Coffs Harbour sits on the New South Wales mid-north coast, right on the Pacific Highway about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane. It’s a popular road trip stop and has its own small airport with flights from major cities. The town has a pleasant harbour, good beaches, and serves as a gateway to the Dorrigo mountains behind it. If you’re driving the coast, Coffs Harbour makes a logical and appealing overnight stop.
Coffs Harbour itself is compact and much of it is walkable, but having a car opens up the surrounding region. Dorrigo National Park is just an hour’s drive inland and offers spectacular World Heritage-listed rainforests. The beaches to the north and south are all different – some suit families, others suit surfers. Without a car, you’re limited to what’s in town.
The Big Banana is the iconic road trip stop – a 12-metre high banana made of concrete and fibreglass that’s been pulling over travellers since 1964. Next door there’s now a toboggan ride and ice skating rink, making it popular with families. It’s on the north side of town as you arrive from Sydney.
The Marina and Muttonbird Island are worth a wander. The boardwalk around the harbour is pleasant for a morning walk, and you can watch the fishing boats come and go. The Solitary Islands Marine Park is accessible from several beaches around Coffs and offers good snorkelling.
Dorrigo National Park is the big draw inland. The drive takes you up through the mountains to over 1000m altitude, where you walk through ancient rainforest. The Skywalk lookout gives views over the canopy. The Waterfall Way route through the park to Ebor and Cathedral Rock is one of NSW’s great scenic drives.
The Pacific Highway (M1) passes right through Coffs Harbour. The drive from Sydney is about 5 hours, from Brisbane about 7 hours. Traffic in town is generally light. Roads into Dorrigo are sealed but winding – take your time and watch for wildlife on the road, especially at dawn and dusk. The mountain roads can be foggy, so use your headlights.
Coffs Harbour Airport has car rental desks in the terminal. Book ahead during school holidays as the town gets busy with road trippers. Consider whether you need a larger vehicle – a small car is fine for town and beaches, but if you’re heading into Dorrigo National Park and plan to do serious walking, you might want more space for gear.
Find the best deals at https://www.365carhire.com/.
See all Australia car hire locations available through 365 Car Hire.