So, you have wisely decided to make Coffs Harbour more than just a quick (banana) stop. To simplify your hunt for the perfect place to stay, we have whittled down our favorite Coffs Harbour accommodation, with something for everyone.
Jetty Beach is incredibly scenic, and thanks to the sheltered environment, everyone can enjoy it — from young to old. But there are other options too: Neighboring Park Beach offers larger swells and Korora is an interesting tranquil option if you don’t mind being a drive away from Coffs Harbour’s heart.
Here is what you need to know on where to stay in Coffs Harbour, including our favorite picks in each area.
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Jetty Beach
Picture a white strip of sand with one breakwall to the south and another to the north. The latter harbours a marina and leads to a bird-loved island (Muttonbird Island) that adds to the scenery.
There you have it: Jetty Beach, the main beach in Coffs Harbour.
At the marina, you’ll find a handful of friendly restaurants, including Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op, serving delicious fish and chips, and Eric & Deb’s Homemade Ice Cream. Behind the beach, green spaces and a playground tempt those who have had too much of the sand.
Stroll Coffs Harbour Jetty to fully take in the setting. With some luck, you can spot dolphins and turtles enjoying the clear blue waters around you.
Also, be sure to walk on that north breakwall to Muttonbird Island. There, you can look back at Coffs Harbour and, from August to April, marvel at the many breeding namesake birds.
Why stay on Jetty Beach?
- Gentle waves
- Photogenic pier
- Muttonbird stroll
Best hotels on Jetty Beach
The Observatory
These self-contained units (some with ocean view) have all you may need and put you in the first row for Jetty Beach.
Pacific Marina
Bed down in a wonderfully modern, fully-equipped apartment where Jetty Beach meets the marina.
Caribbean Motel
Savour simple but impeccably clean accommodation only a few minutes’ walk from the beach.
Park Beach
North of Jetty Beach, a wilder side of Coffs Harbour unfurls under the heights of Macauleys Headland. Big waves constantly batter Park Beach, the number-one surf beach in Coffs Harbour.
While most of the beach is heavily exposed, the south end enjoys some protection by Little Muttonbird Island. Here, the Coffs Harbour Surf Lifesaving Club has its base and patrols year round.
Prefer no waves at all? Explore the tranquil inlet of Coffs Creek, attracting young splashers, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders and fishers.
At Park Beach’s north end, Macauleys Headland Walking Track connects with another gem, Diggers Beach, while offering brilliant views. Keep your eyes peeled for all from wallabies and cockatoos to ocean creatures, such as whales.
Why stay on Park Beach?
- Awesome swell
- Chill surf club
- Shallow estuarine
Best hotels on Park Beach
Big 4 Park Beach
Choose from an array of options — from villas, studios and cabins to caravan and camping sites — at the south end of Park Beach.
Coffs Harbour HA
Each of these comfy units, 150 m from the Pacific’s edge, has its own kitchen.
Ocean Park Motel
The motel meets the apartment — a delightful blend.
Coffs Harbour CBD & beyond
Coffs Harbour has a small Central Business District (CBD) with the essential stores and coffee hangouts. It’s anchored on the Pacific Highway, some 3 km inland from Jetty Beach.
There’s a slice of nature, too. North Coast Regional Botanical Garden is a 50-acre oasis hugging Coffs Creek — perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Further north along the Pacific Highway, towards the serene suburb of Korora, visitors in droves stop at The Big Banana Fun Park for an iconic Australian selfie.
Why stay in Coffs Harbour CBD & beyond?
- Commercial hub
- Lush gardens
- THAT banana
Best hotels in Coffs Harbour CBD & beyond
CBD Motor Inn
Just passing through? Directly on the Pacific Highway, CBD Inn provides unmatched convenience.
Korora Bay Village Resort
Fall in love with an impressive property with an inviting pool and lovely tropical gardens.
Smugglers on the Beach
Settle in directly on the beach in Korora, an easy drive from the heart of Coffs Harbour.
In case you wonder…
Stunning beaches abound in Coffs Harbour. The main beach, Jetty Beach is the most protected one, perfect for those with kids in tow. Adjacent, across the marina, Park Beach is the most popular beach for surfing.
When you visit with family, safe swimming and splashing are essential. Jetty Beach is sheltered from large swells thanks to long breakwalls. Park Beach is more exposed, but its south end is patrolled year round.
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