The old timber jetty in the harbour at Coffs is the place to promenade, sit and fish, photograph sunrise or to watch swimmers, seabirds, fishing boats, outrigger canoe paddlers and cruising yachts come and go.
At the adjacent marina, the fishing fleet and cruise boats go about their daily routine - landing fish or getting ready to venture out for more. Whale watch cruise boats in season (June to November) set out on their expeditions with excited passengers while other folk sip latte at the marina cafe or snack on fish & chips from the Fishermen's Co-op.
The marina breakwall now joins the mainland to the once isolated Muttonbird Island. This allows pedestrian access to viewing platforms at the top and eastern end of the island. From the top the panorama is 360 degrees - ocean, islands, marina and mountains. At the eastern end, the scene is of rocky coast, harbour entrance and the Pacific horizon.
At the entrance to the Jetty precinct on Harbour Drive is the Jetty Strip. It is a collection of cafes, restaurants, a pub, gallery, dive and surf shops. On most days the tables outside the cafes are busy with people enjoying coffee or a meal. At lunch and dinner times, people stroll past the restaurants deciding which to choose; Italian, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, seafood, pub bistro or Mod Oz. Which will you choose?
During summer school holidays, 'sideshow alley' is in full swing near the entrance to the timber jetty. There's the thrills, spills and sweets of the merry-go-round, slippery slides, gee whiz and fairy floss. All the fun of the fair.
And there's an outdoor cinema too at this time of the year. You sit under the stars, on a blanket or on your deck chair and watch a movie with locals and visitors from around Australia and the world.
No matter what time of the year you visit, the Jetty Strip and Coffs Harbour Marina is always alive with activity. Come and see it for yourself.