Surfing Coffs Harbour
Driving into the Coffs Harbour region from the south, the sight of rugged, densely forested mountains, incredibly green hinterland, banana plantations & a notable increase in humidity, you sense your arrival into Australia's warmer subtropical zone.
Coffs Harbour is a beautiful region, boasting fantastic beaches for surfing and swimming, stunning scenery and some of the best beach resorts in Australia.
Head just north or south of Coffs for quieter coastal towns, all of which are ideal for anyone looking for a relaxing surfing escape.
Surfing Lessons
Getting There
Car
6.5 hours drive north from Sydney, 5 hour drive south from Brisbane.
Rail
CountryLink (13 22 32) goes straight to/from Coffs Harbour.
Bus
Greyhound (13 14 99) links from all directions daily.
Airports
Coffs Harbour Airport, serviced by Qantas and Virgin Blue is located just 5 minutes drive south of town.
Airport transfers
Taking a taxi to your accommodation is an affordable option due to the airports close proximity to the town centre.
Car Hire
Renting a car or van is a great way to see & surf the awesome Coffs Coast. Hire a car or campervan.
Where To Sleep
Camping
Park Beach, Clog Barn, Bananacoast, Harbour City, Moonee Beach, Split Solitary Beach. To the north & south are more campground options.
Holiday Parks & Hostels in Coffs Harbour
Hotels & Holiday Homes in Coffs Harbour
Between Surf Sessions
What to see & do
Walk along the jetty at sunset for a romantic stroll or for some dolphin & turtle spotting. Here you can swim in the protected Harbour or grab a meal from one of the cafes or restaurants around the marina.
Drive up to Dorrigo National Park a world heritage listed area to cool off beside a waterfall (one hours drive). Be sure to stop & walk around the town of Bellingen. Set in the picturesque Bellinger Valley, this is one of the most beautiful towns in New South Wales that retains its charm of days gone by.
Where to eat & drink
Some great restaurants and cafes are located around the jetty on the beachfront, or head to the town centre on the Pacific highway. The several pubs and clubs all within walking distance of town also offer good meals.
Climate
Coffs Harbour Surf Spots for Beginners & Kids
In Coffs Harbour, the south ends of Park & Diggers Beach can be great for learning to surf when the waves are small and Jetty Beach is epic for kids wanting to catch their first waves. For more info on these and other fun spots to the north and south of Coffs, click on the landmarks on the map below.
Good To Know...
During big south swells the best surfing options for beginner surfers include Woolgoolga and Arrawarra beaches, located north of Coffs Harbour, or even at the very sheltered Jetty Beach.
When the swell is small and the north east wind is blowing, fun waves can be found between Coffs Harbour and Arrawarra at several northern corners of beaches (where the beach faces south and is therefore protected from north winds). Watch out for rips and tricky, peaky waves at these spots, but seek and you may find good surf, even for beginners. Remember to practise sound surfing etiquette.
To see kangaroos, drive north to Emerald Beach to Look At Me Now Headland (20 minutes) at dawn or dusk. This is part of the Moonee Beach Nature Reserve and here eastern grey kangaroos graze during the cooler parts of the day.
Coffs Harbour is ideal if you are looking for a quick escape from the stress of city life. The airport is conveniently located just south of town and a short drive from a fantastic range of quality accommodation that is set in the natural surrounds of any one of Coffs' many magic beaches or hidden away in it's gorgeous green hinterland.
Just north of the Coffs Harbour CBD on the side of the Pacific Highway, is the Big Banana, one of many tourist stops around the nation with kitsch larger than life attractions that are synonymous with the local region. The Big Banana offers a rest spot while driving along the highway with a kiosk and the obligatory photo opportunity in front of the banana.
Surf Shops
Nook's Surf Shop
The Surfshop
Coopers Surf
The Log Shack
XS Surf (Woolgoolga)
Sunpatch Surf Shop (Sawtell)
Surfboard Repairers
Ask in the local surf shops if you need a board repaired.
Boardriders Club
Coffs Harbour Boardriders
Logger Heads Malibu Club
Sawtell Boardriders
Woolgoolga Longboard Club