For families seeking an idyllic day trip escape, the picturesque Coffs Coast offers stunning locations for your next family-friendly picnic..
Whether you prefer pristine beaches, lush greenery, or azure waterways, our natural wonders are waiting to be admired and explored. And for those keen to adventure beyond the picnic blanket, these destinations also offer fun, eco-friendly experiences perfect for reconnecting with loved ones.
Happy picnicking!
Coffs Harbour picnic spots: Hoss Beach (South Breakwall) and Park Beach Reserve
Hoss Beach (South Breakwall), Coffs Harbour
At the southern end of Coffs Harbour’s bustling Jetty Foreshores, an underrated gem provides a unique location for your next seaside picnic. Located next to Corambirra Point at the start of the South Breakwall, the grassy area above Hoss Beach makes for an excellent spot to watch the sun go down. With Muttonbird Island, Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour Marina, and distant mountains as a backdrop, this certainly is one panoramic picnic spot.
Why we love it: Adjacent to Hoss Beach, a smooth concrete path runs right out to the end of South Breakwall and is perfect for roller skating, skateboarding, bike riding or walking. It’s also a great spot to treat the fur family to a lovely walk for a unique Coffs Harbour Jetty perspective.
What to pack: Aside from exploring nature on wheels, Gallows Beach is only a stone’s throw away and a popular surfing spot protected from N/NE winds. You should bring a surfboard, swimmers and a towel!
Best times to visit: With limited shelters and little shade, Hoss Beach near South Breakwall is a better location for a late afternoon or evening picnic. It is also one of the only spots on the Coffs Coast to picnic with a golden sunset reflecting on the water.
Park Beach Reserve, Coffs Harbour
Only a few minutes’ drive from Coffs Harbour CBD is Park Beach Reserve, a sprawling parkland overlooking the mouth of Coffs Creek. This pristine and relaxing location invites families large and small to enjoy a day of relaxation and connection. With multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters, and sprawling grassy expanses below magnificent Norfolk Pines, Park Beach Reserve offers endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and places to enjoy your fish and chips.
Why we love this spot: Picnics are so much better when they can extend all afternoon, and this spot is the perfect location for it. From creek swimming, excellent kids’ play equipment, loads of parking, BBQ facilities, accessible toilets, great fishing, a nearby dog beach, and a patrolled beach with the famous Surf Club Coffs Restaurant and Bar next door, there is something for everyone.
What to pack: Grab some lawn games, a tennis ball and a cricket bat, and gather a group of chosen or extended family for an action-packed afternoon of free fun. We also suggest bringing your swimmers and towel, as it is hard to resist a dip in the crystal clear waters when the tide is right.
Best times to visit: As Park Beach Reserve is popular with locals and tourists alike, it is often busier on weekends and school holidays during summer. Try visiting outside of these times if you want more of it. The Coffs Creek is also tidal, so check the latest tide information at WillyWeather to ensure you plan for your visit.
Enhance your picnic experience and support local
Whether your family is large or small, the Coffs Coast has many local suppliers and businesses that can help cater for your next picnic or take it to another level. Here are some beautiful ways to enhance your next picnic experience.
The stylish picnic: Let Bohemian Banquets elevate your pop-up picnic with their stunning grazing boards and luxury setups, adding a wow factor to your outing with loved ones.
The creative picnic: Experience a taste of the Coffs Coast as you savour local delicacies from The Platter Effect’s creative platters, boxes and grazing tables.
The pet lovers’ picnic: For pet lovers who want to picnic in style, the ‘Pooch Picnic’ experience, courtesy of Taste Picnics And Hampers, is the perfect way to create a memorable day out with your fur family.
The gourmet picnic: If you’re heading north, remember to sample local delights from Coastal Pantry in Woolgoolga, a delicatessen adding gourmet condiments, specialty cheeses and cured meats to garnish your picnic.
The catered picnic: For a most memorable picnic, go all out and arrange a restaurant experience that comes to you, as Spare Chef prepares the finest of foods on the Coffs Coast.
