Coffs Harbour sits 529 km north of Sydney, at the only point in New South Wales where the Great Dividing Range meets the Pacific Ocean. For Coffs Harbour luxury holidays, that means forested hills, banana plantations and a marine park all within a short distance of each other.
This page covers the premium tour we list, the scenery that sets the coast apart, and the months that suit a more indulgent stay. Check current prices and times with the operator before you book.
The premium tour: a tandem skydive on the beach
The most expensive experience we list is the Coffs Harbour Ground Rush or Max Freefall tandem skydive, from AUD 379. You are strapped to a trained instructor and launch from 8,000 or 15,000 feet above the city. You freefall together before the chute opens, then drift down past the Solitary Islands Marine Reserve towards a beach landing.
The whole experience takes two hours, from the ground briefing through to the landing certificate. It is not a quiet way to spend an afternoon, but the view of the coast from the air is hard to match.
Tours by price
| Tour | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Rush or Max Freefall Tandem Skydive on the Beach | 2 hours | from AUD 379 |
| Climbing & Junior Ropes Course | 2h 30m | from AUD 38 |
The ropes course is a modest option by comparison, and suits a family day better than a splurge. For more choice, browse our full list of Coffs Harbour tours.
Scenery worth the splurge
The Solitary Islands Marine Park runs from Coffs Harbour to Wooli and protects an underwater ecosystem where northern tropical species meet the southern temperate ones. South Solitary Island lies 18 km north-east of the city, inside the park.
On land, Muttonbird Island is reached by walking the breakwater from the harbour. The nature reserve protects a significant wedge-tailed shearwater breeding site, and the footpath leads to a viewing platform where whales are often spotted between May and November.
The hinterland is the other half of the picture. Forests cover the hills, and farms grow bananas, blueberries, macadamia nuts, cucumbers and tomatoes. Dorrigo National Park, Bellinger River National Park and Bindarri National Park, 20 km west of the city, are all within reach. If you want ideas beyond the headline sights, our Coffs Harbour attractions page is a good next step.
Heritage and a little local colour
The Coffs Harbour Jetty on Jordan Esplanade is a historic timber wharf, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register on 25 June 2021. It was recognised as the longest coastal timber jetty built by the Harbours and Rivers Section of the NSW Public Works department in the 19th century. The area is being redeveloped as a mixed-use precinct.
Then there is the Big Banana, one of Australia's first Big Things, which turned 50 in 2014. It is part of the Big Banana Fun Park. We would call it more cheerful than refined, but it is part of the Coffs story.
The Gumbaynggirr people are the Traditional Custodians of this country. Their name for the harbour is Gitten Mirreh, meaning "big moon".
Where to stay
Our Coffs Harbour accommodation pages cover the range, including Coffs Harbour resorts for a more polished stay. The holiday parks below are caravan and cabin options rather than five-star hotels, so contact each park for current rates.
- BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park, in Coffs Harbour, with powered sites and cabins.
- BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park, in Sawtell, 10 km south along Hogbin Drive.
- Discovery Parks - Emerald Beach, in Emerald Beach, with powered sites and cabins.
- NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort, in Arrawarra, with powered sites and cabins.
The best months for Coffs Harbour luxury holidays
Coffs Harbour has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, wet summers and short, mild winters. It gets 122.1 clear days a year. For a skydive, a beach landing or a long walk, the drier months are the safer bet.
| Month | Max (C) | Min (C) | Rain (mm) | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26.5 | 20.7 | 156.6 | 15.2 |
| February | 25.9 | 20.6 | 176.4 | 16.1 |
| March | 24.6 | 19.4 | 175.2 | 17.8 |
| April | 22.4 | 17.1 | 80.8 | 12.8 |
| May | 19.9 | 14.6 | 76.8 | 9.3 |
| June | 17.9 | 12.5 | 85.1 | 7.8 |
| July | 17.5 | 11.3 | 41.9 | 5.7 |
| August | 18.9 | 11.4 | 45.1 | 5.4 |
| September | 21.5 | 13.5 | 44.6 | 6.7 |
| October | 23.1 | 15.6 | 86.0 | 10.3 |
| November | 24.4 | 17.6 | 130.8 | 14.1 |
| December | 25.7 | 19.4 | 145.8 | 15.6 |
July to September are the driest, with 5 to 7 rain days a month. August has the most sunny days at 29.5. Whale season runs from May to November, so July to September also overlaps with the best time for whale spotting from Muttonbird Island. Our pick would be August or September: dry, mild and still in whale season. Summer is warmer, at 26 degrees or so, but January to March bring 15 to 18 rain days a month. The city also has a history of floods, including 2021, and a major hailstorm in October 2021.
Getting there
Coffs Harbour Airport has regular daily flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. You can also arrive by NSW TrainLink, by bus or by road. By road it is 525 km and about 383 minutes from Sydney, 232 km from Byron Bay, and 153 km from Port Macquarie. For wider trip planning, see the Coffs Harbour travel guide, the official Visit NSW site, and the background on Coffs Harbour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most expensive tour listed for Coffs Harbour?
The tandem skydive on the beach, from AUD 379. It takes two hours, with jumps from 8,000 or 15,000 feet.
When is the best time to go?
July to September are the driest months, and whales are often spotted from Muttonbird Island between May and November. August has the most sunny days.
How far is Coffs Harbour from Sydney?
It is 525 km by road, about 383 minutes. There are also daily flights from Coffs Harbour Airport to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
