Things to do in Coffs Harbour

Planning a getaway to Coffs Harbour on the NSW North Coast? You clever thing! This vibrant coastal town has much to offer families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. From marine mammal encounters to cultural SUP tours, there are so many things to do in Coffs Harbour and its subtropical surrounds.    

When it comes to exploring the Coffs Harbour region, we’ve got your back. With so much to do in this idyllic neck of the woods, we’ve made it easy with our list of the top 15 things to do in Coffs Harbour. It's full of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and local secrets. Happy exploring! 

The iconic symbol of Coffs Harbour is so much more than a giant fruit! The Big Banana Fun Park offers a huge range of exciting activities for all ages, from ice skating to waterslides and laser tag. The plantation tour is both educational and entertaining, giving visitors an insight into the region’s all-important banana cultivation. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Candy Kitchen is nothing short of a paradise.  

Darlington Beach is the ideal base for a mountain bike adventure, with a range of bikes including mountain e-bikes available for hire from right here in the resort. There’s even a bike repair and wash station on-site! The Woolgoolga Coastal Loop is great for beginners – pack a picnic and your swimmers for a wonderful day out. More experienced riders will love the 2km Mount Caroma Downhill and 12km Sawmill, which offer banked turns, roller coaster style tracks, and adrenaline-pumping downhill runs. 

Meet friendly marine animals at the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, which has been dedicated to protecting wildlife since 1970. As well as exciting and educational shows, the park offers close animal encounters with dolphins, seals, and even penguins. Whether it's a dolphin kiss, a seal hug, or a waddle with penguins, these experiences foster a deep appreciation and connection to marine life. 

Serving as the vibrant epicentre of Coffs Harbour, the Marina is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. Lined with diverse dining venues and boutique shops, there’s plenty to do, see, and eat. Whether you're keen on embarking on a fishing adventure, taking a sailing trip, grabbing a waterfront dinner, or just soaking in the ambience with an ice cream and a sunset view, the marina is worth a visit.   

Looking for things to do in Coffs Harbour for free? Visit Arrawarra Headland! A short walk from our holiday resort via the beach, it offers incredible views across to Solitary Islands Marine Park. There’s an excellent point break here, so if you’re into surfing be sure to bring your board. There are also lovely spots to swim, picnic and cast a line. And if you’re into rockpool exploring, keep your eyes out for ancient Aboriginal fish traps.    

Local’s tip: The headland is a great spot for whale watching during the cooler months. 

It’s stand-up paddleboarding, but not as you know it. Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours offers 2.5-hour SUP tours of Coffs Harbour’s Solitary Islands Marine Park. You’ll paddle with the descendants of the world’s first stand-up paddlers, connecting to land and sea through stories and language. There’s even the opportunity to collect and taste seasonal bush tucker. And with a quick SUP lesson at the start of each tour, no experience is necessary to embark on this exciting and educational adventure.

Ever dreamed of sharing the water with a humpback whale or three? It’s possible in Coffs Harbour, with Jetty Dive facilitating encounters between August and September. This very special experience is not for the faint hearted, however, open only to confident swimmers aged 12+. Keen to give it a go? Be sure to book early. Whale watching tours are also available for those who prefer to stay dry. 

Local’s tip: Weather conditions must be near perfect, so have a few backup days up your sleeve if possible.  

Stretching for 75km along the Coffs Coast and home to five uninhabited islands, the Solitary Islands Marine Park is where warm waters from the north meet cooler waters from the south. This confluence brings together tropical, subtropical, and temperate marine life, making for seriously special diving. Grey nurse sharks congregate here, along with manta rays, turtles, leopard sharks, and various species that call coral reefs home. Jetty Dive runs guided dives to the islands, as well as courses for those wanting to learn or upskill. 

Discover the diversity of the local art scene at Yarrila Arts and Museum. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibitions, from sculptures and paintings to multimedia displays. Yaamanga Around here is a permanent exhibition exploring themes of place, community and belonging, with Gumbaynggirr culture at its heart. The gallery also offers practical workshops and artist talks, providing deeper insights into the artworks and the minds behind them.  

Just a stone's throw away from Coffs Harbour, Bellingen is a charming town known for its vibrant markets and unique artisanal shops. Lined with heritage buildings and lush greenery, the town exudes a relaxed, bohemian vibe. The Bellinger River runs through the town, offering idyllic swimming holes and picnic spots.  

Local’s tip: Enjoy a craft beer and woodfired pizza at Bellingen Brewing Company. 

Wander through World Heritage-listed, Gondwana-era rainforests and swim beneath cool cascading waterfalls in Dorrigo National Park, an hour’s drive from Coffs Harbour. Hike the many trails, explore the Rainforest Centre (complete with café) and take in the view from the Skywalk Lookout, a 70m boardwalk that soars over the edge of an escarpment overlooking the Bellinger Valley.  

For incredible views from the mountains to the sea, don’t miss the Forest Sky Pier at Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) in Orara East State Forest. As well as the 15m high pier, there are rainforest walking tracks, a café and picnic areas. Walk along the Gumgali Track at adjacent Korora Lookout, a First People Interpretive Walk and that tells the local Gumbaynggirr story of Gumgali, the Black Goanna.  

A visit to the award-winning Butterfly House is like stepping into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour. As hundreds of butterflies dance around, visitors are enveloped in their enchanting world. But this facility is more than a visual treat; it also educates guests on the intricate lifecycle, diverse habitats, and ongoing conservation efforts to protect these delicate creatures. There’s a café to refuel or grab a snack, too. 

Fancy a round of golf? You needn’t wander far – NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort boasts a beautiful, nine-hole golf course. Stretching alongside the beach, you’ll share our lush greens with lazy kangaroos and the occasional waddling echidna. A small greens fee of $10 is payable at reception, where you can also hire clubs and buggies – and you’re all set to tee off. 

Looking for a day of fun for your little monkeys? Treetops Adventure Coffs Harbour promises excitement for the whole family, including children as young as three. Dive into over 110 exhilarating challenges and feel the rush of 20 ziplines that let you soar through the canopy. With four junior courses tailored for the little adventurers and four tree ropes courses, there's an adventure waiting for everyone.  

And for the ultimate in family-friendly fun, NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort is your ticket to an unforgettable getaway. Just 30 minutes north of Coffs Harbour and spread over 110 acres of beachside rainforest, everything you need for an easy and exciting holiday is right here. Resort-style swimming pool, waterpark, kids’ club, an onsite restaurant, and direct beach access are just the beginning. Choose from self-contained villas and cabins or get back to nature with a caravan site or campsite in the rainforest.