Welcome to summer: think long sunny days, beach-time, friends, family and magic memories.
The City of Coffs Harbour Lifeguards are right there with you at the heart of the summer vibes. The team watches over seven beaches on the Coffs Coast during the summer school holidays and Park Beach all year-round.
Check out their top tips to help you live like a local this summer. And their expert guidance on how to keep you and your loved ones safe at the beach, ensuring you only have good summer memories for years to come.
Spotlight On The Northern Beaches
Hey, we’re water people, so it goes without saying that we love the beach, but when it’s time for a change of scenery our top tip would be to grab a bike and check out the Woologoolga coastal loop bike trail. No bike? No problem! Head to the Woolgoolga Creek Picnic Area and explore the nearby rainforest and creeks on foot. When it comes to meeting the locals; seeing the kangaroos at Look at Me Now Headland, Emerald Beach, is a must.
You’ll find great eats on Beach Street or Market Street in Woolgoolga – so much choice! Or check out the Woopi Brewery – a locals’ fave hangout. But remember NEVER mix alcohol and swimming. Grab a tasty coffee or a bite to eat at Emerald Beach General Store – and enjoy the laid-back vibe of this ocean-front village.
Lifesaving tip: Do you know about rip currents and how to spot one? Rips can be dangerous. They can make it difficult for you to swim back to shore. The best way to avoid getting caught in a rip is to swim between the flags on patrolled beaches, then you know expert lifeguards and lifesavers are looking out for you!
North patrolled beaches: Red Rock, Woolgoolga, Emerald Beach
Spotlight On Coffs Harbour Beaches
Feel like you’re out at sea, at the far end of Muttonbird Island. It’s a fantastic walk to get there and well worth it. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot turtles, sea eagles and dolphins. Or just enjoy an accessible stroll along the break wall. Finish by cooling off with a swim at Jetty Beach. With a summer-accessible beach patrol, Jetty Beach is ideal for people with disabilities. It’s also a great beach for families with kids. Make the most of the Mobi beach mat to get your wheels to the water’s edge or book one of the beach wheelchairs, which are free to use.
Love a good loop walk? Check out the Coffs Creek and Harbour loop trail or even jump on a bike and cycle it! The mangroves and birdlife are a highlight of this stunning track, and the sense of remoteness is remarkable, considering you are in the middle of a city. Call into the Botanic Garden on your way around and explore the many varied trails through this sub-tropical wonderland. Finish up with a refreshing dip in Coffs Creek – but remember; be aware that creeks can run quickly on an outgoing tide and can be hazardous. The smart time to creek-swim is when the tide is coming in, and never swim in the mouth of creeks, in rough conditions or after heavy rain.
The Jetty Strip is a buzzing place to seek out your next bite, or check out the Jetty Beach House and enjoy the stunning views! Or head into town and enjoy some local brews at King Tide Brewery – a great place for good food and a relaxing vibe with a play space for kids.
Lifesaving tip: If you do find yourself caught in a rip, the main thing to remember is to stay calm and float to survive. Remember that when you swim between the flags, we’ll be looking out for you.
Coffs Harbour patrolled beaches: Diggers Beach, Park Beach, Jetty Beach
Spotlight On The Southern Beaches
A walk between the headlands along Sawtell beach is a perfect way to spend some summertime. Keep an eye out for resident wallabies in the dunes. Take a dip between the flags on your way and enjoy coffee, brekky, brunch or lunch at the Kiosk: the ideal place to soak up the local beach scene and enjoy ocean views. Or duck off the beach for a bit at the Murrays beach steps. Check out the eats at Hilltop Store (soooo tasty) and take in the mountain views!
An absolute favourite thing of ours, is to grab a picnic rug and head to Bonville Headland for sunset. It’s stunning! On the weekend look out for Southies Wood Fire Pizza, serving up dinner, so you can relax and enjoy the sunset colours over the mountains! On First Ave, there’s loads of fantastic eating spots for all times of day and night.
Lifesaving tip: : If you see someone in trouble in the water – NEVER attempt a rescue without a flotation device. Find out more about the rescue tubes you’ll see on our beaches and how they can help keep you, your mates and family safe in an emergency.
South patrolled beaches: Sawtell Beach
Q&A WITH THE LIFEGUARDS
What do the different flags and beach warning signs mean?
Great question! Let us help you out there:
Find out more about other flags and signs you may see at the beach
What’s the difference between Coffs Harbour Lifeguards and Surf Live Savers?
Glad you asked: the Coffs Harbour Lifeguards are part of a team of professional lifeguards who deliver beach safety patrols as a community service provided by the City of Coffs Harbour – you’ll see us in blue shirts.
The Surf Life Savers are community volunteers who dedicate their time as part of Surf Life Saving Australia – you’ll see them in red and yellow shirts.
Here on the Coffs Coast, during patrol season Surf Life Savers are at the four beaches at Sawtell, Park, Woopi and Red Rock on weekends and public holidays. You’ll see our City of Coffs Harbour Lifeguards on the other days at those beaches and all days at Emerald, Diggers and Jetty! Patrol season dates and times vary for each beach – so check out the patrol details online. Park Beach is patrolled every day all year round.
Any parting words?
Hey, we can’t really say it enough: