Hotels in Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a lesser-known destination to tourists, but that doesn’t mean the place lacks attractions and activities that will complete your weekend getaway. Being a seaside city, Coffs Harbour offers plenty of beaches that it’s dubbed as the Hawaii of Australia. The best thing about this place is that few people visit the city even during peak seasons. This makes the city a relaxing destination if you just want to enjoy nature’s bounty and the locals’ simple lifestyle.

How to Get There

There are direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne to Coffs Harbour Airport. Virgin Australia, Qantas, Tiger Australia, and FlyPelican offer daily trips to the city and it will take an hour or two to reach Coffs Harbour.

You can also ride a coach service or a train to get to the seaside city. An easy highway drive along the Pacific Highway will also get you to Coffs Harbour in three to six hours. From the airport, there are shuttle services, taxis, and coach lines that will take you to the major destinations in the city or the surrounding towns.

Getting Around

Local buses, taxis, and rideshares are the common modes of transport in Coffs Harbour. You can also rent a car and drive around the city or get to nearby towns. Coffs Harbour has a lot of walking and cycling paths, and the roads are safe for travel. If you’re touring the city or the nearby towns, walking or cycling would suffice. But if you’re transferring from one town to another, a car or bus is the better option.

Top Things to Do

Sealy Lookout and Forest Sky Pier will give you a good view of the area. They’re two of the must-see tourist spots in Coffs Harbour that will introduce you to the wonders of the city. Beach lovers will want to stroll along the sands of Park Beach. Although it’s one of the top tourist spots in Coffs Harbour, it’s seldom filled with tourists, so rest assured you can fully enjoy the calming beauty of the seaside. Diggers Beach, Red Rock Beach, and Sawtell are also good beaches where you can take a picnic with your friends or family.

If you’re traveling with friends or kids, one of the top tourist spots to visit in Coffs Harbour is the Big Banana Fun Park. This amusement park has mini golf, toboggan, ice skating, and laser tag activities, to name a few. Kids will also have fun visiting the Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, Solitary Islands Aquarium, Coffs Harbour Butterfly Park, and Brelsford Park.

You’re in Australia, the land of nature and wildlife, so it’s no surprise that one of the best things to do in Coffs Harbour is to visit the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve will give you a nice view of the coast and the mountains of the city. It’s the best spot for birdwatching and picture-taking. For hikers and adventure-seekers, Dorrigo National Park is a must-try. The trip will reward you with a nice view of the crystal-clear water of the Dangar Falls.

What to Eat and Where

Since Coffs Harbour is a seaside city, it’s best to get a taste of fresh seafood on the menu. One of the most iconic places to eat fresh seafood in Coffs Harbour is the Fisherman’s Co-op. For the perfect al fresco lunch spot, look for Surf St Café located on Emerald Beach.

You can also head to Treehouse Restaurant to try their generous food servings of meat, seafood, and pasta. For a quick bite and a cup of coffee, visit the Old Butter Factory Café. When you’re in Bellingen, don’t forget to drop by Lodge 241. Aside from the tasty food they serve from breakfast to dinner, you’ll get to see interesting artworks from the locals in the area.

Nightlife

Although Coffs Harbour is relatively quieter compared to other areas in Australia, it’s not short of pubs and bars for that late-night adventure. The Dark Arts Brew & Bar presents a Goth-inspired theme with walls of graffiti to match their menu of artisanal coffee, shakes, and cocktails.

The largest venue for nightlife in Coffs Harbour is the Hoey Moey. Aside from cocktail drinks, the place holds pool competitions, poker nights, and live bands. If you want to enjoy an upscale drinking place with live music, head to Plantation Hotel and spend the night away.

Where to Stay

The top neighbourhoods to look for Coffs Harbour hotels are Bellingen, Dorrigo, Sawtell, and Woolgoolga. Bellingen is a vibrant town where jazz festivals, cafes, pubs, and restaurants abound. It has a lot of heritage buildings and gives off a community vibe like that of Newtown in Sydney. If you want a neighbourhood with a pleasant, hippy feel, look for Coffs Harbour hotels in this area.

Dorrigo is more country-like where you can find lots of picnic grounds and national parks. It’s not highly populated, so if you want to stay away from the busy city life, Dorrigo hotels in Coffs Harbour are your best option. Meanwhile, Woolgoolga and Sawtell are coastal towns that beach lovers will surely love. Coffs Harbour hotels in these seaside sanctuaries will give you a refreshing village and beach atmosphere.

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