Australia · 2026 itinerary
Coffs Harbour 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Coffs Harbour: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A compact museum in the old council chambers covering local history, timber, and banana farming.
🕐 Tuesday–Friday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM–2:00 PM (closed Sunday–Monday)
Free entry💡 Ask staff for the South Solitary Island lighthouse keychain – a cheap souvenir not sold elsewhere.
Hotels near Coffs Harbour Regional Museum →A 5km shared path along Coffs Creek with boardwalks, birdlife, and public art.
🕐 Open 24 hours (no lighting after dusk)
Free entry💡 Start at the boat harbour and head upstream to the Botanic Garden – it’s an easy 45-minute walk with plenty of shaded benches.
Hotels near Coffs Creek Walk and Cycle Way →Zarraffa's Coffee · ££
Stetsons Steakhouse · ££
Deeper Into Coffs Harbour
A causeway-linked island offering panoramic views of Coffs Harbour and the coastline.
🕐 Open 24 hours (gate locked 7:00 PM–6:00 AM)
💡 Go at sunset to see wedge-tailed shearwaters returning to their burrows (October to April).
A 20-hectare subtropical garden with themed sections and walking trails along Coffs Creek.
🕐 Open daily 6:00 AM–6:00 PM (summer) or 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (winter)
💡 Visit early morning to spot wallabies near the rainforest loop; free guided walks run on Tuesdays.
Treehouse Restaurant
Gloria Jean's
Final Favourites & Departure
A quirky attraction with a free Dutch village miniature display and clog-making demonstrations.
💡 Don't bypass the free display – entry is technically free but donations are appreciated; buy a bag of chips from the kiosk for a cheap feed.
The Clog Barn
Plantation Hotel
Getting Around Coffs Harbour
Book ahead for airport pickups—taxi rank can be thin outside peak flight times. Cash or card accepted.
Use the Transport for NSW Trip Planner app. The motel is right on the route—ask driver to let you off near the Jetty Foreshore, then it's a 2-min walk south.
Bus stop is a 5-min walk from airport terminal. The motel is a short stroll from the bus stop on Harbour Drive. Check Busways app for real-time.
Station is a 10-min walk from motel. For luggage, grab a taxi from the rank—costs about $8. Book XPT tickets online at least a week ahead for discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Coffs Harbour?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Coffs Harbour Regional Museum and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Coffs Harbour?
See our full best time to visit Coffs Harbour guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include The Carribean, Bentleigh Motor Inn, Chelsea Motor Inn. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.