The natural beauty and wonderful marine life of Coffs Harbour and the surrounding coastline is a huge part of Coffs’ appeal, and there is loads to see and do in and around the water. With wildlife encounters and eco-tourism aplenty, not to mention the kitsch joy of its Big Banana, Coffs Harbour has an abundance of sights and attractions for the visitor.
The third largest undersea protected area in New South Wales, the Solitary Islands Marine Park is an extraordinary marine wonder. With tropical, sub-tropical and temperate fish and coral there’s a remarkable diversity of natural life here, as well as some delightful beaches along its 75km of coastline. Boat trips, whale watching, fishing, diving and snorkelling can all be arranged in this marvellous underwater reserve.
Known to the indigenous Gumbaynggirr people of the area as The Place of the Moon, Muttonbird Island is a peaceful haven occupied by thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters, known as mutton birds. Connected to the mainland by a breakwater, it is a lovely (and exhausting) hike to the top, where the views are exceptional. Evening guided tours by Aboriginal elders are also available, which provide fascinating and rich context about the cultural importance of the island. Open 24 hours.
The history of Coffs Harbour is rooted in bananas, as the first major industry from the region, and this fun, quirky and ever-so kitsch monument and adventure park is a celebration of this. The first of the craze of ‘Big Things’ in Australia, the Big Banana is an iconic Coffs landmark, and comes with rides, attractions, a waterpark, plantation tours, and the brilliantly-named World of Bananas Experience. A must for any visitor. Open daily from 9am to 4:30pm.
The Dolphin Marine Conservation Park is the only zoological park in New South Wales where you can get up close to dolphins, and is an exciting and once-in-a-lifetime experience as a result. Offering incredible experiences swimming with dolphins, and a daily presentation, this is a fascinating way to experience some of nature’s most amazing creatures. There is a strong focus on conservation and changing life habits, which makes this a visit even more profound. Open daily from 9am to 3pm.
The National Cartoon Gallery is the only gallery in Australia dedicated to cartoons, and the largest collection in the southern hemisphere. What’s more, the amazing, hilarious and thought-provoking displays are housed in a unique heritage-listed RAAF World War II underground bunker. The funky exhibition space and the curious and intriguing displays combine perfectly to create a brilliant museum and gallery. Open daily from 10am to 4pm.
Standing perfectly still while a cloud of delicate, picture-perfect butterflies fill the air around you and land gently on your skin is a remarkable experience, and the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House is a remarkable place. Over 400 live Australian butterflies live in this indoor tropical habitat, which offers an incredible opportunity to get closer than ever before to a shy and retiring part of the natural world. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm.