Category: Local Guides

Whether it’s fresh seafood by the beach or home-style scones in the hinterland, the Coffs Coast is a foodie destination that always delivers fabulous food.

Renowned for high-quality produce, passionate and skilled local chefs, cooks, brewers, artisans, restaurateurs and vignerons transform the local bounty of land and sea. You’ll find dining delights in all corners of the Coffs Coast. Cruise through this tasting list for just some of the many great places to experience fabulous food and drink.

START THE DAY RIGHT

For breakfast and brunch, you can’t go wrong anywhere on the Coffs Coast. In Sawtell try Split Cafe, The Kiosk or Bello e Buono. Around Coffs Harbour check out Pansabella, Cocoas Cafe and Old Johns. And further north try Beach House Cafe, Black Apple or Bluebottles Café.

SUPERB SEAFOOD

Renowned for pristine waters, you’ll find local award-winning seafood served as delicious fish ‘n’ chips, all along the Coffs Coast. Jump into White Salt at Woolgoolga, The Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op at the marina, or check out Seasalt at Woolgoolga and Coffs Jetty.

SPICE IT UP

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to flavours from around the world. In Coffs try Ootoya Japanese, Papa Grazzi for authenic Italian, Hungry Bears for Korean delights, Mana Chinta Ethiopian restaurant and Filipino dishes at Pig & Khai. Get extra spicy at Woopi Tandoori Nights, Taste of North India at the Jetty or Lime Mexican Sawtell.

SPECIAL MENUS

Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian options are fast finding their way onto Coffs Coast restaurant menus. In Coffs try The Green Galley and The Happy Frog for plant-based goodness. Or check out the creative dishes from Ground Earth Café in Woolgoolga.

Local Food Favourites

Many of our region’s cafes, bars and restaurants prioritise fresh local produce on their seasonal menus, catering to an ever-expanding food scene.

When it comes to places as pretty as a picture on the Northern Beaches, try this superb selection.

Red Rock Headland

The striking headland looms large with the tranquil waters of Corindi River on one side and a patrolled surf beach on the other. The ancient rock formation, made from red quartz, is thought to be 300 million years old. It is considered a sacred site and place of reflection for the Gumbaynggirr people.

The Shipwreck of the ‘Buster’

Wander along Woopi’s Main Beach to find the remnants of Buster . A once grand sailing vessel almost 40 metres in length that washed ashore in 1893. While much of the wreck is usually buried beneath the sand, big seas can result in far more exposure of the ship’s tattered, wooden bones. The shipwreck of the Northern beaches.

Woolgoolga Headland

A sought-after location for expansive, coastal views in all directions. This location is ideal for spotting whales during their annual migration. The headland walking trails include a loop track and a path toward Back Beach along the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk. The kids will appreciate a stroll to the headland’s base with large rockpools and rock hopping.

Moonee Beach Nature Reserve

With the shallows of Moonee Creek to wade through, a grassy area shaded by pandanus trees and easy access to littoral rainforest, this nature reserve ticks everybody’s wish list. One of the best places for picnics and group gatherings, it’s even loved by the family dog who is also welcome here.

Look At Me Now Headland

The name says it all. This is one of those stellar spots locals love showing off to visiting family and friends. Kangaroos lazing in the sun and miles of Moonee Beach to the south.With secluded Serenity Bay below and the phenomenal ocean and island views ahead. The vista of isolated headlands and beaches from here is Mother Nature at her finest. 

Love the outdoors? Here are some of our favourite ideas for experiencing the natural wonders in and around Coffs Harbour…

1. Walk Muttonbird Island

Stroll along the northern break wall to Muttonbird Island, keeping an eye on the water to spot turtles and dolphins along the way. Then, take the steep walk over the island to the eastern lookout for unique views back over Coffs Harbour before visiting the island’s fascinating outdoor learning centre.

2. Peace out in the Botanic Gardens

Located in the heart of the city, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is perfect for a picnic and relaxing walk. Set among 20 acres of lush plant life, you’ll find exotic and native species, and glasshouses containing rare displays of tropical plants.

3. Change your viewpoint at the Forest Sky Pier

No holiday in Coffs Harbour is complete without a visit to Forest Sky Pier and the award-winning Sealy Lookout. Stretching out from an escarpment 310m above Coffs Harbour city, this spectacular structure offers unparalleled coastal views of up to 100km to the south on a clear day. Adjacent to the lookout is a fully-accessible picnic shelter so you can sit, have a cuppa and enjoy the view.

4. Hang out at the Historical Jetty

A Coffs Harbour icon, ‘The Jetty’ was built in 1890 from local timber to accommodate cargo vessels. Now it’s where locals congregate to fish, swim, stroll, watch the sunrise or dine on fish ‘n’ chips. With an accessible picnic area and cycling paths nearby, this area is a great place to enjoy a BBQ while the kids ride their scooters or play on the beach.

5. Make a splash in Coffs Creek

Just five minutes from the city, Coffs Creek is an oasis for families who can safely paddle in its shallow turquoise waters. The creek and its mangrove forests can be easily accessed at several points, and are begging to be explored on a paddleboard or kayak

Head to the hinterland to explore the Orara Valley tourist trail. Escape for a relaxed nature adventure with short bush walks, lush green countryside with quaint villages, TASTY LOCAL FOOD and friendly locals.

