Coffs Harbour - Do & See
- Nearby guides:
- Ballina
- Ballina Byron
- Byron Bay
- Gold Coast
- Brisbane
- Newcastle
- Sunshine Coast
- Sydney
- Fraser Coast
- Canberra
- Other guides in Australia:
- Alice Springs
- Australia
- Broome
- Byron Bay
- Cairns
- Canberra
- Hobart
- Rockhampton
- Sunshine Coast
- Townsville
- More
An endless list of awesome activities, from the totally relaxing ones to the high spirited adventure and a colourful array of regular live events and festivals, has assured Coffs Harbour to continue to lure people from all walks of life and therefore given the city the reputation as a holiday destination ‘that memories are made of’.
White Water Rafting
The rapids of the scenic Goolang and Nymbodoida Rivers offer some serious white knuckle fun. The Goolang rapids are graded 2 and 3 (on the international scale of 1-6) while the Nymboida has become a world-famous destination for rafters.
The Big Banana
The Big Banana is an icon of coastal Australia, it measures 11 metres long and stands 5 metres high. Learn all about this tropical fruit through the interactive displays of the ‘World of Bananas Experience’ and plantation tour. Take a scenic walk along the skywalk to the lookout. Indoor ice-skating and tobogganing are just two of the many activities on offer.
The Bunker Cartoon Gallery
Australia’s first and only dedicated black and white gallery exhibiting the largest private collection of contemporary cartoons in the Southern Hemisphere. The gallery is housed in a WW2 bunker. A minimum fee applies for admission.
Beacon Hill Lookout
Take in the magnificent panoramic views of Coffs Harbour from this lookout close to the Jetty area. Golden beaches stretch both north and south contrasting to lush green hinterland to the west. Dusk is a great time to visit the lookout to watch the sun set on the Western Plains.
Pet Porpoise Pool
Actually there are no porpoises, rather they are all Bottled Nosed dolphins. Each day at 10am and 1pm the dolphins and sea lions perform their Sea Circus acts. The real thrill of the Pet Porpoise Pool experience is the intimacy - you are so close to all the animals, it’s as if they are doing their performance just for you. Before the show starts, visitors can line up for a wet and whiskery kiss from the sea lions and have your photo taken to provide it too. Fun for kids of all ages.
Coffs Harbour Butterfly House
Be among butterflys in the walk-through enclosure and watch their brilliant colours as they flutter around sometimes landing on your body for a closer look at you. Learn of their lifecycle from expert staff then enjoy a coffee and cake or watch the resident woodturner fashion creative bowls and art.
Raleigh International Raceway
An international go-kart facility with fun for all the family. Single and double karts are available for laps around the 1.1km track. The Park also has the ‘Big Foot’ tractor ride for a different experience as well as two waterslides, sheltered BBQ areas, and Putt Putt Mini Golf.
Botanic Gardens
This beautiful garden is located within 1 km of Coffs Harbour CBD. A wide range of flora is highlighted. 5 km of gravelled walking tracks lead to feature areas and through differing plant communities such as an Aboriginal Plants Walk and rainforest section, past water features to mangrove boardwalks and sensory gardens to name just a couple. There is an extensive wheelchair accessibility, well signposted pathway with seating every 100 metres.
Whale Watching
The pristine coastline around Coffs Harbour is one of the best locations on the east coast of Australia for sighting and cruising with the magnificent humpback whales on the annual breeding migration. Whale watching season is from June to the end of November.
Pacific Explorer carries only 23 passengers ensuring you get the up close and personal meeting with the Humpback whales:
