Coffs Harbour Butterfly House

The Coffs Harbour Butterfly House is home to hundreds of Australian butterflies. Take a stroll through their walk-through enclosure and admire the brilliant colours as butterflies flutter around, sometimes even landing on you for a closer look. Learn about their fascinating life cycle from knowledgeable staff. Afterward, enjoy refreshments in the café, and pick up a memento of your visit in the gift shop.

• Web:

  www.butterflyhouse.com.au

• Address:

  5 Strouds Road, Bonville NSW

• Phone:

  +61 2 6653 4766

Jetty Dive Centre

Coffs Harbour is the southern gateway to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a very unique mix of tropical and temperate fish life; the waters of the Solitary Islands are just like the southern Great Barrier Reef with a mix of Fish from the south. Jetty Dive Centre pride themselves in their high level of PADI training, from PADI open water Scuba courses all the way through to PADI Instructor. Jetty Dive also has the first Whale Swims in NSW. After years of watching the Humpback Whales, they have developed a trip of a lifetime. Swim with Humpback Whales trips are an experience you will never forget.!

• Web:

  jettydive.com.au

• Address:

  398 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW

• Phone:

  +61 2 6651 1611

Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Heads is one of Australia's most picturesque camping destinations. Named after an Aboriginal word meaning "entrance to the waters", Nambucca Heads is located on the Coffs Coast and is celebrated for its gorgeous weather and tranquil atmosphere. Caravan park guests can enjoy expansive water views and wake up to breathtaking sunrises. You can take a river cruise or visit the Rotary Lookout or Captain Cook Lookout for superb views of the river mouth and ocean, with the added bonus of seasonal whale watching.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/nambucca-heads

• Address:

  Nambucca Heads NSW

Raleigh International Raceway

Raleigh International Raceway is an exciting go-kart facility offering fun for the whole family, just 15 minutes south of Coffs Harbour. The challenging 1.1-kilometre forest track features both single and double karts for thrilling laps. It's a perfect destination for hours of family fun.

• Web:

  raleighraceway.com.au

• Address:

  Valery Road, Raleigh NSW

• Phone:

  +61 2 6655 4017

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–5pm

Sherwood Nature Reserve

Sherwood Nature Reserve offers a peaceful setting for picnicking, birdwatching, car touring, and bushwalking. Discover the spectacular biodiversity and natural beauty of Sherwood Nature Reserve. Located just a short drive from Coffs Harbour near Woolgoolga, the reserve features striking landscapes, from rugged sandstone escarpments and coastal ridges to dry open forests, heathlands, and vibrant subtropical rainforests. The reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, with old-growth forests and diverse habitats providing refuge for over 50 native animals, including the brush-tailed rock wallaby, long-nosed potoroo, powerful owl, giant barred frog, and leaf-tailed gecko. The incredible birdlife also makes Sherwood a bird watching paradise. Explore the reserve by driving along Sherwood Forest Drive, where you can admire panoramic views of the coastline and Orara Valley. Enjoy peaceful bushwalking and exceptional birdwatching in the rainforest on the Falls Walking Track. Or simply relax at the Woolgoolga Creek picnic area and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature.

• Web:

  www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/sherwood-nature-reserve

• Address:

  Woolgoolga NSW

• Phone:

  +61 2 6641 1500

Whitewater Rafting at Nymboi-Binderay National Park

Rafting is an exhilarating way to appreciate the stunning beauty of the river. Located within Nymboi-Binderay National Park, the scenic Nymboida River offers white-knuckle excitement with its challenging rapids. Dramatic granite gorges and rugged, rainforest-lined banks create a thrilling experience, making these rapids renowned among whitewater enthusiasts.

• Web:

  www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/nymboibinderay-national-park

• Address:

  Teak Tree Road, Wild Cattle Creek NSW

Curryfest

Curryfest celebrates the unique Punjabi heritage of Woolgoolga, which is immediately noticeable from the Sikh temple on the hill as you enter town. For the past twelve years, thousands have flocked to this beachside town to enjoy Indian music and dance, and to sample curries from around the world. The main festival day features over 100 food and market stalls, a special kids’ zone with rides and entertainment, a mindfulness and meditation zone for those seeking inner peace, and two stages of live entertainment. In addition to the main festival day, an increasing number of lead-up and follow-on events are encouraging visitors to extend their stay.

• Web:

  www.curryfest.com.au

• Address:

  Woolgoolga Beach Reserve, Beach Street, Woolgoolga NSW

Diggers Beach

The ever-popular Diggers Beach is perfectly situated for tourists — right across the road from Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana. Wide and sheltered, Diggers Beach is ideal for a peaceful, wind-free walk along the shore. It’s not just visitors who love this beach; locals also flock here for surfing, fishing, and swimming. If you prefer to stay dry, take a seat at the elevated pavilion to admire the stunning views and watch the birds, or stroll along the short pathway to Macauleys Headland. When you’re ready for a break from the surf, head to the nearby Diggers Beach picnic area. With a children’s playground and plenty of space to run around, it’s the perfect spot for a family barbecue.

• Web:

  www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/surfing-spots/diggers-beach

• Address:

  Diggers Beach, Diggers Beach Road, Coffs Harbour NSW

Dolphin Marine Conservation Park

Meet Bucky and other dolphins at Dolphin Marine Magic and enjoy their fun and exciting routines. You can even swim with a dolphin or a seal at this beautiful zoological park, which is also home to little penguins, green sea turtles, freshwater turtles, and a variety of fish. There are two Marine Discovery Presentations each day. Arrive early to get your photo taken while receiving kisses from a dolphin and a seal. There's also a penguin feeding session, and for the brave, a reptile show.

• Web:

  coffscoastwildlifesanctuary.com.au

• Address:

  65 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour NSW

• Phone:

  +61 2 6659 1900

Solitary Islands Marine Park

The Solitary Islands Marine Park is the third largest marine protected area in New South Wales, covering a total area of 71,000 hectares and stretching along 75 kilometres of coastline from Coffs Harbour north to the Sandon River mouth. The park is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including tropical, temperate, and sub-tropical species of fish, coral, and algae, making it a major attraction for divers. Signage throughout the park indicates where specific activities such as diving, fishing, and collecting are permitted. Within its boundaries, the marine park includes tidal waters, estuaries, beaches, and headlands, all protected by a special zoning scheme designed to conserve fish habitats and preserve the area's natural beauty.

• Web:

  www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/marine-protected-areas/marine-parks/solitary-islands-marine-park

• Address:

  Marine Parks Office, 32 Marina Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW

• Phone:

  +61 2 6691 0600

The Big Banana Fun Park

The Big Banana is an iconic Australian landmark, standing five metres high and stretching 11 metres long. But there's more to this attraction than just bananas: visit the Big Banana Fun Park, packed with rides and activities for the whole family. Enjoy the toboggan ride, laser tag arena, ice-skating rink, inflatable water park, candy-making kitchen, nursery, and a gift shop filled with quirky souvenirs.

• Web:

  bigbanana.com

• Address:

  351 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour NSW

• Phone:

  +61 2 6652 4355

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–4:30pm

Whale Watching

The spectacular coastline around Coffs Harbour is one of the best locations on the East Coast of Australia for watching humpback whales on their annual migration from May to November. Hop on a cruise to see these magnificent mammals up close, or head to one of the coastal headlands to watch them swim by. The Rotary Lookout and Captain Cook Lookout in Nambucca Heads have superb ocean views including over the mouth of the Nambucca River. In nearby Bongil Bongil National Park, Sawtell Headland is famous for frequent sightings.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/articles/coffs-coast-whale-watching