5 best beaches in Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is known for a comically large Big Banana plantation and incredible coastal weather, but it’s also surrounded by vast hinterlands of National Parks and uncrowded beaches.

If you’re basing your trip in the centre of Coffs Harbour, these places aren’t hard to travel to. Only a 20-minute car ride up or down the road and you’ll find yourself at some of the best beaches on the coast. You’ll find our guide to five of the best below.

1. Emerald Beach

Look At Me Now Headland coffs harbour — Spot the wild kangaroos at Look At Me Now Headlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Make your way to the headland of Emerald Beach with a picnic basket and rug to soak up some sunshine while taking in the panoramic views of surrounding shores. When it’s ‘busy’, you might spot a few people strolling along the sand keeping an eye out for a playful pod of dolphins.

The Look At Me Now Headland is located around this area. It’s only a short 30-minute walk (roughly) and you’ll get stunning coastal views all year round. Pack a picnic lunch and take the little ones up for a nice afternoon in the sun. You might even spot some ‘roos hopping about.

2. Woolgoolga Beach

ship wreck at Woolgoolga Beach coffs harbour — Head to ‘Woopi’ in whale season to spot some gentle giants. (Image: Destination NSW)

Woopi, as the locals call it, is suitable for surfers, swimmers, fishers and divers alike. Find a range of natural wonderlands to explore in the surrounding area, from unspoilt beaches to charming farmland to lush rainforests. Plus, throughout May to October, this is the prime location on the Coffs Coast for whale watching.

3. Jetty Beach

jetty beach coffs harbour — Jetty Beach is one of the more popular beaches in Coffs. (Image: Destination NSW)

A very family-friendly and popular beach spot is Jetty Beach. You’ll find the locals mingling with tourists while wading through the waves. The restaurant strip sits in the backstreets behind the beach and features a heap of quality eats. Stop into the Urban Espresso Lounge for an avo and feta smash toast before you hit the sand for the day.

If you’re coming down on the train, this beach is located right in front of the station for your utmost convenience. Pop down and see if you can book a spot on a whale and dolphin watching tour, or just bring your own flippers and snorkels to witness some epic marine life.

The picturesque Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is only an hour round trip, and although it has some steep trails along the way, they give you the advantage of being able to perch out over the water to see some stingrays or sea turtles down below – if you’re lucky. Once you’ve reached the finish, step back and get your cameras ready for those stunning Coffs hinterlands and city views.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

4. Diggers Beach

stairs leaading to diggers beach coffs harbour — Surfs up at Diggers Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Diggers is known as a prime surfing spot along the Coffs Coast, and it’s located right across the road from the Big Banana. You can go for a climb along the rocks – wear proper shoes so you don’t slip! If you walk a little further up you’ll stumble across Little Diggers Beach, which is an unofficial nude beach, for when you’re feeling a little cheeky (pardon the pun).

The best scenic late afternoon or sunset walk in the area is undoubtedly from Diggers Beach to Charlesworth Bay. It will take you two hours to complete, and you’ll spot some bush turkeys, walk through the rainforest at Diggers Head and past the Solitary Islands Aquarium (a perfect place to stop if you’re walking with little ones). Backtrack the way you came and stop into the SSS BBQ Barns for a juicy steak.

5. Moonee Beach

Moonee Beach coffs harbour — Moonee Beach is an unknown slice of paradise. (Image: Destination NSW)

Moonee Beach is a haven for those looking for calm waves and chilled vibes. The beach has shallow waters and plenty of shaded areas, so you can either lie peacefully in the sun or catch up on that good book you’ve been carrying around. It is also dog-friendly, so bring your puppy along for the day too.

If you want to grab some of the best fish ‘n chips in the area, head on over to Rosie’s. Serving up plates of crispy calamari, beer-battered fish and potato scallops alongside crunchy salted chips. Grab it to take away and sit under the trees to enjoy your grub and one of the best views in Coffs.

Planning a trip to Coffs Harbour? Check out our guide on everything you need to know before visiting the coast.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi, where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct.

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway, then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba, which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing. Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection. There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes, an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn, where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar, Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina, does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar, where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral, a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park, where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro, where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith, the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

Coffs Harbour is known for a comically large Big Banana plantation and incredible coastal weather, but it’s also surrounded by vast hinterlands of National Parks and uncrowded beaches.

1. Emerald Beach

2. Woolgoolga Beach

3. Jetty Beach

4. Diggers Beach

5. Moonee Beach

7 great day trips from your Coffs Coast homebase

13 game-changing things to do in Coffs Harbour

The ultimate guide to Coffs Harbour caravan parks and camping

16 perfectly placed Coffs Harbour accommodation picks

No time to hibernate: experience the best of winter in NSW

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

The Tweed

Blue Mountains

Southern Highlands

Penrith

Coffs Harbour is known for a comically large Big Banana plantation and incredible coastal weather, but it’s also surrounded by vast hinterlands of National Parks and uncrowded beaches.

1. Emerald Beach

2. Woolgoolga Beach

3. Jetty Beach

AI Prompt

4. Diggers Beach

5. Moonee Beach

7 great day trips from your Coffs Coast homebase

13 game-changing things to do in Coffs Harbour

The ultimate guide to Coffs Harbour caravan parks and camping

16 perfectly placed Coffs Harbour accommodation picks

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

The Tweed

Blue Mountains

Southern Highlands

Penrith