The 18 best things to do in Coffs Harbour on your next road trip

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.  

Time Out tip: The Big Banana pancakes are available all day, which, in our books, means pancakes for breakfast, lunch and pre-dinner. They come stacked with fresh bananas, cream and maple syrup, so prepare for a serious sugar rush.

Address: 351 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour

Opening Hours: Daily 9am-4.30pm

Price: Free entry to select attractions, rides from $9, and Ultimate Pass access to all attractions from $67.50 for adults and $61.50 for children

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.

Time Out tip: On a hot day, take a sandy stroll to Emerald Beach and enjoy a refreshing swim. 

Address: Moonee Beach Nature Reserve, Emerald Beach

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: Free

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? 

Time Out tip: The Clog Barn Caravan Park is actually one of the cheapest stays in town, with rates starting at $45 per night.

Address: 215 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour

Opening hours: Daily 8am-4pm

Price: Free

Fish and chips on the beach is an essential part of any coastal road trip in Australia. Local chippery, 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 water. 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. 

Time Out tip: If you've never tried banana fritters, Sea Salt has the goods – and there's a pineapple version if that's more your jam.

Address: Sea Salt, Jetty Village Shopping Centre, 361 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour

Opening hours: Daily 11am-7.30pm

Price: Fish and chips from $18.50

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.

Time Out tip: 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.

Address: Lyrebird Link, Dorrigo Mountain

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: Free

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.

Time Out tip: While it looks fancy, flip flops are still part of the dress code (as is swimmers under a sarong). 

Address: Coffs Harbour International Marina, 8/1 Marina Dr, Coffs Harbour

Opening hours: Daily 11am-10pm

Price: Expect to pay more than $40 for a main and $22 for a cocktail 

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, which will taste even better at sunset.

Time Out tip: If you’ve got stamina left, stop at TreeTops Adventure for an afternoon of ziplining, high ropes and other gravity-defying challenges.

Address: Orara East State Forest, Coffs Harbour

Opening hours: Daily 8am-5pm

Price: Free

Spread your wings and fly on over to the Butterfly House – one of Coffs Harbour’s most awarded attractions, perfect for kids, adults and everyone in between. This sanctuary is home to hundreds of colourful Australian butterflies, fluttering freely inside a lush subtropical rainforest glasshouse. But that’s not all – the Butterfly House is also home to a whimsical Alice in Wonderland colour maze and hosts live dinosaur shows twice daily, where little ones can meet and greet with four baby dinosaurs. 

Time Out tip: Just wing it – tickets can be easily purchased at the entrance.

Address: 5 Strouds Rd, Bonville 

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-2pm (open Mondays during NSW school holidays) 

Price: $29 for adults and $16 for children aged three to 16

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.

Time Out tip: Pop into the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House on your way to or from Sawtell. It's just an eight-minute drive from Sawtell Beach.

Address: 15-minute drive south of Coffs Harbour

Opening hours: Most shops in Sawtell open from 10am to 4pm

Price: Free

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, too.

Time Out tip: BYO reusable container or mug – because saving the environment is cool!

Address: The Equinox Building, 29/87 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour 

Opening hours: Mon 7am-12pm, Tue-Sun 7am-1pm

Price: $6 for a croissant or $10 for a signature sourdough loaf

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. 

Time Out tip: Bring binoculars, as Muttonbird Island is also the best vantage point for spotting whales between May and November. 

Address: Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve (follow the path from Coffs Harbour Marina)

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: Free

Green thumbs and tree huggers will feel right at home in Coffs Harbour’s beautiful botanic garden. This nature oasis is divided into 15 garden areas, including a tranquil Japanese friendship garden, a glasshouse, a sensory garden, a rainforest and planted areas dedicated to exotic plants, native fauna, and rare and endangered species. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the pond, venture down one of seven themed Discovery Walks, or join a free monthly walk with garden guides every third Thursday of the month at 10am. 

Time Out tip: Visitors with limited mobility can rent an electric buggy from the visitor centre, allowing people of all abilities to explore the gardens at their own pace. Scoot scoot!

Address: Hardacre Street at the corner of Coffs St, Coffs Harbour

Opening hours: Daily 9am-5pm

Price: Free

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.

Time Out tip: Don't sweat it if you've never been paddleboarding. These tours are designed for all skill levels, and we're sure they'll make you fall in love with the sport.

Address: Tours depart from Red Rock, Moonee Beach and Coffs Creek

Opening hours: Daily, 7am-4.30pm

Price: From $95

The Coffs Coast is road tripping territory, and we strongly suggest taking the 30-minute drive southwest of Coffs Harbour to Bellingen. Tucked in the hinterland, this bohemian town is a wonderland of waterfalls, rainforests and adorable accommodation. You’ll want more than a day here, but if time’s tight, make sure to tick these off: rope swing into the turquoise waters of the Promised Lands, cool off with a scoop of raspberry sorbet from Bellingen Gelato Bar, stroll along Urunga Boardwalk, and enjoy a paddock-to-plate meal at Three Blue Ducks. 

Time Out tip: Turn your day trip into an overnight escape, with a night at The Lodge Bellingen – a sprawling countryside retreat by the Three Blue Ducks team.

Address: 40-minute drive southwest of Coffs Harbour

Opening hours: Most shops in Bellingen open from 10am to 5pm

Price: Free

While the Coffs Coast is dotted with plenty of golden stretches, Emerald Beach is a quieter, more relaxed option for safe swimming, surfing and a very scenic walk (we’re looking at you, Look At Me Now Headland). There’s a playground in the park behind the beach, plus barbecues in the picnic area – perfect for a cook-up if you haven’t already demolished a BLT and hot chips from the nearby Emerald Beach General Store. Although a popular swimming spot, the beach is only patrolled by lifeguards during the summer holidays from December to the end of January. 

Time Out tip: After a swim, walk along the beach to Look At Me Now Headland, where you can see all the way out to South West Solitary Island.

Address: Drive down Fiddaman Road to Emerald Beach car park

Opening hours: 24 hours

Price: Free

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.

Time Out tip: Every Tuesday, the local legends from One Two Five Pizza take over King Tide's kitchen, slinging their 72-hour sourdough slabs from 5pm.

Address: 1 Studio Ln, Coffs Harbour

Opening hours: Tue 4-9pm, Wed-Thur 12pm-9pm, Fri 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

Price: Expect to pay $30 for a main meal, with beers from $8 

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.

Time Out tip: Yarilla Arts and Museum sits right in the heart of town, so wrap up your visit with a coffee at a local café or a scenic stroll through the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden just across the road. 

Address: 27 Gordon St, Coffs Harbour

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-2pm

Price: Free (some special exhibitions and events may have an entry fee)

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!

Time Out tip: BYO chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy live music on the lawns. Four-legged friends are welcome too (as long as they're kept on a leash).

Address: Marina Dr, Coffs Harbour

Opening hours: Sunday 8am-2pm

Price: Free