Coffs Harbour Butterfly House

The Coffs Harbour Butterfly House is home to hundreds of Australian butterflies. Take a stroll in their walk-through enclosure and marvel at the brilliant colours as the butterflies flutter around, sometimes landing on you for a closer look. Learn about their fascinating life cycle from expert staff. Enjoy refreshments in the café and you can purchase a memento of your visit in the gift shop.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/coffs-harbour/attractions/coffs-harbour-butterfly-house

• Address:

  5 Strouds Road, Bonville, NSW 2441

• Phone:

  +61 2 6653 4766

• More info:

  10 minutes south of Coffs Harbour

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 Centre love scuba diving at the Solitary Islands on their daily dive charters for snorkelers or scuba divers, and their large and comfortable dive boats offer the best diving available. Passionate dive crew have the knowledge and experience to show you the best of the Solitary Islands. Jetty Dive Centre offers Whale Watching from their fast Adventure boats. Get to the Humpback Whales fast and spend all your time watching these magnificent giants! Whale Watching trips run three times daily from June to October and are dependent on the weather. 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:

  https://www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/tours/jetty-dive-centre

• Address:

  398 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

• Phone:

  +61 2 6651 1611

Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Heads is one of Australia's most beautiful camping destinations. Named after an Aboriginal word that means 'entrance to the waters', Nambucca Heads is on the Coffs Coast and is known for gorgeous weather and a tranquil atmosphere. Caravan park guests can enjoy expansive water views, and wake up to breathtaking sunrises. Take a river cruise, or head to the Rotary Lookout or Captain Cook Lookout for superb views of the river mouth and ocean, with seasonal whale watching a bonus.

• Web:

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

• Address:

  Nambucca Heads, NSW 2448

Raleigh International Raceway

An international go-kart facility with fun for all the family, Raleigh International Raceway is 15 minutes south of Coffs Harbour. Single and double karts are available for laps around the challenging 1.1 km forest track. Open daily, the park also has the Big Foot tractor ride, as well as two waterslides, sheltered barbecue areas, and Putt Putt Mini Golf. You'll enjoy hours of family fun.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/urunga/attractions/raleigh-international-raceway

• Address:

  "The Pines" Valery Road, Raleigh, NSW 2454

• Phone:

  +61 2 6655 4017

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am - 5pm

Sherwood Nature Reserve

Sherwood Nature Reserve provides opportunities for picnicking, birdwatching, car touring and bushwalking in a peaceful setting. Discover the spectacular biodiversity and natural beauty of Sherwood Nature Reserve. Just a short drive from Coffs Harbour near Woolgoolga, you can explore striking landscapes ranging from rugged sandstone escarpments and coastal ridges to dry open forests, heaths and vibrant subtropical rainforests. There’s an abundance of wildlife to see, with old-growth forests and other 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. Not to mention the incredible birdlife that makes Sherwood a birdwatching mecca. Go forest driving on Sherwood Forest drive and admire panoramic views of the coastline and Orara Valley. Enjoy peaceful bushwalking and outstanding birdwatching in the rainforest on Falls walking track. Or just sit back and relax at Woolgoolga Creek picnic area and immerse yourself in the tranquillity.

• Web:

  https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/coffs-harbour/attractions/sherwood-nature-reserve

• Address:

  Gentle Annie Road, Bucca, NSW 2450

Whitewater Rafting

Rafting is a thrilling way to appreciate the river's stunning beauty. Located within the Nymboi-Binderay National Park, the rapids of the scenic Nymboida River offer white-knuckle fun. Dramatic granite gorges and rugged rainforest-lined banks produce rapids renowned among whitewater enthusiasts.

• Web:

  www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/attractions/nymboi-binderay-national-park

• Address:

  Teak Tree Road, Wild Cattle Creek, NSW 2453

Curryfest

Curryfest celebrates the unique Punjabi heritage of Woolgoolga, immediately obvious from the Sikh temple on the hill as you enter town. For the last twelve years thousands have descended on the beachside town to soak up Indian music and dancing and sample curries from all over the world. The main festival day features over 180 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 entertainment. As well as main festival day, increasingly lead up and follow on events are encouraging a longer stay.

