Coffs Harbour is a coastal playground on the NSW mid‑north coast with beaches, rainforest, lookouts and a surprisingly good food scene, so you can mix classic tourist spots with quieter local favourites.

Iconic must‑do spots

  • The Big Banana Fun Park – Australia’s original “Big Thing”, now a full fun park with water slides, toboggan, mini golf, ice skating, laser tag and arcade games; great if you’ve got kids or want a nostalgic stop and a photo.
  • Coffs Harbour Marina & Jetty – wander the jetty, grab fish and chips or gelato, watch the boats and surfers, and hit the Sunday markets when they’re on.
  • Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve – short walk from the jetty to a headland with ocean views; a key nesting site for wedge‑tailed shearwaters and a good place for whale watching in season.

Nature, walks and lookouts

  • Macauleys Headland Walk – an easy coastal walk between Diggers Beach and Park Beach with wide ocean views and regular surfer‑watching opportunities.
  • Sealy Lookout / Forest Sky Pier – elevated rainforest lookout in the hills behind town with sweeping views over Coffs Harbour and the coastline; great at sunrise or late afternoon.
  • Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden – relaxed walking tracks, boardwalks and themed gardens along Coffs Creek, nice for a quieter hour or two close to town.

Waterfalls, rainforest and day trips

  • Swim under a local waterfall – the wider Coffs region sits on the famous Waterfall Way, with accessible falls where you can swim or picnic, making for an easy day trip inland.
  • Ancient Gondwana rainforest – parts of the hinterland are within World Heritage–listed rainforest, with walking trails that feel very different from the beach environment.
  • Bellingen & Waterfall Way drive – many visitors base in Coffs and do a day trip to the artsy village of Bellingen, then continue up Waterfall Way for mountain views and more falls.

Wildlife, adventure and “hidden gem” vibes

  • Look At Me Now Headland – coastal headland north of Coffs known for wild kangaroos grazing with a backdrop of beaches and ocean, especially nice at golden hour.
  • Kayak the “emerald” creek – calm, clear creeks around Coffs are popular for kayaking and paddleboarding, giving a different angle on the forest‑meets‑water scenery.
  • Adventure activities – from tree‑ropes courses in the forest to skydiving onto the beach and seasonal whale‑watching cruises from the marina, there’s plenty for adrenaline seekers.

Food, coffee and rainy‑day options

  • Two Tails Winery – boutique winery in the region where you can do tastings and linger over lunch among the vines.
  • Dark Arts Café & Bar – known for strong, Melbourne‑style coffee and an atmospheric interior, popular with locals and visitors alike.
  • Museums and bunker curiosities – a small WWII bunker turned cartoon‑themed museum and other local displays offer an offbeat option when the weather turns.

If you share how long you’re in town and whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with kids, a tailored one‑ or two‑day Coffs Harbour plan can be mapped out around these highlights.