Happy TravellerWelcome to Coffs Harbour, locally known as Coffs, a picturesque city nestled on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. With its stunning beaches, lush national parks, and vibrant city centre, Coffs Harbour is the perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and families alike. Let’s explore what this vibrant city has to offer.
Coffs Harbour is one of the largest urban centres on the North Coast, with a population of 78,759 as per 2021 census. The Gumbaynggirr are the original people of the Coffs Harbour region. The city’s economy was once based on timber and agriculture. Over recent decades, tourism has become an increasingly important industry for the city. Once part of a region known as the Bananacoast, today the tourist city is part of a wider region known as the Coffs Coast.
Geographically, Coffs Harbour is a regional city along the Pacific Highway between Newcastle and the Gold Coast. It has become a major service centre for those living between South West Rocks in the south and Grafton to the north. The surrounding region is dominated by coastal resorts and apartments with hinterland hills and mountains covered by forests, banana and blueberry plantations, and other farms. It is the only place in New South Wales where the Great Dividing Range meets the Pacific Ocean. The greater Coffs Harbour city is broken up into several suburbs and precinct areas.
Coffs Harbour is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, and there are plenty of attractions to explore. One of the biggest attractions is the Big Banana, one of the first of Australia’s Big Things, with the World’s Largest Banana celebrating the region’s best-known export. There is also a popular underwater diving spot on a small natural reef. The Coffs Harbour Jetty is an historically important timber wharf where coastal shipping once moved the timber from the hinterland. It was listed on the NSW State Heritage Register on June 25, 2021, recognising its significance as the longest coastal timber jetty built by the Harbours and Rivers Section of the NSW Public Works department in the 19th century. The jetty area is the subject of planning from 2018 by Council and consultants to develop a cultural precinct and rejuvenated residential area. Nearby, the Solitary Islands Marine Park preserves a diverse underwater ecosystem that mirrors the terrestrial biodiversity, covering the southern limit of northern tropical species and the northern limits of the southern temperate species. Muttonbird Island is accessible by walking along the breakwater from the harbour, with the nature reserve protecting a significant wedge-tailed shearwater breeding site. The Muttonbird Island footpath leads to a viewing platform where whales are often spotted between June and November.
Coffs Harbour is also home to many national parks, reserves and marine parks surrounding the city. Some of the popular parks include Bellinger River National Park, Bindarri National Park, Bongil Bongil National Park, Cascade National Park, Coffs Coast Regional Park, Dorrigo National Park, Hayden Dent Nature Reserve, Junuy Juluum National Park, Moonee Beach Nature Reserve, Nymboi-Binderay National Park, Solitary Islands Marine Park, South Solitary Island, Ulidarra National Park, and Yuraygir National Park.
The city has a campus of Southern Cross University, and a campus of Rural Faculty of Medicine University of New South Wales, a public and a private hospital, several radio stations, and three major shopping centres. Coffs Harbour is near numerous national parks, including a marine national park. There are regular passenger flights each day to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane departing from Coffs Harbour Airport. Coffs Harbour is also accessible by road, by NSW TrainLink, and by regular bus services.
Come visit Coffs Harbour and experience the best that Australia’s Mid North Coast has to offer. Whether you’re here for the stunning scenery, the rich cultural heritage, or the relaxing atmosphere, you’ll find something to love in this charming city. See you soon!
