Coffs Harbour

A major beachside city on the mid-north coast featuring excellent beaches, the quirky Big Banana attraction, and a sheltered harbor with water sports. It's known for its banana plantations, fishing, and as a popular holiday destination.

Things to do

• The Big Banana — Visit this iconic 1960s roadside attraction featuring a giant banana structure, farm tour, and subtropical fruit garden.
• Jetty Beach Swimming — Swim at the calm, patrolled beach protected by the harbor breakwall, ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts.
• Coffs Harbour Marina Water Sports — Rent boats, kayaks, or jet skis from the sheltered marina, or book fishing charters for deep-sea angling.
• Muttonbird Island — Walk the scenic headland trail to this island reserve for panoramic ocean views and Aboriginal cultural significance.
• North Coast Regional Botanic Garden — Explore 13 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens showcasing native and exotic plants from warm climates.
• Coffs Harbour Banana Plantations Tour — Visit working banana farms to learn about cultivation practices and sample fresh fruit from the region.
• Diggers Beach Surfing — Catch waves at this popular surf break just north of town, suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers.

Food to try

• Fresh Banana Smoothie Bowls — Blend local bananas with tropical fruits and top with granola for a refreshing breakfast unique to the region's produce.
• Barramundi and Local Seafood — Fresh-caught barramundi grilled or pan-seared is a specialty at waterfront restaurants showcasing the day's harbor catch.
• Banana Bread and Banana Cake — Local bakeries and cafes offer moist, generously-spiced banana cakes and breads made with locally-grown fruit.
• Fish and Chips at the Jetty — Grab freshly battered local fish and hand-cut chips from the fishing harbor precinct for an authentic seaside meal.
• Tropical Fruit Platters — Sample locally-grown mangoes, pawpaws, and custard apples at markets and farm gates throughout the region.
• Macadamia Nut Products — Try local macadamia oil, butter, and roasted nuts which are harvested abundantly in the surrounding hinterland.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Muttonbird Island's Significance — The island holds deep spiritual importance to the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people, so tread respectfully and follow cultural protocols.
• Plan Around Whale Watching Season — Visit between May and November to witness migrating humpback and gray whales passing through the offshore waters.
• Beach Safety and Patrolled Areas — Swim only at patrolled beaches during daylight hours, as this region experiences strong currents and occasional sharks.
• Casual Beach Town Pace — Embrace the relaxed holiday atmosphere where locals and visitors move at a slower pace, particularly outside school holidays.

Nearby

• Armidale — 135 km
• Byron Bay — 191 km
• Tamworth — 240 km
• Gold Coast (Queensland) — 258 km