Coffs Harbour is one of the largest and developed cities in the North Coast of South Wales, Australia, with a well-preserved natural paradise. Embraced by majestic oceans and divine mountains, tourists can expect nothing but breathtaking views and exciting adventures from the rich biodiversity that the city has to offer. Get a much-deserved rest, a rush of adrenaline, or even both, courtesy of Mother Nature. From under the seas to the high skies, there is surely something you would love to do. Coffs Harbour is rich in natural parks and bodies of water and it’s here for you to enjoy! Start booking your trip and packing your bags, because here is a rundown of the fun things to do in Coffs Harbour, Australia.
1. Take a stroll in North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
Want to start your morning right? Go for a chill stroll at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in their five-kilometer walking path traversing the whole garden and breathe in some fresh cool air. While you are at it, immerse yourself in the natural forest and mangroves that house a vast species of plants that are rare and endemic. The botanical garden not only serves the tourists’ delightful sight and experience, it also plays a role in conserving threatened botanical species. Surely, a trip to the garden will not only feed your eyes with good scenery, but it will also feed your mind with new knowledge. Talk about hitting two birds with one trip!
North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
Address: Coff St & Hardacre Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Website: North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Get a panoramic view from Forest Sky Pier
If you want to get the breathtaking view of Coffs Harbour absolutely for free, then drive up to the Forest Sky Pier! Located at Sealy Lookout in Bruxner Park Flora Reserve, the architectural site offers a spectacular panorama of the city’s rainforest and canopy. Enjoy a different view of Coffs Harbour that does not include skyscrapers and enjoy the cool breeze from the trees and the sound of nature. Forest Sky Pier is the quick getaway you need from the busy streets and the noise of the city. Here, you just might find some peace of mind in the cradle of nature.
Forest Sky Pier
Address: Bruxner Park Flora Reserve
Website: Forest Sky Pier
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
3. Take a trip under the sea at Solitary Islands Aquarium
Posted by Solitary Islands Aquarium on Wednesday, 5 June 2013
Dive into the marine biodiversity of local species and get up-close immersion with some of them at the Solitary Islands Aquarium located at Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre. The aquarium helps bring awareness and appreciation to local marine life and educates its visitors through unique interactions, guided tours, and vast theme-based exhibits. Fun and educational activities await every age range, so if you are looking for the perfect family bonding, Solitary Islands Aquarium is your best bet!
Solitary Islands Aquarium
Address: 2 Bay Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Website: Solitary Islands Aquarium
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: 8 - 12 USD
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4. Enjoy yourself at The Big Banana Fun Park
Posted by The Big Banana Fun Park on Friday, 16 November 2018
The Big Banana Fun Park is the biggest water park in Sydney and the Gold Coast and it is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Coffs Harbour. Be sure not to miss out on riding their world-class and thrilling slides that can stand as tall as four stories! The water park offers something for everyone in the family to enjoy, from their wide range of attractions like the six-lane giant slide, state-of-the-art laser tag arena, and the kids aqua-play area. The park also has an arcade, housing tons of game consoles like the 4D ride simulator and a skating rink. And if you get hungry, you can conveniently grab some food at their in-house restaurants, moreover, buy souvenirs at the gift shop. Entry to the Big Banana Fun Park is for free, while rides and other attractions are individually priced. Surely, a day spent here really sounds like big fun!
The Big Banana Fun Park
Address: 351 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Website: The Big Banana Fun Park
Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 2.50 - 65 USD for rides
5. Bond with the friendly dolphins at Dolphin Marine Conservation Park
Located in the Mid North Coast of Coffs Harbour, the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park houses and cares for marine mammals that were injured or temporarily unfit to be released to their natural habitat. The conservation park is licensed to display animals such as Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphins, seals, penguins, green sea turtles, and a variety of endemic fish species. As the only facility in New South Wales endorsed by the government, Dolphin Marine Conservation Park has successfully bred the endangered Australian sea lion and encourages their visitors to protect their native marine biodiversity through exhibits and up-close interaction with them. Enjoy a day of bonding with the friendly creatures of the seas and appreciate the life underwater.
Dolphin Marine Conservation Park
Address: 65 Orlando St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Website: Dolphin Marine Conservation Park
Opening hours: 9am - 3pm (daily)
Price: 13 - 72 USD
6. Spend a vibrant day at Brelsford Park
Posted by Open Studio on Monday, 19 August 2019
Located at the heart of the city, Brelsford Park boasts of inclusive amenities where recreation and leisure are truly alive. The park offers improved amenities for all ages to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle while having fun. Brelsford Park features an open green space ideal for picnics, walking and cycling paths, and work-out facilities. This prime public space is also used for cultural and creative interests that feature vibrant and fun-filled events where locals come together as a festive community!
