Where the beach meets the city in the heart of the New South Wales’ coastline, Coffs Harbour is the perfect place to spend a day during your travels around Australia. With so much to see and do—and all of it within easy driving distance—all you need to do is to pick up your Dollar rental car from the Airport and start exploring this laidback slice of Aussie life.

Begin your day with a walk through nature at Bindarri National Park. The park is home to pockets of old-growth forest, lively subtropical rainforest and tall eucalypt forest, making it the perfect place to start your morning. Only a thirty-minute drive west of Coffs Harbour’s CBD, you can conveniently leave your rental car in the carpark at the entrance of Bindarri and be on your way. There are plenty of walking tracks that will lead you through the lush forest and alongside the Urumbilum River, with a range of native wildlife and plants coming alive all around you as you explore. Bindarri National Park has several picnic areas for you to rest your legs, but if you want to make the most of the scenery you can find a spot on the rocks down by the river to dip your feet in and cool off by the waterfall. Remember to look above for the majestic lyrebirds as they sing songs to each other from the tree tops of the rainforest. If you also look around, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the friendly swamp wallabies that are known to wander the area. 

Australia loves its Big Things, from big stretches of gold-sanded beaches to big ranges of rolling mountains. However, nothing quite compares to the big monuments that are scattered all throughout the country. The best one of all—the famous Big Banana—can be found right in the heart of Coffs Harbour. A must-see for any traveller visiting this coastal city, The Big Banana and its amusement park is a perfect stop for families in between exploring the natural beauties of the region. With a range of activities and attractions, the park has a variety of packages on offer that allow you pick and choose your mode of fun. From an ice-skating rink to toboggan rides, laser tag to mini golf, The Big Banana Fun Park is the perfect way for anyone and everyone to spend a couple of fun-filled hours in Coffs Harbour.

For a relaxing afternoon, head down to any of the vast stretches of beach that Coffs Harbour is known for. The almost-constant sunshine of this coastal city makes it the most ideal spot to stretch out on the sand with a book or boogie-board and take in the rolling turquoise waves. Scotts Head is a great option for travellers wanting to spend the afternoon picnicing on the shores and relaxing under the golden sunshine. Just under an hour’s drive south of Coffs Harbour, the Main Beach of Scotts is patrolled daily during summer holidays and on weekends from October to April. The shallow tides and gentle waves make it an idyllic choice of beach for families wanting to splash around in the crystal clear waters, and the assortment of sheltered picnic tables and barbeque facilities mean that you can take a break from the sand and watch the waves roll in from the comfort of the shade.

Finish your day in Coffs Harbour by indulging in a delightful dinner and a drink, and all with the view of the ocean stretching out in front of you. Latitude 30 is in prime location on Coffs Harbour’s waterfront, looking out over the golden sands and turquoise waters of the Tasman Sea. A favourite among locals and visitors alike, Latitude 30 serves a range of modernised Australian dishes using fresh local produce. With an inviting atmosphere and an unmatched outlook over the water as you try one of the restaurant’s uniquely flavoured oysters, Latitude 30 provides an experience that serves the best of Australian food and views. Kids are welcome, with a menu designed for all tastes and ages. The wine list is unrivalled, presenting some of the best bottles from around Australia and overseas. After dinner, top it off with a stroll down the beach in front of the restaurant and soak in the balmy night and rolling tides of this gorgeous coastal city. 

Make the most of a day in Coffs Harbour and experience all that the city and its surroundings have to offer. From walks through rainforests to oysters by the beach, you’d be forgiven for wanting to stay a bit longer in this beautiful coastal city.