Coffs Coast southern beaches picnic spots: Boronia Park, Sawtell and Boambee Creek Reserve
Boronia Park, Sawtell
A short walk from the charming town of Sawtell, Boronia Park offers a relaxed, coastal setting for families of all shapes and sizes to unwind and get closer to nature. Nestled between Sawtell Beach and the mouth of Bonville Creek, this park features ample grassy spaces for picnics and is equipped with BBQ facilities, picnic tables and an undercover shelter. As you indulge in your leisurely picnic, the young at heart can explore the playgrounds, swim in the creek or explore the nearby Bonville Headland, fostering a sense of adventure and discovery.
Why we love it: With sensational views over Bonville Creek, Sawtell’s Boronia Park is one of the most scenic spots to picnic on the Coffs Coast. With plenty of parking, accessible toilets and no hilly terrain to lug an esky, it is also the perfect choice for families of all ages. And for those who prefer not to self-cater, Sawtell’s First Avenue is only minutes away and has a stack of great food options for picnics.
What to pack: Nearby Sailors Bay and Main Beach offer ample surfing and swimming, so remember the surfboards, swimmers and a towel!
Best times to visit: With lots of shade, Boronia Park is perfect for any time of day. However, this popular spot does get quite busy on weekends and public holidays.
Boambee Creek Reserve
Boambee Creek Reserve is where the sparkling, turquoise waters meet golden sands and lush mangroves. The reserve is perfect for young children to wade, as the waters are still and shallow. There are also plenty of places to swim and build sandcastles.
As part of Reflections Holiday Parks, Boambee Creek Reserve has seven bookable shelters with BBQs, shaded seating, and stunning water views. Don’t stress if you can’t get a shelter. There are ample shaded spaces for spreading a picnic blanket, plus a great kiosk that serves snacks and coffee all day to help you keep up with the kids. This pet-friendly destination also invites four-legged friends to join the fun, ensuring every family member feels included in the adventure.
Why we love it: The ideal place to spend an entire day, there is so much to do at Boambee Creek Reserve. Discover the eco-rich system that thrives at Boambee Creek by renting a stand-up paddle board or kayak through Eco-Certified
C-Change Adventures. Perfect for the whole family, they also run eco-tours, a great way to learn about this incredible natural environment.
What to pack: Bring (or hire) a SUP, kayak or fishing rod, and immerse yourself in nature’s playground.
Best times to visit: Boambee Creek Reserve is open seven days, 8am – 9pm. Access can be gained from Sawtell Road by driving to the reserve boom gate ($6 card-only fee) or for free by walking down from the Boambee Creek Upper Carpark. Naturally, the reserve can get very busy on weekends and school holidays during the summer months, so if you prefer a quieter experience, try visiting outside these times. The reserve is also tidal, so check the latest tide information at WillyWeather to ensure you plan for your visit.
Coffs Coast northern beaches picnic spots: Sapphire Beach Playground and Moonee Beach Reserve
North Sapphire Beach Playground, North Sapphire
Nestled along the pristine shores of Sapphire Beach, North Sapphire Beach Playground beckons picnickers of all ages with its excellent, family-friendly amenities. Create cherished memories as you gather for leisurely long lunches amidst the expansive grassy areas and surrounding coastal bushland. Afterwards, grab a coffee from Stef Beachstone and let the children delight in the epic playground, complete with a flying fox and sandy play areas.
Why we love this spot: For a summertime day trip with the entire crew, this safe and scenic picnic spot has plenty of shade and shelter and excellent and accessible amenities. As the day unfolds, walk a few steps down to Sapphire Beach and watch for playful dolphins frolicking in the surf. For a more adventurous activity, the 7.1km coastal loop trail allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscape, including views out to Split Solitary Island.
What to pack: As North Sapphire Beach Playground is the perfect base for outdoor activities, bring plenty of protective sun exposure gear as you play a round of beach volleyball, embark on a hike, or jump in the ocean.
Best times to visit: This family-friendly destination can be visited anytime and offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and shaded recreational opportunities.
Moonee Beach Reserve
Overlooking a unique estuary system that converges between Moonee Creek and Moonee Beach, Moonee Beach Reserve welcomes visitors to a shaded, pet-friendly haven. If you’re looking for a waterside escape, settle in for a tranquil picnic by the creek’s gentle lull, setting the tone for a peaceful and relaxing day in nature. The reserve offers excellent amenities, including picnic shelters, barbecues, playgrounds, and even beach showers, ensuring families have everything they need for a memorable outing.