• Web:

  https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/woolgoolga/events/curryfest

• Address:

  Woolgoolga Beach Reserve, Beach Street, Woolgoolga NSW 2456

Sawtell Chilli Festival

One of the hottest events on the Coffs Coast events calendar. Even though it's the middle of a Coffs Coast (mild) winter, the event is guaranteed to turn up the heat a few notches. Each year, the popular festival attracts thousands of people to the pretty seaside village, keen to sample the wide range of chilli-related foods and products, take part in fun activities and competitions and be entertained by live music, dancing, cooking and other performances. The festival is an incredibly fun day out for the whole family. There will be street performances, rides for the kids, live music and dancing and, of course, the by now very famous annual Chilli Eating Competition! Less fiery but equally fun competitions you can take part in are the Spanish/Mexican style Fancy Dress Competition and the Chilli-themed Hat Parade.

• Web:

  https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/sawtell/events/sawtell-chilli-festival-0

• Address:

  Sawtell, First Avenue, Sawtell NSW 2452

Curryfest

Curryfest celebrates the unique Punjabi heritage of Woolgoolga, immediately obvious from the Sikh temple on the hill as you enter town. For the last twelve years thousands have descended on the beachside town to soak up Indian music and dancing and sample curries from all over the world. The main festival day features over 180 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 entertainment. As well as main festival day, increasingly lead up and follow on events are encouraging a longer stay.

• Web:

  https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/woolgoolga/events/curryfest

• Address:

  Woolgoolga Beach Reserve, Beach Street, Woolgoolga NSW 2456

Diggers Beach

The ever-popular Diggers Beach is perfectly located for tourists – right across the road from Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana. Wide and sheltered, Diggers makes for a lovely wind-free beach walk. It’s not only visitors who love this beach either; it’s a favourite among locals for surfing, fishing and swimming. There’s plenty to do if you’d rather stay dry; take a seat at the elevated pavilion to admire the view and look at the birds, or you can walk the short pathway to Macauleys Headland. When you’ve had enough of the surf, take a break from the beach in the neighbouring Diggers Beach picnic area. Featuring a children’s playground and plenty of space to run around, it’s ideal for a family barbecue.

• Web:

  https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/coffs-harbour/attractions/diggers-beach

• Address:

  Diggers Beach, Diggers Beach Road, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

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 in this beautiful zoological park that's also home to little penguins, green sea turtles, fresh water turtles and a variety of fish. There are two Marine Discovery Presentations each day. Arrive early to get a photo taken while you receive kisses from a dolphin and a seal. There's also a penguin feeding session, and for the brave - a reptile show.

• Web:

  https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/coffs-harbour/attractions/dolphin-marine-conservation-park

• Address:

  65 Orlando Street, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450

• 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. It covers a total area of 71,000 hectares and extends along 75 kilometres of coast, from Coffs Harbour north to the Sanden River mouth. The park is home to a huge diversity of marine life, with a tropical, temperate and sub-tropical species of fish, coral and algae being the main attraction for divers. Signage indicates where specific activities such as diving, fishing and collecting may be undertaken. The marine park includes the tidal waters of estuaries, beaches and headlands within its boundaries and is protected by a special zoning scheme designed to protect fish habitat. Marine park comprises sanctuary zones; refuge zones and general use areas covering 75 kilometres.

• Web:

  https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/coffs-harbour/attractions/solitary-islands-marine-park

• Address:

  Marine Parks Office, 32 Marina Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

• Phone:

  +61 2 6691 0600

Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Yarrawarra is situated in the homelands of the Garby Elders and the Gumbaynggirr people. Surrounded by tranquil bushland, pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. The Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre boosts a first rate Bush Tucker Cafe, exceptional Indigenous art gallery, cultural programs, accommodation, events centre and Cultural Heritage Research Unit. Special events include Aboriginal art classes, Gumbaynggirr lingo classes, story sessions, dance shows and instruction, clay modelling classes, traditional basket weaving, and tours of Aboriginal sites. The Wadjar Regional Indigenous Art Gallery showcases the works of regional indigenous artists, artisans, and craftspeople. It is also the home of the Annual Saltwater Freshwater Indigenous Art Award. The gallery features an extensive display of regionally produced traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, books, clothing, CDs and gift ware. Yarrawarra is located at Corindi Beach, midway between Coffs Harbour and Grafton.

• Web:

  https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/coffs-harbour/attractions/yarrawarra-aboriginal-cultural-centre

• Address:

  170 Red Rock Road, Corindi Beach, NSW 2456

• Phone:

  +61 2 6640 7199

• Tickets:

  Free