Thinking about a holiday on the stunning Coffs Coast? Whether you’re travelling with family, as a couple, with friends, or flying solo, the Coffs Coast delivers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, culture and nature.
From our beautiful beaches (there are over 30), lush national parks, ECO-adventures, fabulous food and outdoor activities galore, the Coffs Coast invites you to do as much – or as little – as you like.
These holidays, get up close and personal with wildlife encounters, conquer the treetops at an adventure park, paddle open waters in a kayak or SUP tour, or ride horses on the beach, and create epic memories that will last a lifetime. Looking for a holiday activity in Coffs Harbour that’s a little more laid back? Enjoy outstanding views from the award-winning Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout, hike the incredible Solitary Islands coastal walk or experience Gumbaynggirr culture. Whatever your cup of tea, there is something for everyone on the Coffs Coast these holidays!
Why visit the Coffs Coast?
Coffs Harbour and its surrounding towns, including Sawtell and Woolgoolga, offer more than just incredible coastal scenery. With over 30 beaches, vibrant food markets, award-winning attractions, and immersive cultural experiences, this is the kind of place where anyone can feel at home.
What is there to do in Coffs Harbour, Sawtell and the Coffs Coast region?
Nature and adventure
- Visit one of our 11 National Parks, 37 State Forests, several Nature Reserves and 84,000 hectares of World Heritage Listed areas and discover the best Coffs Coast bushwalks.
- Hike the 60km Solitary Islands Coastal Walk from Red Rock to Sawtel.
- Enjoy ECO-accredited tours in NSW’s first certified ECO Destination.
- Take to the 4WD trails in Coffs Harbour’s beautiful hinterland.
- Take a kayaking or SUP tour through protected estuaries
- Swim with whales or go whale watching.
- Turn up the adrenaline with some of NSW’s most rugged and diverse mountain biking trails.
Food and drink
- Sample sea to service seafood, fine dining experiences and more with incredible foodie finds.
- Take the Coffs Coast Brewery and Distillery Trail to discover local craft breweries and distilleries serving boutique brews you won’t find anywhere else.
- Discover the best Coffs Harbour curated wine experiences including sommelier-designed wine lists and natural wines.
- Cheers to the best places for cocktails in Coffs Harbour and nearby areas.
Arts and culture
- Discover local, Indigenous, international and touring art and history at the Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM).
- Take an award-winning Gumbaynggirr cultural tour to learn more about the Traditional Owners of Gumbaynggirr Country, the Coffs Coast.
- Catch a live performance, pop-up event, or gallery opening with upcoming events in Coffs.
- Discover artisan goods, locally-produced food and one-of-a-kind artworks at local growers and makers markets
When is the best time to holiday in Coffs Harbour?
Every season in Coffs Harbour offers something different – we couldn’t pick our favourite time of year to visit the Coffs Coast if we tried!
Summer: For warm weather lovers, summer offers an abundance of sunshine, long days and warm nights.
Daylight Savings means that the sun doesn’t set until late in the evening, given you extra time in the day for warm weather activities like learning to surf, twilight food markets, sunbaking on 30+ outstanding beaches and more.
Autumn: During autumn in Coffs Harbour, the weather is generally sunny and mild – ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking and bushwalking, coastal walks, mountain biking and more. The crowds are often smaller and it’s a great time for day trips to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area in Dorrigo.
Winter: Winter on the subtropical Coffs Coast isn’t like winter anywhere else! Imagine bright, clear days and nights just cold enough to cozy up next to a fire. The waves and beaches are uncrowded and best of all – it’s whale season! This is your chance to spot thousands of migrating whales and even go swimming with them.
Spring: Another perfect time to visit Coffs Harbour, spring is mild, sunny and ideal for outdoor activities. Wildflowers are in bloom throughout the National Parks and Botanic Garden, and it’s a beautiful time to explore the outdoors with fewer crowds and mild days.
Things to do ON YOUR holidays
We’ve rounded up the best activities, workshops, events and tours in Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Woolgoolga and beyond to fill your Coffs Coast holiday with fun!
Keep the whole family entertained with things to do in Coffs
22 November – 15 March 26 – Deborah Kelly Creation Exhibition
Through video, animation, photography, music, paper collage, costume, textiles, ceramics and dance, Creation moves fluidly across contemporary art, politics, and ritual to consider and critique contemporary issues of our time and inspire people to gather, commune, and imagine new ways of being in a more-than-human world.
Every Sunday: Markets- Harbourside Markets
A boutique market by the beach held every Sunday from 8am to 2pm near our beautiful historic Jetty in Coffs Harbour. Dogs are permitted in the market space on a lead and our council approved leash-free dog beach is a short walk away if they need a good run!
Learn something new with workshops and classes on the Coffs Coast
Multiple Dates: Artisan Cheese & Cooking School Classes
From blue to brie, gnocchi, pasta, burrata and cultured butter, Artisan Cheese & Cooking School has a great range of classes, for you to learn the art of making your own food from scratch.
Multiple Dates: Artisanal Sourdough Bread Making
Learn how to master the art of sourdough bread-making using a no-fail, foolproof base recipe. This hands-on workshop covers the entire bread-making process from start to finish, ensuring you gain the skills and confidence to bake your own delicious loaves at home.
Upcoming Coffs Coast tours
February: Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience
Immerse yourself in Gumbaynggirr culture through language, dance, storytelling, and much more. on this two-hour interactive and informative tour. Enjoy this award-winning Indigenous cultural tourism experience at the iconic Sealy Lookout (Niigi Niigi) in the Orara East State Forest.
Year Round: Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours
Experience a paddle tour in a beautiful marine park setting, learn to SUP board, collect, connect and prepare bush medicines and taste seasonal bush foods with Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours.
