Coffs Coast family-friendly travel guide

Coffs Coast enjoys year-round subtropical weather. Without the extremes some other regions get, the weather on Coffs Coast is almost always pleasant. Summer showers often quickly make way for the sun again. Sea temperatures rise to about 23 degrees Celsius in summer, only dropping a few degrees in winter.

Coffs Harbour has average daytime temperatures of 26 degrees Celsius in summer.

Coffs Harbour has average daytime temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius in winter.

Coffs Coast is approximately six hours by car from Sydney and five hours from Brisbane via the Pacific Highway. Travelling from the west, take the New England Highway and then the scenic Waterfall Way, marvelling at the natural attractions, lookout points and national parks along the way.

Coffs Coast is only a short flight from Sydney or Brisbane and discounted fares are often available. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Tiger airlines operate regular flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with convenient connections to all capital cities.

Long-distance and regional buses operated by Greyhound, Premier and New England Coaches travel from Coffs Harbour to a number of destinations, including Sydney, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Brisbane and Surfers Paradise.

NSW TrainLink trains run from Coffs Harbour to both Sydney, Brisbane, Kempsey, Nambucca Heads and Grafton.

If you’re looking for places to eat out with your family, you’re in luck – Coffs Coast has a wide choice of restaurants, cafes, bistros and takeaways. Besides the dining options you’ll find in the main resorts and the many clubs, there are restaurants scattered throughout Coffs Coast, including some in great waterfront locations.

There are also a number of ‘restaurant clusters’, or ‘eat-streets’, where you’ll be able to choose from a variety of options.

For a night of outdoor dining and entertainment drop by Eat Street Woolgoolga, which features an abundance of food trucks in addition to the usual restaurants on Market Street. Have a glass of wine while your kids are entertained by the children’s entertainment and live music.

The strip of eateries at Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Area are great for both lunch and dinner, with many options on the harbour that also enjoy great views.

Coffs Coast offers a wealth of shopping experiences, including a diverse array of regular markets, most of them held on Saturday or Sunday, where you and your kids will enjoy browsing the stalls and having a bite to eat. Coffs Central, Palms Shopping Centre and City Square in the CBD provide all kinds of shops and cafes, while Woolgoolga’s main street has a number of retail shops and small supermarkets, opposite the beach.

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

In warmer months, New South Wales can be very warm. Pack thongs, singlets, and swimmers! If visiting in winter, be sure to pack a few warmer layers.

Australia is renowned for its laid-back, egalitarian culture. By and large, friendliness is equated with good manners.

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

By and large, Coffs Coast is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.

Sawtell is a quaint little town just a 15-minute drive south of Coffs Harbour. The main street is picturesque and separated by big fig trees with plenty of cafes and shops to peruse. Sawtell is the perfect spot to get that classic fish and chips picture on the beach, just watch out for the seagulls!

Get lost among 400 butterflies in an indoor subtropical rainforest at Butterfly House. The colourful creatures fluttering around and landing on your little ones makes for the perfect photo opportunity.

If you are a fan of boats, pretty marinas and strolls along the jetty, then a visit to Coffs Harbour is a must. On Sunday’s there is a market at the entrance and there are also plenty of cafes if you build up an appetite after your walk. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down and watch the surfers catch a few waves.