Why we love this spot: After your picnic lunch settles, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Moonee Creek Nature Reserve by wading through the surrounding waters and sand flats to Moonee Beach. Alternatively, you can cast a line for fishing, surf with locals, or embark on the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, which can extend your family-friendly picnic experience.
Part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, the landscape and waters of Moonee Creek are also a cherished area for the Gumbaynggirr people. Eco-certified Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours offers eco-friendly excursions, including paddleboard and kayak tours, providing insights into the area’s rich cultural and ecological significance. As stories are shared, the landscape evolves, transitioning from dense mangrove forests to clusters of melaleuca trees and towering eucalypts.
What to pack: We highly recommend trying to bring your kayak or SUP, as adventure enthusiasts love to explore this beautiful creek system by paddle. Some binoculars may help you spot magnificent sea eagles, ospreys, brahminy kites soaring overhead, or even passing whales out to sea during migration seasons.
Best times to visit: While picnicking under the plentiful shaded areas is always possible, if you love to paddle, navigating through the estuary requires careful consideration of the tides. Plan your paddle to align with the optimal tide conditions.
Orara Valley Picnic Spots: Coramba Bridge and Scouts Falls
Coramba Bridge PArk, Orara River
As you make your way to Coramba Bridge Park, the tranquillity of the Orara River beckons, inviting you to unwind amidst the picturesque surroundings. Here, locals and travellers gather to picnic in the serene ambience, taking refuge under the cool shade of towering trees lining the riverbanks.
Easily accessible from the heart of Coramba, this local favourite is also a refreshing spot on the Orara River for a swim. Easing into the gentle rapids, you’ll find yourself calm as the soothing, crystal-clear waters cascade into deeper pools, a perfect respite from the summer heat. The nearby Coramba Nature Reserve is a must if you love rainforest walks. Located only a few minutes from Coramba, the loop walk will take you through a protected forest filled with abundant bird life.
Why we love this spot: Paddling from Hartley’s Bridge is an excellent alternative to driving to Coramba Bridge Park. This scenic journey offers easy access and gentle currents (Grade 1), making it suitable for families of all ages. This kayaking journey will meander for 45 minutes through pristine countryside and picturesque farmland, immersing in nature’s splendour. En route, several spots nestled along the riverbanks offer an idyllic setting to enjoy your delicious picnic, or you can wait until you reach the tranquil surroundings at Coramba Bridge Park.
What to pack: Unlike some of its coastal counterparts, the Coramba Bridge Park park does not have flashy facilities such as covered shelters, BBQs, and play equipment, but it makes up for natural beauty. It’s just a few moments’ walk from Coramba, where you can stock up on supplies, drinks, or extra food from its dog-friendly pub, The Coramba Hotel.
Best times to visit: Just 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour, the town of Coramba can feel like a world away, even on weekends. If you’re lucky enough to visit when the quarterly Coramba Village Market is on, stock up on various locally made assortments to complete your picnic hamper.
Scouts Falls, Sherwood Nature Reserve
Nestled within the serene Sherwood Nature Reserve, Scouts Falls offers a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts keen to picnic away from the hustle and bustle of town. Amidst the reserve’s lush bushland, the melodic sounds of the creek create a serene ambience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of the Australian wilderness. For the more adventurous, go up the creek to the cascading falls and swimming holes below, discovering hidden treasures and native wildlife.
Why we love this spot: Scouts Falls also provides opportunities for bushwalking and birdwatching, allowing visitors to connect with the natural environment and appreciate its ecological significance. The reserve’s tranquil atmosphere and pristine surroundings make it an ideal destination for quiet reflection and rejuvenation.
What to pack: If you plan to do the 30-minute walk up the creek to Scouts Falls, we recommend packing a first aid kit and some good hiking boots/shoes. Make sure you bring a bag for rubbish, leaving only footprints behind.
Best times to visit: Scouts Falls is beautiful at any time during the day, as picnickers can gather in shaded areas surrounded by towering eucalyptus trees and verdant ferns, enjoying a leisurely meal amidst nature’s embrace.