The 14 best things to do in Coffs Harbour

The big ‘nana is one of Australia’s oldest and most recognisable big things, having been built in 1964 as a way to get travellers to stop at a local banana stand. The Big Banana is now a fun park where kids and kidults can go tobogganing, ice skating, bumper carting, bowling, play mini-golf or laser tag, hit the waterslides and enjoy arcade games. Yep, you’ll need a whole day to even bite into all the fun on offer. If you’re tight on time, down a stack of banana pancakes at the café and snap a quick pic outside the huge yellow sculpture. For comparison, it’s roughly 86 times larger than your average banana, measuring 13 metres wide and five metres high.  

Forget Europe and take your wanderlusting feet for a walk to The Clog Barn. This charming Dutch Village was built from scratch by owner Tom Hartsuyker and is free for all to explore, featuring miniature working windmills and a garden railway. While there, you can also fill up on poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes), watch live clog-making demonstrations from 10am to 2pm daily, pick up authentic Dutch groceries, and even stay a night at the caravan park. Who needs Holland, anyway? 

Fish and chips on the beach is an essential part of any Aussie coastal road trip. Sea Salt fries up some of the best ocean bites and spuds on the East Coast, all packed in a takeaway box for you to relish by the sea. Grab your grub and take a leisurely ten-minute stroll down to Jetty Beach, where you can unwind while watching surfers catch waves at sunset. You might even fancy getting your toes wet or going for a full-body dive in summer. 

Located an hour’s drive from Coffs Harbour on the aptly named 'Waterfall Way', this stunning piece of World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest is a mindblowing beautiful place that you have to see to believe. Dorrigo National Park’s short and sweet Crystal Showers Walk takes you through towering green trees and ancient ferns, past thousands of colourful rainforest birds, and over a suspension bridge high in the treetop canopy. For something even more spectacular, follow the 600-metre Dangars Falls Trail, which delivers you to a viewing platform overlooking the spectacular 30-metre waterfall. Don’t forget to bring your togs, as there’s a trail that takes you to the bottom of the river where you can swim.

While Latitude 30 impresses with its fresh seafood menu, the true magic is in its view. You’ll want to nab a table on the shaded deck to soak in sprawling views of the shimmering seas, with boats gliding in and out of Coffs Harbour Marina. From June to October, you might even spot whales chilling out in the South Pacific Ocean. Now, back to the food: the seafood platter is a showstopper, featuring fresh lobster, prawns, bugs, oysters, ceviche and house-made bread. For a more relaxed affair, enjoy a Spritz paired with an antipasto platter as the sun dips below the horizon.

Rising 15 metres high and extending out 21 metres, this award-winning lookout offers arguably the best views of Coffs Harbour and its postcard-worthy coastline. The sky pier sits within Orara East State Forest, with plenty of scenic walking tracks dotted throughout the rainforest. We’d recommend the 400-metre Gumgali Track, which features sculptures and artwork telling the Gumbaynggirr creation story of Gumgali, the black goanna. Pack a picnic to enjoy post-walk, and if you’ve got stamina left, stop at TreeTops Adventure for an afternoon of ziplining, high ropes and other gravity-defying challenges.

Coastal towns don’t get much cuter than Sawtell. Located just ten kilometres south of Coffs Harbour, this gorgeous little beach town offers a relaxed day out for the whole family. While sun, surf, and sand are mainstays, we suggest hiking up to Boambee Headland for stunning coastal vistas, especially magical at sunrise or sunset. You’ll also want to wander down the main strip to explore the boutique shops and alfresco eateries, including local favourite, Split Café and French-inspired wine bar, Bar Que Sera.

The vistas from this scenic headland are as captivating as the name suggests. Take a leisurely stroll along the short path up to the lookout, where you’ll be rewarded with views of Moonee Beach, stretching out toward South West Solitary Island. Keep your eyes peeled for Eastern Grey kangaroos nibbling in the grass, and try your luck spotting breaching whales in winter.

Wake up and win the morning with freshly brewed coffee and croissants at Peach and Wolf. This humble, family-owned artisan bakery has grown a loyal following since opening in 2022. Their long-fermented pastries are layered with Pepe Saya cultured butter for extra oomph, and stuffed with seasonal fruits, smoked ham, local cheeses and organic greens. Pick up one of their signature sourdough loaves for the road, and make sure to BYO reusable container or mug – because saving the environment is cool.

Bird lovers will have an absolute ball on this island sanctuary, which is home to thousands of muttonbirds – the most abundant seabird species in Australia. The island is only a short stroll along the break wall from Coffs Harbour Jetty and along the way, you might catch glimpses of dolphins, sea turtles and stingrays. For visitors from May to November, the Eastern Side lookout is a must-visit, offering spectacular views of the Solitary Islands. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars, as it’s also the best vantage point for spotting whales between May and November. 

Embark on a serene and culturally enriching eco-tour in Coffs Harbour with the descendants of the world’s first stand-up paddlers, the Gumbaynggirr people. This 2.5-hour adventure takes you through the calm waterways of Solitary Islands Marine Park, where you’ll listen to stories about the land and sea, and sample seasonal bush tucker along the way. By joining this tour, you’re not only immersing yourself in local culture but also supporting Wajaana Yaam in creating employment pathways for youth and community members.

After a thrilling day hiking in the mountains or rafting down rivers, unwind with a pint at this old-world brewpub. Find a new favourite frothy from King Tide’s ‘core range’, including the flagship Coffa Coast pale ale with hints of pineapple and coconut. You can also chat with the brew crew on a tour, pair your schooners with Wiener schnitzels, or pop by for board games, trivia and DJ nights.

Landscapes, sculptures, prints – oh my! You’ll find these and much more at Coffs Harbour’s newest art gallery-cross-museum, Yarrila (YAM). Get lost in one of the five colourful exhibition spaces, including YAM’s captivating permanent exhibition, Yaamanga Around here, which showcases the history and identity of the Coffs Coast, with Gumbaynggirr culture at its heart.

Sunday sleep-ins are great, but nothing beats a morning meander to the local farmers market. A mandatory stop on any regional road trip, these outdoor marketplaces buzz with local producers selling the freshest flowers, most seasonal produce and tastiest street food. Coffs’ boutique Harbourside Market is no exception, held every Sunday from 8am to 2pm beside the water’s edge. Fill your tote bags with Coffs Coast Coffee, Twister River Wines, goat milk candles, gourmet pet treats and more. PS: Arrive with an appetite!