Brelsford Park
Address: 6 Earl St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Website: Brelsford Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Ride the awesome waves at Park Beach
When you think of Australia, surfing will surely come to your mind. Park Beach is one of the beaches in Australia that offers the best waves for surfing and making it the main surf beach of Coffs Harbour. It is also a popular place for water sports, picnics, and camping. Park Beach is complete with amenities like barbecue grills, tables and benches, a children’s playground, restrooms, and shady trees. Surfing or not, Park Beach is an awesome place to visit if you want to chill in the breezy outdoors!
Park Beach
Address: 90 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Website: Park Beach
Price: Free
8. Go whale- and bird-watching at Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
Surrounded by the pristine blue ocean and the scenic views of the Coffs Coast, Mutton Bird Island Nature Reserve is an ideal destination for nature lovers. The eastern lookout offers a majestic view of the Solitary Island and it is the perfect place for whale watching especially from May to November. Go on a stroll or a trail where you will be able to immerse yourself with the rich biodiversity of Coffs Harbour. See the sparkling ocean that is home to dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and many more, and a flock of migratory birds as they take to the sky. A visit tp Coffs Harbour would not be complete with stopping by at Mutton Bird Island Nature Reserve, so do not forget to add this to your itinerary.
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
Address: Marina Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Website: Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Attempt the rope course at TreeTops Coffs Harbour
Up for an extreme challenge in the woods? Bring the whole family and head out to the TreeTops Coffs Harbour to get that rush of adrenaline! Climb gum trees and fly through the treetops on a self-guided rope course at their TreeTop Adventure Park or course through a zigzag ladder to reach the top view of a eucalyptus tree then have a smooth ride back down at their TreeTop Vertical Challenges. Let the kids have a fun-filled rollercoaster ride as they twist, turn, and swoosh among trees at the parks’s TreeTop Crazy Rider or bounce, play, and discover hih up the trees at the TreeTop Networld. Whatever your age is, TreeTops Coffs Harbour has a thrilling adventure for you to try!
TreeTops Coffs Harbour
Address: Sealy Lookout, Orara East State Forest Sealy Lookout Drive Coffs Harbour NSW AU 2450, Sealy Lookout Dr, Korora NSW 2450, Australia
Website: TreeTops Coffs Harbour
Opening hours: Mon, Thu & Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat & Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: 14.50 - 79 USD
10. Have a quiet weekend out at Diggers Beach
Grab the chance to have a nice long weekend drive to Diggers Beach and spend some downtime for a morning job by the scenic Diggers Beach. There’s plenty to do which include surfing, fishing, and swimming among other fun activities. Diggers Beach is located just across the road from Coff’s Harbour’s Big Banana which many tourists frequent and enjoy stopping by for a great afternoon stroll on the white sandy beach. Take a breather from the beach fun and spend a few hours at the picnic area to get your children running around the playground and for you and your loved ones to sit back and relax before heading back to the city.
Have a quiet weekend out at Diggers Beach
Address: Diggers Beach Road, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450, Australia
Price: Free admission
11. Discover some unique purchases at the Bellingen Community Markets
Get the best out of your trip to Australia and make some effort to discover the hidden gems beyond Melbourne. Go on a day trip to Bellingen in Waterfall Way just a few hours away from Melbourne proper. Bellingen is visited for its community markets which takes place during the 3rd Saturday of every month. Bellingen Community Markets is dubbed as one of the longest and most diverse market places on the north coast. There’s a variety to see from authentic food and products from Bellingen, fresh produce, plants, and even massages. The Bellingen Community Market also hosts live performances and events which go on from 10:00 AM up until 2:00 PM. Aside from the interesting market finds and performances, this place is best for families and friends who are driving up to Bellingen area for just a weekend.
Discover some unique purchases at the Bellingen Community Markets
Address: Bellingen Trail, Bellingen NSW 2454, Australia
Website: Bellingen Community Market
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Saturdays
Contact: 0400 261 693; info@bellingenmarkets.com.au
Escape to nature
We spend most of our time being busy at work or at school and sometimes we never have that well- deserved me-time or bonding with our families. As they say, work-life balance is a must for a healthier life. So why not take a little break go solo or bring the whole family, and enjoy all the luxuries that nature has to offer by experiencing the above-listed things to do in Coffs Harbour, Australia.
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