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Coffs Harbour is packed with family-friendly attractions including beaches, water sports, adventure sports, indoor attractions, restaurants and cafés. The city also has a huge choice of accommodation, from motels to glossy resorts and small, exclusive boutique retreats.

The hillsides around the town are smothered with banana palms and the icon for the city is the Big Banana, one of the most photographed backdrops in the country. Behind the Big Banana is a multi-faceted experience that incorporates audio-visual presentations, shops, a toboggan run and an ice-skating rink.

Near the port, the Pet Porpoise Pool Oceanarium has daily seal and dolphin shows. Arrive early for the seal kisses and dolphin handshakes that take place before every show. The Oceanarium also has sharks, reef fish and turtles.

A footpath along the breakwater, which forms the northern arm of the harbour, leads to dome-shaped Muttonbird Island. Every evening between November and April, muttonbirds return to their hillside burrows on the island after spending the day fishing at sea.

History

Originally known as “Korff's Harbour”, after John Korff, a shipbuilder who took shelter here during a gale, Coffs Harbour developed as a port for the shipment of cedar and other timbers.

Bananas were introduced into the area in 1881 and the industry thrived following the completion of the rail link to Sydney in 1923. Over the past few years tourism has flourished, driving a huge expansion in the city and along the adjacent coast.

Things to do

Head for the pristine beaches, on the north side of town, and don't forget your sunblock and hat.

Drive out to George’s Gold Mine and see a working re-creation of early gold diggings.

Shop at the Lake Russell Gallery, 16 km north of Coffs, for exceptional craftwork.

Events

The Easter Fishing Classic is a chance to bait up and see just what you can do with a rod and reel – and it’s open to everyone.

Coffs Coast Food & Wine Festival in October showcases the fine regional produce.

Don’t miss

The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.

The Clog Barn, a Dutch village in miniature.

Diving at the magnificent South Solitary Islands.

Mountain-biking on the State forest roads.

A ride aboard the Glenreagh Mountain Railway.

Courtesy John Begley