When you tell people you’re going on a holiday to Coffs Harbour. Their minds instantly go to the Big Banana and amusement park. But did you know that there is so much more to see and do in this beach side city? Here is 7 Different Things to do in Coffs Harbour.
From its glorious beaches to pristine waterfalls and everything in between. There is something for everyone and all budgets to experience in Coffs Harbour.
However, if you like going off the beaten track, skipping tourist traps and experiencing the authentic side of cities and towns. We Suggest seven visitor hangouts that won’t break the bank during your holiday in Coffs Harbour.
1/ Sealy Lookout Forest Sky Pier
Nearly every city in Australia has one lookout that boasts breathtaking views: Sydney has Mrs Macquaries Point, Brisbane has the Mt Coot-Tha lookout, and Melbourne has the Melbourne Sky Deck. So, what is Coffs Harbour’s option?
A short drive off the Pacific Highway is where you’ll find the Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout, one of the best lookout spots in the city.
The 15-minute drive from the city takes you up steep, winding roads through banana plantations to the Orara East State Forest.
Once you arrive, you can park within the gated areas. What is the best part about visiting this stunning lookout point? It’s completely free!
The platform stands 310 metres above sea level, and the pier extends 21 metres from Sealy Lookout. The result? Stunning views of Coffs Harbour and the coastline.
Now, this lookout isn’t something you quickly visit and then leave. To make the most of your time there, picnic tables and toilet amenities are available. So, you can pack a picnic lunch and enjoy your lunch with a view.
After soaking up the beautiful landscapes, there are walking tracks through the rainforest if you want to do a bit of exploring. The tracks are all at varying lengths, from one to three hours long.
Note that the gates to the lookout are only open from 8 am to 5 pm. If you wish to visit at sunset, you’ll have to park outside of the gates and walk the short distance on foot.
2/ Sealy Lookout Cafe
Located next to the car park at the iconic Forest Sky Pier, you’ll find the Nyganggan Gapi (Sealy Lookout) Cafe.
If you didn’t bring a picnic lunch, you’ll be pleased to know that this cafe offers a range of delicious treats, enticing you to sit down in the bush-land seating and enjoy the views. Whether you’re after a sweet treat or are craving a hearty burger, there is something for everyone at this Indigenous-run cafe.
The cafe was launched in 2017 during NAIDOC (National Aborigines’ and Islanders’ Day Observance Committee) Week. It provides training and employment opportunities for the younger generation engaged in their programs and is also connected to the Gubaynggir Gingana Freedom School. So, not only are you treating yourself when you dine at the cafe, but you’re also helping young people in the community.
3/ Treetops Adventure Coffs Harbour
If standing atop the Forest Sky Pier has inspired you to explore the forest even more, look no further than Treetops Adventure Coffs Harbour.
This adventure park is a must-visit, located only a short drive from Forest Sky Pier.
Boasting over 100 elevated obstacles, rope ladders, tunnels, wobbly bridges and zip lines, and four junior courses for kids. This is a fantastic activity for the whole family.
Prices are $65 for adults, $55 for children aged 8-15 and $35 for children aged 3-7. If your kids want to be Tarzan for the day, this activity has to be at the top of your Coffs Harbour list.
4/ Coffs Harbour Market
When holidaying in Coffs Harbour, wandering through the Coffs Harbour Harbourside Market is a must-do.
Held every Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm near the historic Jetty in Coffs Harbour. This local market boasts food trucks, clothing, art, jewellery, plants and vintage stalls.
Everything on offer is locally made and locally grown, so you can have peace of mind knowing that whatever you buy contributes to the community’s success.
As you and your family wander the markets, you can enjoy the live music. Every Sunday, the market hosts some of the coast’s best artists on the main stage.
Situated in such a beautiful location, if you’re in Coffs Harbour on a weekend, this Harbourside Market is worth a visit!
5/ Carobana Carob Confectionery
If you and your family have a sweet tooth, Carobana Carob Confectionery is a must-visit while holidaying in Coffs Harbour.
Based in Korora, north of Coffs Harbour, Carob Confectionery is unlike any other confectionery. Why? Because they specialize in Carob treats!
So, what is Carob? It’s a tasty and healthy alternative to chocolate. Carob is produced by grinding Carob tree pods into a fine powder. Not only is Carob healthy and nutritional, but its origins go back 4000 years to the Ancient Greeks. Today, Carob trees are found throughout the Mediterranean and Australia, making it a unique treat to try!
Due to Carob being similar to chocolate, it can be used in the same way. However, it has many more health advantages than chocolate. Such as having plenty of fibre and antioxidants, lower levels of fat and sugar, and no gluten. It is also rich in vitamins A and B and caffeine-free, so you won’t feel sluggish after eating it.
Entry to Carobana Carob Confectionery is free, and self-tours are encouraged. You can see the confectioners at work and even try some of the delicious treats on offer. Choose from a range of peanut brittle, coated popcorn, Carob Rocky Road, coated marshmallows and even peppermint fudge!
For a truly unique experience, you can’t skip Carobana Carob Confectionery on your next visit to Coffs Harbour!
6/ Timbertown
Ninety minutes south of Coffs Harbour is Wauchope, a charming town with plenty of activities to experience: one of them being Timbertown.
Set among 87 acres of forest, Timbertown is a village recreated to demonstrate how Australia’s pioneers of the timber industry lived.
A visit to Timbertown is great for the whole family, as there are so many things on offer. Such as riding through the forest on the steam train, exploring the village via carriage, paddling around the river on a pedal boat, seeing farmyard animals and even visiting the local Blacksmith.
Another exciting and educational thing to do is to visit the School Master’s house and learn the rules teachers had to follow back in the 1800s.
Some of the rules included:
- Teachers each day will fill lamps, clean chimneys, before beginning work.
- Each teacher will bring a bucket of water and scuttle of coal for the day’s session.
- Make your pens carefully. You may whittle nibs to the individual taste of the pupils.
- Men teachers may take one evening each week for courting purposes, or two evenings a week if they go to church regularly.
- After ten hours in school, the teachers may spend the remaining time reading the Bible or other good books.
Entry prices for Timbertown are $32 per adult and $22 per child (ages 3-15. Under 3 years are free).
7/ Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park
If your family loves animals, then a visit to Billabong Zoo Koala & Wildlife Park is a must.
Only a 15-minute drive from Timbertown, Billabong Zoo is one of the best places in New South Wales to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s native and exotic animals.
The wildlife park spans ten acres and is home to over 200 animals across 80+ species of mammals, reptiles and birds.
As well as wandering around the park at your own pace, if you want to learn more or get up close and personal with some animals, there are a few experiences you can book beforehand. You can have a one-on-one experience with your choice of cheetahs, koalas, red pandas, snakes and more. You can also book to pat and feed the kangaroos and wallabies.
However, if you’re on a budget, you can listen to the free Zoo Talks, which take place throughout the day to learn more about a range of animals that call the zoo home.
Entry prices are $42 for adults and $29 for children (aged 2-15 years. Under 2 are free).
Wrapping Up Things to do in Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour boasts a range of fantastic visitor hangouts that cater to a variety of interests and preferences. From elevated courses through the trees to stunning views from the Forest Sky Pier and unique Carob treats. There are so many things to see and do in Coffs Harbour that won’t break the bank.
Whether you’re seeking to go off the beaten path, adventure, or taste unique local flavours, the visitor hangouts mentioned above offer fantastic experiences that showcase the best of what Coffs Harbour has to offer.
Which of these hangouts will you and your family tick off first on your next visit to Coffs Harbour?
Guest Author
Siobhan Riley, a passionate travel writer, crafts captivating narratives that whisk readers away to exotic destinations. With a keen eye for detail, she explores Australia, sharing her adventures through vivid storytelling. As a seasoned guest author, Siobhan’s insights inspire wanderlust and ignite a love for exploration in her audience.