Surround yourself with nature – kayak the Orara River, bushwalk through or swim in the waterholes of the National Parks, 4WD tour along the escarpment, mountain bike on Mt Coramba downhill trail, horse ride along the Urumbilum River and enjoy bird watching in the Coramba Nature Reserve.

Rolling Green Pastures & Country Hospitality

Drive West on Coramba Road out of Coffs Harbour to start your journey on the Orara Valley Tourist trail. Take the Upper Orara loop at Mount Browne Road and you will soon be surrounded by tall trees and luscious rainforest. Continue around the picturesque loop and soak up the scenery past the many farms at Dairyville, joining back up to the Orara Way just past Karangi dam.

Visit the village of Coramba, for a counter lunch at the Coramba Hotel, taking in the magnificent landscape from the beer garden. Take the self-guided history walk and discover buildings and stories of the past. Explore the sub tropical rainforest on the Coramba Nature Reserve walk and photograph the delicate flora and fauna on the way.

Continue your drive to Nana Glen. The changing country views include plenty of blueberry and dairy farms. Some even offer their produce at roadside stalls along the Orara Valley Way. Stop at the Idle In cafe for some tasty treats and coffee and be sure to get a pic of the Nana two tails timber sculpture of the famous legendary lizard, crafted by local artist Ian Watson. Ask the friendly staff for visitor information, they would love to tell you about their amazing backyard that is the Orara Valley.

The next stop along the way is Glenreagh. Pose for a selfie at the Golden Dog Hotel with the tall standing statue over a mosaic representation of the landscape and enjoy a delicious pub lunch with a frothy beer or two! Visit the Glenreagh memorial museum and discover the stories of the heritage railway line and the heady days of goldmining as you explore the oldest village of the Orara Valley.

Backtrack along the Orara Valley way towards Coramba and turnoff onto the Eastern Dorrigo Way. Your next stop is the small village of Lowanna with a General store and cafe with fuel, and the beautiful Eco-friendly Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat where you can kick back and relax in the tranquil surroundings. Make a visit to the Lowanna railway station where you will find the heritage passenger station, restored to it’s former glory with colour and love.

On to Ulong and the welcoming Cafe in the Valley, where you can talk to the very knowledgeable locals, they have visitor information, maps of the Coffs Coast and you can talk to a knowledgeable local on the best on fishing spots, 4×4 trails, swimming holes and waterfalls at nearby Bindarri National Park.

Coffs Coast is home to many beautiful, wild places. Our National Parks and Nature Reserves are brimming with abundant wildlife, stunning flora, primitive rainforests, and serene waterways.

Discover these natural wonderlands… everything is closer than you expect!

Ulidarra National Park

Riverside picnics at Bucca Bucca Creek, the challenging 3.2km End Peak walk, and adventure activities such as mountain biking, 4WDing and birdwatching – or exploring diverse wildlife habitats where you can spot koalas, owls and bats, among others. Ulidarra has it all! The park also borders the Bruxner Park Flora Reserve, renowned for unrivalled views of the region’s landscapes and seemingly endless Pacific Ocean.

Bindarri National Park

Get your boots on for some quality hiking through pockets of lush subtropical rainforest, old-growth forests and towering eucalypts. Options range from the easy 1km Bangalore Falls walk to the 26km Plateau Circuit Loop. Bindarri is also home to a series of spectacular waterfalls, including the rugged Bangalore Falls. You’ll find great swimming spots throughout the park – try out the one at the Bindarray Picnic Area. 4WD exploration is also possible with experienced drivers opting to tackle the 80km Orara Escarpment touring route from Coffs Harbour.

Bongil Bongil National Park

This coastal location south of Coffs Harbour is home to open beaches, sweeping views and peaceful streams. For an unforgettable family outing in a forest setting, explore the 80kms of the Muurlay Baamgala cycle trails. Alternatively, choose to picnic on the banks of Bonville Creek or kayak along the tranquil Pine Creek.

Moonee Beach Nature Reserve

Stroll along the paved pathway at Look At Me Now Headland for panoramic ocean views and a closer look at the many eastern grey kangaroos that make their home on the headland. At the southern end of the reserve, enjoy the waters of Moonee Creek.

Sherwood Nature Reserve

Cross creeks and wander through the sub-tropical rainforest at Woolgoolga Falls Walking Track. Just a short drive or cycle west of Woolgoolga township, this small-scale adventure is fantastic for kids, with a picnic area at the beginning, several shallow water crossings, well-maintained tracks and a waterfall at the end!

Dorrigo National Park

The World Heritage-listed park provides the setting for the ultimate nature discovery. Spend the day exploring the Gondwana Rainforest that has millions of years in the making. Popular rainforest walking tracks include Wonga Walk and Red Cedar Falls. All walks start at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and Skywalk.

Drive the scenic Waterfall Way just one hour drive from Coffs Harbour to discover the many spectacular Dorrigo National Park. The park has a number of walking trails, including the 3.5km return to Crystal Falls Walk which allows walkers to get behind the waterfall.

Click here to discover the complete list of the best bushwalks on the Coffs Coast