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City in New South Wales, Australia
Photo: Paul Lakin, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Coffs Harbour is a city on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, approximately two thirds of the way from Sydney to Brisbane.
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Yes, it is kitsch. Yes, it is pure tourism. Yes, it has overpriced food and tacky souvenirs. But this is Australia's original "Big Thing", Opened 22 December 1964 and you have to get your photo taken in front of it, as generations of Australians have done before you. While you are there, you can eat banana bread, banana cake, and choc-dipped bananas, while sipping on your banana smoothie. Browse what may be Australia's largest range of banana-themed merchandise, including the banana water pistols. If you choose not to indulge yourself in all things banana, the area around has undergone big developments. There is a now a fun park where you can ice skate, play mini-golf and laser tag.
The pet porpoise pool is another Coffs institution, operating on the site for 40 years. The setup here is more informal (and smaller) that the Seaworld type operation further north. You can get close to dolphins and seals. There are a couple of shows a day, so check session times before you go. You can do the dolphin encounter thing if you pay extra.
An indoor rainforest with lots of butterflies. It is one of those places where you walk amongst them and they land on you if they feel like it. Good spot to take photos. There is a maze and a cafe here as well. The maze is geared to a family-friendly skill level; a person of normal ability and kids can successfully complete it.
Used by nudists. Secluded, ample space, but challenging surf conditions (stay on land unless you can handle them) and tricky access.
Marine park off the coast of Coffs, from Coffs Harbour to Sandon River along about 75 km of coastline, extending 3 nautical miles offshore, including the namesake islands. A Scuba diving destination.
A day trip to the islands with two dives is $99, gear hire is $30. Full openwater courses start at $195. In non-peak season Jetty Dive conducts some $55 single dive trips, mainly for night dives.
57 Ocean Parade. Cafe Aqua is a small breakfast and brunch cafe behind Park Beach, locally famed for its coffee.
Foreshores is a hugely popular breakfast and brunch cafe (it closes at 3pm), with a menu ranging from toast with Vegemite through to a big breakfast with sausages, egg and bacon.
Shop 7, Jetty Village Shopping Centre, 361 Harbour Drive. The Jetty Village Cafe is a counter service sandwich shop with a small amount of hot food. Its main advantage is that it is open in the late afternoons when most of the other eateries in the Jetty area are closed.
Scoffs has good grilled seafood and steaks (beef and kangaroo), but is somewhat drastically understaffed, at least in peak times. Mains $20-30. The quality of the food at this restaurant is also questionable, especially in regard to freshness. Instead it would be suggested that you go to another restaurant on the Jetty Strip or visit Sawtell.
This family-friendly restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood as well as other wonderful à la carte dishes made from the freshest produce, all prepared with the greatest care.
Nestled on Coffs Creek near the Jetty Theatre with delightful views out over the water, Mangrove Jacks is a popular cafe choice in the busy Jetty precinct of Coffs Harbour. Relax on the verandah with a bowl of fresh ocean prawns and an ice-cold Coopers 'on tap' as your hosts Phil and Julie Studley and their team prepare you a truly memorable meal.
The Planto
Known affectionately by locals as "The Planto". Regularly hosts touring acts. Includes a night club featuring local and touring DJs which is open til late every Friday and Saturday night. The Plantation Hotel also has Backpackers' Accommodation upstairs, with 30 dorm-style rooms.
In the centre of Coffs Harbour, close to shopping, cafes, facilities and public transport. Free Wi-Fi and parking.
The YHA is very close to the Jetty area. Facilities include a swimming pool. Beds from $25 per night in a dorm room, double rooms from $70 per night.
Close to the jetty area and Coffs Creek. It offers free canoes, free bodyboards, free fishing rods. Nice friendly atmosphere with daily activities organised by staff. Beds from $20 per night in a dorm room, double rooms from $50 per night.
Fully air-conditioned motel rooms, all equipped with bathroom, kitchen and a carport. Facilities and services are Outdoor in-ground pool, Laundry facilities and Games room with a pool table.
In the CBD opposite the Coffs C.ex Club, Close to everything. Has some good deals available.
Sanctuary Resort has lots to offer, nestled amongst 7 acres of bushland, 2 km from the City, and close to the airport. Play tennis, squash, or relax in the sauna or have a great time in the pool with the slippery slide. Various motel rooms and apartments with fully equipped kitchens. Excellent rates, licensed "Treehouse" Restaurant (open to the public) some great discounts are available for multiple night stays.
At the top of the basic motels good for a nights stay. Friendly owners.
Dolphin Sands has seven freestanding cabins one block back from Park Beach. The cabins are 2 bedroom and sleep up to five people. The cabins share a pool, spa and barbecue area. The standard rate is $150 per night per cabin, some discounts might be available if booking in advance.
3.5-star hotel with large hotel rooms and apartments.
The Jetty Markets are a craft and produce market held under the Jetty Village Shopping Centre every Sunday.
The Jetty Village Shopping Centre is a small shopping centre with a bakery and a small IGA supermarket.
By train
After years of financial neglect, line closures and discount airfares, Coffs Harbour (probably along with Dubbo) remains one of the few places in country New South Wales where the train still offers…
By bus
All the coaches travelling the route between Sydney and Brisbane make a stop in Coffs.
By plane
A bus runs into town from the airport. The service is operated by Sawtell Coaches. Taxis can also be hailed to the city centre.
By taxi
Coffs Harbour has a local taxi network that will run you up and down the Coffs Coast.
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Coffs Harbour · Regional · CFS
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