Coffs Harbour is famous for its gorgeous climate, spectacular beaches and, of course, the Big Banana. It’s also NSW’s first official eco destination.
But there’s even more to this coastal town on NSW’s North Coast. Here are five experiences you might not expect to have in Coffs Harbour.
Fly to a lighthouse on an island
On South Solitary Island, 18 kilometres off the Coffs Coast, you’ll find one of Australia’s most isolated lighthouses. In fact, it was the last lighthouse in New South Wales to swap kerosene for electricity.
Guests are allowed to visit on just eight weekends of the year, and must join a tour — by helicopter. You’ll take an eight-minute flight, then a two-hour guided walking tour. Stops include the keeper’s quarters and the lighthouse, where you’ll climb a spiral staircase to reach a balcony with extraordinary views. Tours take place in winter, so there’s a good chance of seeing whales.
Meet a life-sized dinosaur
Believe it or not, Coffs is home to six life-sized dinosaurs. Not only do they look like the real thing, they act like it, too — and that includes roaring. They live in a dedicated dinosaur forest at the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House.
While you’re there, look out for flying fairies (really!), and, of course, butterflies. Hundreds of colourful species flit around the subtropical gardens — including yellow-and-aqua Cairns Birdwings, Blue Banded Eggflies, black-and-white Chequered Swallowtails and Orange Lacewings.
Also on site is a maze, where you can test your knowledge of butterflies, while getting lost. Plus, there’s a cafe and gift shop, so you can fuel up before hitting the road for your next adventure.
SWIM UNDER A WATERFALL
Swim under a waterfall
Swap the sand and surf for a waterfall at Scouts Falls. This magical spot lies at the end of a 1.6 kilometre walking trail through pretty bushland. It can be a bit of a scramble at times, and there’s some creek-hopping to do, but it’s worth it.
The falls cascade over several rock ledges into a deep swimming hole. You can paddle around, watching and listening, and, once you’re ready, get directly under the falling water. There’s nothing quite so refreshing.
Afterwards, hang around for a picnic on the rocks, soaking up some sunshine.
Visit a turtle hospital
Sick and injured turtles are well looked after by the Coffs community. In fact, they have their very own hospital.
You’ll find it in the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. And it’s not only turtles that get much-needed medical care here. So do dolphins, fairy penguins, sea lions, seals and hundreds of other marine species. And, once they’re better, they’re released back into the wild.
There’s a bunch of ways to get up-close and personal with the animals. On the ‘Ultimate Dolphin Experience’, spend 20 minutes in the water interacting with dolphins, and on the ‘Sea Lion Splash’, try hand-feeding a sea lion.
Swing among the treetops in Coffs Harbour
There’s a monkey somewhere in each and every one of us — even if it’s deep down. Find yours at Treetops Adventure, in the state forest just minutes from Coffs.
Anyone ages three years or over can get in on the action. There are 20 ziplines, the least-scary being one-metre high and the scariest being 20 metres high. Plus, you’ll find more than 90 aerial challenges to attempt.
Courses are set out according to age and experience. While three to seven year olds and newbies might try out the junior challenge, those aged 13+ and old hats can jump on the expert challenge.
It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
Getting to Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour is a six-hour drive north of Sydney. Alternatively, fly to Coffs Harbour Airport and pick up a SIXT hire car.
