Joyce J
3 February 2024
Coffs Harbour, located on the east coast of Australia, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, lush national parks, and unique attractions. This coastal city offers a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Coffs Harbour has something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Coffs Harbour boasts pristine beaches perfect for a relaxing day in the sun.
- The Big Banana and its amusement park offer a fun-filled day for the whole family.
- The Solitary Islands Aquarium is a must-visit for those interested in marine life.
- Dorrigo National Park offers scenic hikes with breathtaking views.
- The Dolphin Marine Conservation Park is a great place to interact with dolphins and other marine animals.
Explore the Pristine Beaches of Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. From the golden sands of Park Beach to the secluded shores of Sapphire Beach, there is a beach to suit every preference. Park Beach is the main beach in Coffs Harbour and offers a range of amenities such as picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and playgrounds. Jetty Beach is another popular spot, known for its calm waters and stunning views of the iconic Coffs Harbour Jetty.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, the beaches in Coffs Harbour offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Surfing is a popular pastime, with several surf schools offering lessons for beginners. Snorkeling and diving are also popular activities, with the Solitary Islands Marine Park just off the coast providing an abundance of marine life to explore.
Visit the Iconic Big Banana and its Amusement Park
No visit to Coffs Harbour would be complete without a trip to the iconic Big Banana. This giant banana-shaped structure has been a landmark in the area since 1964 and has become a symbol of the city. The Big Banana Amusement Park offers a range of attractions for visitors of all ages.
One of the main attractions at the amusement park is the water park, which features thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. There is also an ice skating rink, mini-golf course, and giant slide for visitors to enjoy. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the plantation tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the banana industry in Coffs Harbour.
Discover the Rich Marine Life at the Solitary Islands Aquarium
The Solitary Islands Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and marine enthusiasts. Located in the heart of Coffs Harbour, this aquarium showcases the diverse marine life found in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. The aquarium features a range of exhibits, including a touch tank where visitors can get up close and personal with marine creatures such as starfish and sea cucumbers.
One of the highlights of the aquarium is the large ocean tank, which is home to a variety of fish, sharks, and rays. Visitors can watch feeding sessions and learn about the importance of marine conservation. The aquarium also offers educational programs and interactive displays to help visitors learn more about the marine environment.
Go on a Scenic Hike at the Dorrigo National Park
For those who love nature and hiking, a visit to Dorrigo National Park is a must. Located just a short drive from Coffs Harbour, this national park is home to lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking views. There are several hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks.
One of the most popular trails in Dorrigo National Park is the Skywalk, which takes visitors on a scenic walk through the treetops. The elevated boardwalk offers stunning views of the surrounding rainforest and allows visitors to get up close to native wildlife such as birds and butterflies. For those looking for a longer hike, the Crystal Shower Falls circuit takes visitors past several waterfalls and offers opportunities for swimming and picnicking.
Enjoy a Fun-filled Day at the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park
The Dolphin Marine Conservation Park is a unique attraction that offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with dolphins, seals, and other marine animals. Located in Coffs Harbour, this park is dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of marine life.
One of the main highlights of the park is the dolphin and seal shows, where visitors can watch these intelligent creatures perform a range of tricks and behaviors. There are also opportunities for visitors to interact with the dolphins, including swimming with them or participating in a dolphin training session. The park also offers educational programs and behind-the-scenes tours to help visitors learn more about marine conservation.
Take a Relaxing Stroll at the Botanic Garden and Forest Sky Pier
For those looking for a peaceful escape, a visit to the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden is a must. This beautiful garden is home to a wide variety of native and exotic plants, as well as several walking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden, admiring the colorful flowers and lush greenery.
One of the highlights of the botanic garden is the Forest Sky Pier, which offers panoramic views of Coffs Harbour and the surrounding coastline. This elevated platform extends out over the forest canopy, providing visitors with a unique perspective of the area. The Forest Sky Pier is particularly stunning at sunrise or sunset, when the sky is painted with vibrant colors.
Experience the Thrill of Whitewater Rafting at the Nymboida River
For adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers, a whitewater rafting experience on the Nymboida River is a must-do activity in Coffs Harbour. The Nymboida River is known for its challenging rapids and stunning scenery, making it a popular destination for whitewater rafting enthusiasts.
There are several tour operators in Coffs Harbour that offer guided rafting trips on the Nymboida River. These trips range from half-day adventures to multi-day expeditions, catering to all levels of experience. During the rafting trip, visitors can expect to navigate through thrilling rapids, take in the beautiful surroundings, and even spot native wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies.
Play a Round of Golf at the Bonville Golf Resort
For golf enthusiasts, a visit to the Bonville Golf Resort is a must. This award-winning golf course is considered one of the best in Australia and offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. The course is set amongst stunning natural surroundings, with lush fairways, manicured greens, and towering trees.
In addition to the golf course, the Bonville Golf Resort also offers a range of amenities for visitors to enjoy. There is a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, as well as a pro shop where visitors can purchase golf equipment and apparel. The resort also offers accommodation options for those looking to extend their stay.
Shop for Local Produce and Handicrafts at the Coffs Harbour Growers Market
For those looking to sample local produce and support local artisans, a visit to the Coffs Harbour Growers Market is a must. This vibrant market is held every Sunday and offers a wide range of fresh produce, gourmet food products, and handmade crafts.
Visitors can browse through stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, homemade jams and preserves, and much more. There are also stalls selling handmade jewelry, clothing, and artwork, making it the perfect place to pick up a unique souvenir or gift. The market also features live music and entertainment, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Witness the Majestic Waterfall at the Bindarri National Park
Located just a short drive from Coffs Harbour, Bindarri National Park is home to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. The park offers several walking trails that take visitors through lush rainforest and past cascading streams.
The highlight of Bindarri National Park is the Bindarri Falls, a stunning waterfall that drops into a deep pool below. Visitors can take a short walk to the viewing platform to admire the waterfall and take in the surrounding natural beauty. The park also offers picnic areas and camping facilities for those looking to spend more time in this peaceful and picturesque setting.
Coffs Harbour is a diverse and exciting tourist destination that offers something for everyone. From its pristine beaches and lush national parks to its unique attractions and vibrant markets, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this coastal city. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Coffs Harbour is sure to leave you with lasting memories. So pack your bags and start planning your trip to this beautiful part of Australia.
