Coffs Harbour sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Great Dividing Range, and it is the only place in New South Wales where the two meet. For Coffs Harbour weddings, that means beach, headland, jetty and hinterland all within a short drive of each other.
This page covers the scenic settings, the months that look most reliable on the climate figures, and the holiday parks where guests could stay. For the wider picture, start with our Coffs Harbour destination guide.
Scenic settings for a wedding or celebration
The Coffs Harbour Jetty is a good place to begin. It is a historic timber wharf, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register on 25 June 2021, and it sits on Jordan Esplanade. The jetty area is being redeveloped as a mixed-use precinct, so check what is open before you plan photographs there.
Muttonbird Island is reached by walking along the breakwater from the harbour. The nature reserve protects a significant wedge-tailed shearwater breeding site, and its footpath leads to a viewing platform where whales are often spotted between May and November. We'd argue a whale-season celebration is the one guests will talk about for years.
Other settings include the beaches along the coast, such as Park Beach, Sandy Beach, Diggers Beach and Sapphire Beach. Inland, the hills are covered in forest, banana and blueberry plantations, and farms. The Big Banana, one of the first of Australia's Big Things, suits couples who want something playful.
National parks and marine park
The city is surrounded by national parks, reserves and marine parks. Solitary Islands Marine Park runs from Coffs Harbour to Wooli, and Dorrigo National Park lies just south of the Dorrigo township. Bongil Bongil National Park is south of Sawtell, and Moonee Beach Nature Reserve sits between Moonee Beach and Emerald Beach. Rules for ceremonies in public reserves vary, so ask the relevant land manager before you commit.
Coffs Harbour weather by month
Coffs Harbour has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, wet summers and short, mild winters. It receives 122.1 clear days a year. The 1991 to 2020 averages below show where the wet and dry stretches fall.
| Month | Max (C) | Min (C) | Rain (mm) | Rain days | Sunny days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26.5 | 20.7 | 156.6 | 15.2 | 27.7 |
| February | 25.9 | 20.6 | 176.4 | 16.1 | 25.0 |
| March | 24.6 | 19.4 | 175.2 | 17.8 | 28.2 |
| April | 22.4 | 17.1 | 80.8 | 12.8 | 28.3 |
| May | 19.9 | 14.6 | 76.8 | 9.3 | 28.6 |
| June | 17.9 | 12.5 | 85.1 | 7.8 | 27.0 |
| July | 17.5 | 11.3 | 41.9 | 5.7 | 28.5 |
| August | 18.9 | 11.4 | 45.1 | 5.4 | 29.5 |
| September | 21.5 | 13.5 | 44.6 | 6.7 | 28.5 |
| October | 23.1 | 15.6 | 86.0 | 10.3 | 28.2 |
| November | 24.4 | 17.6 | 130.8 | 14.1 | 26.9 |
| December | 25.7 | 19.4 | 145.8 | 15.6 | 27.6 |
The most reliable months
On the figures, July, August and September are the driest, with about 42 to 45 mm of rain and between 5 and 7 rain days each. August also has the most sunny days, at 29.5. Days are mild rather than warm, with maximums of 17.5 to 21.5 degrees and cool nights.
If you want warmer air, October and April are a middle path. October averages 23.1 degrees at the top end and 86.0 mm of rain over about 10 days. April reaches 22.4 degrees with 80.8 mm over about 13 days.
Summer is the wettest stretch. February brings 176.4 mm over 16.1 rain days, and March has 17.8 rain days. The city also has a history of floods, including major events in 2009 and 2021, and an enormous hailstorm struck in October 2021. Whatever the month, a wet-weather plan is sensible.
Where guests could stay
Four holiday parks are listed on this site, each with powered sites and cabins. Contact the park for current rates and availability before booking.
- BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park is in Coffs Harbour itself.
- BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park is in Sawtell, the satellite suburb 10 km south along Hogbin Drive.
- Discovery Parks - Emerald Beach is at Emerald Beach, to the north.
- NRMA Darlington Beach Holiday Resort is at Arrawarra.
For other options, see our pages on Coffs Harbour accommodation and Coffs Harbour resorts.
Getting guests to Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour Airport has regular daily flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The city is also reached by road, by NSW TrainLink and by regular bus services. Our Coffs Harbour transfers page covers getting around once guests arrive.
| Route | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour | 153 km | about 113 minutes |
| Byron Bay to Coffs Harbour | 232 km | about 166 minutes |
| Newcastle to Coffs Harbour | 385 km | about 281 minutes |
| Hunter Valley to Coffs Harbour | 418 km | about 306 minutes |
| Sydney to Coffs Harbour | 525 km | about 383 minutes |
Activities around the celebration
A wedding weekend often needs something for the wider group. A tandem skydive launches from 8,000 or 15,000 feet and drifts down past the Solitary Islands Marine Reserve to a beach landing; the Coffs Harbour tandem skydive takes two hours and is from AUD 379. For younger guests, the Coffs Harbour climbing and junior ropes course runs 2 hours 30 minutes and is from AUD 38. More ideas are on our Coffs Harbour activities page, and the official Visit NSW site is useful for statewide planning. Background on the city is on Wikipedia.
Frequently asked questions
Which months are driest for a Coffs Harbour wedding?
July, August and September, with roughly 42 to 45 mm of rain each. August has the most sunny days, at 29.5.
Where could wedding guests stay?
Four holiday parks are listed: BIG4 Park Beach, BIG4 Sawtell Beach, Discovery Parks at Emerald Beach, and NRMA Darlington Beach at Arrawarra. Contact each for rates.
Can we see whales around the wedding?
Whales are often spotted from the Muttonbird Island viewing platform between May and November.