Year Round: Scuba Diving & Whale Watching Tours, Jetty Dive
Get to the Humpback Whales fast and spend all your time watching these magnificent giants with Jetty Dive’s fast Adventure boats. Whale Watching trips run three times daily from June to October and are dependent on the weather.
Jetty Dive Centre love scuba diving and snorkelling at the Solitary Islands on their daily dive charters for snorkelers or scuba divers, and their large and comfortable dive boats offer the best diving available. Passionate dive crew have the knowledge and experience to show you the best of the Solitary Islands.
Year Round: Coffs Harbour Trike & Private Tours
Coffs Harbour Trike and Private Tours offers unique and exhilarating experiences on the stunning Coffs Coast and beyond taking their guests on a thrilling Trike Tour along picturesque coastlines, through lush rainforests, and to hidden gems that showcase the natural beauty of this stunning region. You can tour in style on their Boom Mustang Trike or 12-seater Tour Bus taking from 2 to 13 guests on each adventure
Year Round: C Change Adventures
C-Change Adventures offer incredible eco-tours involving kayaks, stand up paddle boards, hiking, camping and yabbying! The Eco-Tours run for half day, full day or shorter Sunset or Full Moon. These are also great family experiences involving yabby races, mangrove mazes, and full safety instruction and tuition for the newcomer.
Year Round: HWH Stables Horse Riding Tour
HWH Stables caters to riders of all levels and offers Orara Valley Rainforest & River horse riding tours in addition to Boambee Beach & Lagoon rides. HWH Stables caters to riders of all levels and provides well-trained horses suitable for first-time or more experienced riders.
The top school holiday activities for kids
The Big Banana Fun Park – Open every day in school holidays 8.30am – 5.30pm
Enjoy a huge range of fun activities such as the Water Park, Ice Skating, Tobogganing, Laser Tag, Mini Golf, Reptile World, Giant Slide, Laser tag and Candy Kitchen. Try out the new Escape rooms and Bumper cars attractions.
Coffs Harbour Butterfly House – Open every day in school holidays Monday – Sunday // 10am – 2pm.
Wander amongst hundreds of live Australian butterflies in an indoor subtropical rainforest setting, experience a life-sized dinosaur show and get up close and personal with baby dinosaurs!
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary – Open in School holidays Monday – Sunday // 9am -3pm.
Through interactive programs and immersive experiences, the sanctuary educates visitors on the importance of protecting Australia’s unique ecosystems. Home to over 40 animals, many of which cannot return to the wild, it promotes awareness, research, and responsible stewardship of the natural world.
Solitary Islands Aquarium – Monday – Sunday // 10am – 4pm. (NSW school holidays)
The Solitary Islands Aquarium lets you dive in and explore the unique marine environment of the Coffs Coast through its aquariums, presentations, and interactive displays.
Treetops Adventure – Tuesday – Friday // 10am – 5pm Saturday – Sunday // 9am – 5pm
Test your skills on more than 110 high rope challenges and 14 ziplines, join the fun exploring the treetops and enjoy the bush from a new perspective!
Carobana Confectionery – Monday – Saturday // 8:am – 4pm. Sunday 8am- 2pm
Watch skilled confectioners in action and experience plenty of tempting aromas. Enjoy the covered outdoor dining area and ample grounds for the kids to play. Pet-friendly and free entry.
The Clog Barn – Monday – Sunday // 8am – 4pm.
Enjoy the model Dutch village, daily clog-making demonstrations, Big Oma’s Coffee House (pancakes recommended!) and the Dutch gift shop.
North Coast Regional Botanic Garden – Monday – Sunday // 9am – 5pm
Featuring a section of natural forest and mangroves; plantings of rare and endangered Australian species, Australian rainforest species, and exotic plants from other sub-tropical regions of the world, the garden has something special for everyone!
Sherwood Archery – See website for opening times
Their dedicated Indoor Range and Pro Shop cater for all types of archery with an emphasis on helping new people to enjoy the Fantastic sport of archery.
Yarrila Arts & Museum – Tuesday to Friday 10am – 4pm & Saturday and Sunday 10am – 2pm
The dynamic exhibition program spans a range of inspiring local, regional, touring and in-house curated exhibitions. Encompassing art, social history and natural history, these exhibitions change regularly ensuring an enriching experience for all. YAM’s digital exhibition space is designed to attract ground-breaking digital creations that challenge the boundaries of art and storytelling.
iPlay Bowling Alley & Amusement Centre– Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday // 10am – 9pm & Friday, Saturday// 10am – 10pm// Monday, Tuesday 12pm- 8pm
STRIKE! With thirteen lanes of full bowling, plenty of arcade games along with a fully licensed bar, iPlay can
cater to anyone’s taste during these school holidays!
Junee Chocolate Factory at The Big Banana– Daily 9am to 4.30pm
Come and experience a taste of the Coffs Coast with a Junee twist! Their interactive chocolate-making classes are already in full swing, giving you the chance to roll up your sleeves and craft your very own sweet creations.
Where to stay on the Coffs Coast
From luxury resorts and boutique hotels to eco-retreats and beachside caravan parks, Coffs Coast has accommodation to match every travel style and budget. Stay near the water, tucked in the rainforest, or right in the heart of town.
Discover the best accommodation in Coffs Harbour, from family-friendly or affordable to luxurious or eco-friendly
Coffs Harbour holiday planning tips
Ready to Explore?
No matter how you like to travel, the Coffs Coast offers a rich, memorable holiday experience. Start planning your trip today and uncover the region’s hidden gems, natural wonders, and laid-back charm.