The spectacular coastline around Coffs Harbour is one of the best locations on the East Coast of Australia for watching humpback whales on their annual migration from May to November. Hop on a cruise to see these magnificent mammals up close, or head to one of the coastal headlands to watch them swim by. The Rotary Lookout and Captain Cook Lookout in Nambucca Heads have superb ocean views including over the mouth of the Nambucca River. In nearby Bongil Bongil National Park, Sawtell Headland is famous for frequent sightings.

The Solitary Islands Marine Park is the third largest marine protected area in New South Wales, covering a total area of 71,000 hectares and stretching along 75 kilometres of coastline from Coffs Harbour north to the Sandon River mouth. The park is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including tropical, temperate, and sub-tropical species of fish, coral, and algae, making it a major attraction for divers. Signage throughout the park indicates where specific activities such as diving, fishing, and collecting are permitted. Within its boundaries, the marine park includes tidal waters, estuaries, beaches, and headlands, all protected by a special zoning scheme designed to conserve fish habitats and preserve the area's natural beauty.

The most well-known branch of the Soumaya Museum on Plaza Carso houses the eclectic $700 million private art collection of one of the world’s wealthiest men. The glistening facade of the building with its swooping lines is a must for your Instagram feed. Inside, a spiralling ramp will lead you though several floors filled with works of European and Mexican masters. The museum's collection spans 30 centuries of art including sculptures from Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica, Mexican art, works by European old masters and masters of modern western art such as Auguste Rodin, Salvador Dalí, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo and Tintoretto. It is called one of the most complete collections of its kind.