The Coffs Coast
Where to Stay
Known as the one of only two regions in Australia where the mountains reach the sea. The area also boasts the most temperate climate in Australia. Coffs Harbour is not just a sparkling seaside holiday retreat, although it is most certainly that too, it also offers more adrenalin packed activities than any other one destination between Sydney and Brisbane. Given its ideal location, just six hours driving from Sydney, five from Brisbane and two to three hours from New England it is easily reached while offering the best of the coast and the hinterland.
Coffs Harbour offers practically every activity that you are looking for, both in the water, air and on dry land. The setting is attractive and the beaches are great!
Coffs Harbour also has several good diving spots in the area, particularly off of the Solitary Islands where there are a variety of unusual fish species. The Goolang and Nymboida Rivers are also popular, where white-water rafting is a speciality.
If you are looking for excitement but on a more relaxed scale then head to the gorgeous rainforest and gardens around Coffs Harbour.
From the North Coast Botanic Gardens you can join the Coffs Creek Walk which takes you along the creek into the town centre. It is a very popular walk where you will see plenty of different species of plantlife.
There are also numerous Aboriginal sites in the nearby rainforests which should be visited. From the towns breakwater you can get to Muttonbird Island, aptly named due to the growing number of Muttonbirds on the island. It is also a great place to spot whales from during the migration both north and south along the coast.
CoastOut is right on the whale season! You may like to book a whale watching experience with one of the local providers.
Coffs Accommodation
Get in early for the best accommodation the Coffs Coast has to offer! Log onto www.discovercoffscoast.com.au or call 1300 369 070 and choose the accommodation that suits your style and budget. Or see below for our choice places! Mention CoastOut when you book for possible discounts and packages.
Direct contact:
Novotel Pacific Bay Resort
www.pacificbayresort.com.au
1300 363 360
Park Beach Hotel Motel
www.hoeymoey.com.au
0266 523 833
Pacific Property Management (Luxury Holiday Houses)
www.coffsaccommodation.com.au
0266 521 466
Ralph's B & B
www.ralphsbandb.com.au
0266 513313
Tradewinds Apartments
www.tradewindsapartments.com.au
0266 512212
Dolphin Sands Holiday Villas
www.dolphinsandscabins.com
0266 529550
Ocean Spray Apartments
www.oceansprayapartments.com.au
0266 519900
Sandcastles Holiday Apartments
www.sandcastlesapartments.com.au
1800 025 163 or 0266 526599
Beachpark Holiday Apartments
www.beachparkcoffs.net
0266 524438
Ocean Park Holiday Units
www.oceanparkmotel.net
0266 523718
Surf Beach Motel
www.surfbeachmotelcoffsharbour.com.au
0266521872
Caribbean Motel
www.caribbeanmotel.com.au
0266 521500
For camping, contact the Park Beach Caravan Park. The YHA in the Jetty area is walking distance to the CoastOut action & shops.
Where to eat
Coffs has a selection of great cafés, restaurants and eating places. The Jetty Strip at the eastern end of Harbour Drive has a great selection of restaurants and cafes. The Surf Club restaurant & bar at Park Beach is a glorious spot for Breakfast or lunch 7 days a week. There is also Mangrove Jacks @ The Promenade (Jetty area) for a truly Coffs experience. You'll find great coffee at Op81 on Ocean Pde (opp Hoey Moey).
Beaches and other Attractions!
Jetty Beach: Located near the Marina, the famous Coffs Harbour Jetty extends from the beach on the northern end. Jetty Beach is protected from the ocean swells by the Marina's breakwall providing calm swimming conditions. The Jetty Beach is playing host to our "Beach Carnival" on October 30.
Park Beach: Often known as "Main Beach", follow the signs to "The Surf Club" which is Park Beach is located adjacent to the Park Beach Caravan park, the doorway to Park Beach. CoastOut's Fair Day will be on October 30 and where the Surf comp is on October 29. It is a patrolled beach, swim between the flags! Great wave catching for board riders and body bashers!
Boambee Beach: Located to the south of Jetty Beach, on the other side of the South Wall. Boambee Beach is an open beach with variable conditions. Great for walking along and it is a pet friendly beach.
There are a number of good beaches worthy of a visit just north of town, only a short drive depending on where you are based.
Macauleys Beach: This beach is actually the northern tip of Park beach. Often sheltered from North Easterly winds, a great surfing beach and very popular with locals. Macauleys Beach is only 800m from the Pacific Hwy - the closest beach to the highway between Sydney & Brisbane! Drive down Arthur St from the Highway overpass near Park Beach Plaza.
Diggers Beach: A local favourite. 5 mins north of town, drive down Diggers Beach Rd (opp Big Banana) or walk over Macauley's Headland from Park Beach for an amazing picturesque walk. Diggers is great for swimming and surfing.
Little Diggers: Coffs very own "natural beach" where you will need to either climb over the rocks at the northern end of Diggers Beach or go up and over the headland via the walking tracks!!!
Mountains & Rainforest
For a great walk in the rainforest only 5km from Coffs Harbour, you have to visit Bruxner Park Flora Reserve. In addition to several signposted walking trails, there is also a fantastic lookout point over all of Coffs Harbour - Sealy Lookout - at 310 metres above sea level.
The walking tracks at Bruxner Park are only a 10-minute drive from the CBD, which make them the closest rainforest walks to the Coffs Harbour city centre.
These bushwalks are so near and so easily accessible that you'll have no excuse not to go there at least once.
Getting to Bruxner Park LookOut & The Rainforest
Drive north along the Pacific Highway for about 5km from the Coffs Harbour City Centre and turn into Bruxner Park Road (about 1km after The Big Banana). The road winds its way up through banana plantations and avocado groves for another 5km to The Gap where the Rainforest Trail starts. |
 |
