with your furry friend and take in the stunning natural surrounds. You might share the sands with beach fisher people, 4WD enthusiasts and horse riders too.There’s really that much space, so grab your pup and head to Boambee Beach for some fun in the sun!

Emerald Beach – Coastal Views & Canine-Friendly Fun

Emerald Beach takes the crown as the beach with something for everyone – swimming, surfing, nature walks and - you guessed it! Your dog is welcome to get in on the action too. While dogs are not allowed on the southern end of Emerald Beach, you can walk your pup off-leash north of Fiddamans Creek. A morning stroll to ease into the day, a sunset playtime session to burn off that extra energy before curling up on a cushion at one of our dog-friendly parks or just a quick dip in the ocean to recharge you both – Emerald Beach is one of the best beaches near Coffs Harbour for hours of canine fun!

Beaches Near Coffs Harbour – Hidden Gems Worth Visiting

The Coffs Coast is the ideal destination for spending quality time enjoying and exploring some of the most pristine beaches on the east coast. Whether you’re on a road trip, looking for the ideal day out or ready to plan your next seaside escape, make the beaches near Coffs Harbour the backbone of your adventure.

Sapphire Beach – Secluded & Peaceful

Leave the crowds behind and discover a coastal paradise that has more of a hidden hideaway vibe (but is actually less than 10 minutes from the centre of Coffs Harbour) at Sapphire Beach. Spend a minute looking out over the expansive blue ocean from the South Solitary Island viewing platform that’s halfway along Sapphire Beach – you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over this historic lighthouse island and its next-door neighbour, Split Solitary Island.

Pack the cabana, a book and an esky full of icy cold snacks and you’ll be set for a dreamy day on the sand, where chilling out is the only thing on the to-do list. Sapphire Beach isn’t patrolled, so this patch of seaside is best suited for those looking for long beach walks, fishing at sundown or just lazing about, soaking up the silence and the sun.

White Bluff walking trail is a must-do when visiting this corner of the Coffs Coast, where you can explore the rocky outcrops of the bluff and take in the expansive views over the ocean. For a dazzling show of changing colours, go at sunset or sundown. Sapphire Beach is right up there on the best beaches of Coffs Harbour list thanks to its excellent amenities – playground, toilets, beach showers, plenty of parking and nearby café – everything you need for a serene beach escape away from the crowds.

Woolgoolga Beach – A Local Favourite

Affectionately known as Woopi Beach to the locals, Woolgoolga Beach is one of those places that once you’ve been, you’ll know exactly why holidaymakers rave about this best-kept vacation secret. Recently voted Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025 , it’s all about the relaxed coastal vibe when you drive into Woolgoolga, just minutes from Reflections Coffs Harbour, Moonee Beach Holiday Park and Reflections Corindi Beach. Pack the boards because the surf’s always worth a look at Woolgoolga Beach, plus this coastal gem boasts prime location with cafes, boutiques and markets just across the road.

Fancy a morning of whale watching? Take the walking track up to Woolgoolga headland and be rewarded with views of these gentle ocean giants during migration season plus incredible coastal visas that stretch to Yuraygir National Park.

Red Rock Beach – Untouched Beauty & Natural Wonders

For those that like a splash of adventure and seclusion with their serve of beachside fun, hit up Red Rock Beach, the northernmost beach in the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area. You’ll see striking red rock formations that clash with the crystal-clear waters so keep the iPhone ready to capture it all. Stay at nearby Reflections Red Rock and make the most of this spectacular ocean sanctuary, located in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Get amongst the ocean wildlife with a touch of snorkelling or fishing or admire this amazing beach near Coffs Harbour from the track of the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.

Plan Your Coffs Harbour Beach Getaway

Coffs Harbour offers some of the best beaches in Australia, from famous coastal breaks to a collection of must-see hidden gems, if it’s a beach holiday you’re after, the Coffs Coast easily delivers. Visit in summer and enjoy long stretches of safe swimming for the entire family or drop by in winter for some of the best surf around and glimpses at passing whales as they migrate north. Many of the best beaches near Coffs Harbour offer surf life saving patrols, so swim between the flags at beaches like Park Beach and Jetty Beach.

Whether you’re planning a day of fun in the sun or intend to wallow a while along the Coffs Coast, pack the sunscreen, towels, hats, water bottles and snacks – and don’t forget the beach toys! There’s always a wave to surf in this part of world. Book your next beachside adventure with Reflections and experience the best beaches in Coffs Harbour.