To help distinguish the breathtaking sections of New South Wales’ incredibly long coastline (and to ensure you can never choose a favorite), each coastal region has its own name. Coffs Coast isn’t just a collection of picturesque beaches surrounding Coffs Harbour—it’s also home to a marine park you’ve probably never heard of (hey, Solitary Islands!) and an ancient rainforest stretching right to the shore.
Imagine kangaroos grazing on a headland above the beach. Waterfalls roaring through lush green forests that date back to the age of dinosaurs. Windswept beaches, protected coves, creekside shores, and a sheltered lagoon with unbelievably turquoise water, teeming with schools of fish. Even Coffs Harbour surprised me—I had expected an overpriced, overcrowded tourist hub, but I quickly learned (for the hundredth time) that in Australia, walking just a few hundred meters can lead to solitude.
While I’ve already written about my favorite spots in Coffs Harbour, this time, let me show you the best places I discovered along the Coffs Coast:
8 best things to do on the Coffs Coast
Don’t miss Coffs Harbour
I didn’t expect to love Coffs Harbour this much, but I should have known… If nothing else, an Aussie coastal town will always charm with its beaches and coastal walks. Coffs Harbour is no exception, offering some truly extraordinary walks, like the one to Muttonbird Island, the Jetty Beach Pier, and the scenic Coffs Creek trail.
For all the things I loved about Coffs Harbour, check out this post!
Explore the untamed beauties of Bongil Bongil National Park
Think solitude is impossible to find in Coffs Harbour? A visit to Bongil Bongil National Park will prove you wrong. Just a 15-minute drive south of town, this wild paradise feels like a world away. Chances are, you won’t meet another soul all day.
So, what will you find instead? Endless, untamed beaches. Sweeping coastal views. Serene streams. Lush coastal rainforest trails and scenic bike paths. And if you’re lucky—maybe even a koala! Bongil Bongil is home to one of the largest wild koala populations in New South Wales, though sightings aren’t guaranteed (we, unfortunately, weren’t lucky enough to spot one).
Go kayaking on Bonville Creek, or stroll along Bongil Beach, soak in the peaceful surroundings, search for koalas on the Bluff loop walking track, or combine it with the Bundageree Rainforest walk to improve your chances.
Since Bongil Beach is only accessible on foot, it’s easy to find yourself completely alone here. It’s not patrolled and quite unprotected, so I wouldn’t recommend swimming here, but low tide reveals countless sand islands just off the shore—turning the area into a fun, natural water playground for kids.
We accessed the beach from School Road (the last section is unpaved), then followed the Palm Crossing Trail for about 1 km.
Stroll the scenic Urunga Boardwalk
Urunga was an unexpected gem on the Coffs Coast! What was meant to be a quick stop on our way to Coffs Harbour turned into almost a full day of exploring—an evening at low tide and a morning at high tide. The changing tides here dramatically shape the landscape, revealing the Urunga Lagoon and tidal wetlands. This is also where the Kalang and Bellinger Rivers merge before flowing into the ocean.
The best way to take in this unique environment is by walking the Urunga Boardwalk, a stunning 2 km return trail that lets you experience the wetland up close. Having explored many boardwalks through tidal wetlands and mangrove forests across New South Wales, I can confidently say this one is my favorite! It offers breathtaking views of the wetland, the two merging rivers, the river mouth and its beaches, the hinterland, and the vast, windswept ocean beyond.
Swim and snorkel at Urunga Lido
Urunga Lido Beach is located right at the start of the Urunga Boardwalk and changes dramatically with the tide. At high tide, it transforms into a calm, shallow series of lagoons and bays, perfect for a refreshing dip, paddleboarding, kayaking or snorkeling. The clear, shallow water allows you to see fish even without diving in, and beginner snorkelers and kids will have no trouble practicing their skills in the well-sheltered waters.
At low tide, some areas become too shallow and muddy, creating an entirely different experience.
While Urunga Lido doesn’t have a traditional sandy beach, there are a few small patches of sand, plus a large grassy park right by the water. The park is well-equipped with picnic shelters, BBQs, water taps, and showers—including warm showers inside the washroom block!
Meet the resident kangaroos of Look At Me Now Headland
With a name as intriguing as Look At Me Now Headland, this scenic spot in Moonee Beach Reserve is a must-visit for anyone passing by Coffs Harbour. It offers that quintessential Australian experience: kangaroos grazing on open grasslands with a stunning coastal backdrop!
For the best experience, visit around sunset when the resident Eastern Grey kangaroos are most active. Watching them hop around as the sky turns golden is nothing short of magical. Though the loop walk is only 1.3 km, we found ourselves lingering for well over an hour—because, really, who could ever get tired of watching kangaroos up close?
Although these kangaroos are quite accustomed to humans—you might even spot them grazing in the gardens of nearby homes—please keep your distance and refrain from feeding them. They are wild animals.
Earlier in the day, we enjoyed a picnic at Emerald Beach Park, followed by a scenic walk along the Dammerels History Walk, which connects Emerald Beach to Look At Me Now Headland. This route not only adds a historical touch to the adventure but also makes for an incredibly picturesque journey.
Beyond the kangaroos, Look At Me Now Headland headland offers breathtaking panoramic views over Moonee Beach and Shelley Beach. If you’re up for more exploration, you can also venture down to Shelley Beach, a secluded, sandy cove perfect for a quiet escape. Whether you’re here for the wildlife, the views, or the peaceful coastal atmosphere, Look At Me Now Headland is a place that invites you to slow down, take in the scenery, and appreciate nature at its finest.
