Five top spots to visit within one hour of Coffs Harbour
Want to know the best places to visit in Coffs Harbour that don't involve the Big Banana? Check out these top recommendations from us, all within an hour of the CBD.
Valla Beach
This is a top beach spot. The Coffs Coast has some beautiful beaches but this one is something special. Great for surfers and kids who love hunting for treasures in rock pools. A beautiful untouched spot, not overrun by the tourists who flock to Coffs Harbour. The town is dotted with cool cafes to grab a coffee or something nice for brunch.
Urunga
If you’re lucky enough to be in town for the first Saturday of the month and you're looking for markets close to Coffs Harbour, then you are definitely in the right spot. Cute homemade wares and some pretty special food trucks. Markets or no markets you MUST check out the board walk. This takes you out to the mouth of the ocean passed thousands of soldier crabs fighting on the sand banks and an array of fish and seabirds. We even spotted a beautiful python sleeping in a tree on our last visit.
Dangar Falls, Dorrigo
Drive South on the Pacific Highway to Bellingen then follow the Waterfalls Way to Dorrigo. The drive itself is spectacular, taking you past beautiful scenery and (almost) through some waterfalls!! When you reach Dorrigo, follow signs to Dangar Falls. You’ll reach a car park and from there you can walk to the lookout over Dangar Falls. The more adventurous of you can walk down to the water below. If you need refreshments along the way, both Bellingen and Dorrigo have quaint and high quality places to stop and replenish. If you fancy a scenic drive home, continue along Coramba Road and you’ll pass the rural country towns of Brooklana, Lowana and Ulong before joining Orara Way at Coramba which you can follow back to Coffs Harbour.
The Orara Valley Tourist Trail
Follow the Orara Way West from Coffs through banana plantations, for a beautiful scenic drive. The road follows both the Orara River and the historic train tracks, passing a few quaint townships along the way. Coramba boasts a pub with a view, and some cute little swimming spots. Nana Glen has the fabulous Idle in Cafe with a top notch café menu. The final place to stop is Glenreagh. Reaped in history, this timber town has hidden train tracks and carriages, a HUGE Golden Dog (at the family friendly Golden Dog Hotel) and a monthly market the first Saturday morning of each month. The highlight of the town is the wonderful destination bakery, Glenreagh Bakery, where you'll find a fantastic selection or Australian classics and French inspired delights. People travel from all over the Coffs Coast for their Glenreagh Bakery indulgent treats.
The Northern Beaches
There are plenty of beaches to choose from on the Coffs Coast so get out your maps and check them all out. A couple of our favourites include Emerald Beach. Here you'll find the beautiful Look At Me Now Headland Walk with sweeping views and friendly kangaroos sprawled across the pathway. For a real holiday vibe, head to Woolgoolga, with cool cafes, surf shops and the Seaview Tavern which is a must if you're looking for a family friendly lunch spot.