Hike a section of the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk
The Solitary Islands Coastal Walk is a 60 km long trail that stretches from Red Rock in the north to Sawtell in the south, guiding you through a breathtaking mix of golden beaches, rugged headlands, and coastal rainforests along the Coffs Coast. With numerous access points along the way, it’s easy to pick a section that suits your adventure style and explore at your own pace.
Our favorite sections to explore were the Muttonbird Island Reserve, the Look At Me Now Headland, the Diggers Beach to Charlesworth Bay track, and the Macauleys Headland Walk.
Enjoy the panorama at Boambee Headland Lookout
Even if you’re not an avid walker, the Coffs Coast offers plenty of stunning ocean vistas. Simply stop at one of the headland lookouts accessible by car and walk as much—or as little—as you like.
Boambee Headland Lookout provides breathtaking views over Boambee Creek and Boambee Beach and also serves as an access point to the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk. Alternatively, you can simply soak up the views and enjoy a picnic.
Visit Dorrigo National Park
Hidden in the lush hinterlands along Waterfall Way, Dorrigo National Park is the perfect first stop if you’re driving from Coffs Harbour—and trust us, it’s a place that will leave you in awe.
Why is Dorrigo National Park so special? The rainforest. But not just any rainforest—this is an ancient Gondwana rainforest, a living time capsule from the age of dinosaurs. Towering trees, thick vines, and giant ferns create a world where you feel incredibly small. Add in colorful birds, adorable pademelons, and the soothing sound of cascading waterfalls, and you’ve got an unforgettable nature escape. (Just watch out for the leeches—they’re harmless but enthusiastic!)
Don’t miss exploring the Wonga Walk—in fact, if you do only one thing in Dorrigo, make it this. This 6.6 km circuit winds through the heart of the rainforest, leading you to the breathtaking Crystal Shower Falls, where you can even walk behind the cascading water for a magical view.
Right next to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, the elevated Skywalk Lookout platform offers breathtaking panoramic views over the treetops and all the way to the coast.
For a more adventurous trek, the 7 km return hike to Red Cedar Falls takes you deep into the forest to see the largest waterfall in the park. It’s a challenging walk, but the reward is worth every step!
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, vividly colored birds, or adorable Australian marsupials—or simply soaking in the beauty of an ancient natural cathedral—you won’t want to miss Dorrigo National Park.
Best place to stay on the Coffs Coast
Coffs Harbour is an expensive destination—and while there are plenty of beautiful beachfront apartments and holiday parks, they often come with a hefty price tag. Surprisingly, staying farther from the beach doesn’t always mean big savings, so if you’re going to splurge, you might as well choose a prime location:
- Beachpark Apartments Coffs Harbour has a 4-star rating and excellent guest reviews. It offers apartments in various sizes, directly opposite Park Beach.
- BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park is a beachfront holiday park with various villas and studios in Coffs Harbour.
- Ocean Park Motel & Holiday Apartments offers self-contained apartments with a kitchenette, a fridge, and kitchenware, right behind Park Beach.
While Coffs Harbour is the heart of the Coffs Coast and a great base for exploring, you’ll have a better chance of finding more affordable accommodation just a little farther out. But don’t worry—it’s usually only a 15–20 minute drive away!
BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park is just 10 minutes south of Coffs Harbour, yet it feels like a peaceful retreat in nature. With direct creek access, lush greenery, and abundant wildlife, it offers the perfect blend of serenity and comfort. Choose from powered sites or cozy cabins, and let the whole family enjoy the Little Tern BMX Circuit, swimming pool, shaded playground, or the scenic walking tracks that lead to Bonville Creek.
Discovery Parks in Emerald Beach is located 20 minutes north of Coffs Harbour, making it an ideal base for exploring Look At Me Now Headland and the rest of Moonee Beach Nature Reserve. Situated just behind Emerald Beach, the park offers a garden, outdoor pool, and barbecue area for guests to enjoy. Accommodation options range from various room types to comfortable cabins, catering to different needs and budgets.
Camping on the Coffs Coast
If you’re a tent camper, here’s the hard truth: while Coffs Harbour has plenty of holiday parks in prime locations, budget-friendly campgrounds are practically nonexistent. To make things trickier, many holiday parks require longer minimum stays during peak seasons, like the summer holidays.
So, what’s the solution? Finding a private landowner willing to host campers—and that’s where Hipcamp comes in handy.
During our last trip, we booked a campsite on a local farm, called Dodona, just 20 minutes from town. This peaceful retreat offers spacious grassy areas for tents and RVs, a lovely pool, and a shared washroom with a sink and toilet. Our host, Richard, was incredibly welcoming, making us feel right at home. Every morning, we woke up to the sight and sound of black cockatoos soaring through the sky—an unforgettable way to start the day.
Another great option is Karangi Waters @ Coffs, especially if you’re comfortable with rural driving. It’s closer to the Coffs Harbour CBD, but accessing it requires navigating a steep gravel road (not suitable for caravans). The property itself is beautiful and tranquil, with water and bathroom facilities available and glowing guest reviews.
Yellow Butterfly is another peaceful retreat near Woolgoolga, just a 25-minute drive north of Coffs Harbour. Owned by a nature-loving couple, this campsite is a wildlife haven, where you can spot kangaroos, wallabies, bandicoots, possums, squirrel gliders, frogs, and a variety of birds. Campers can also enjoy the outdoor camp kitchen and amenities block, which includes a composting toilet and hot showers for a comfortable stay.
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