Beaches are a cornerstone of Australia’s allure. Coffs Harbour is one of the stunning coastal cities in South Wales, Australia, surrounded by sun-kissed shores, endless stretches of golden sand, and lush bushlands. These hidden turquoise waves beckon beach enthusiasts and locals alike for a laid-back coastal vibe.

Whether you want to simply enjoy the dolphins’ dance in the water to unwind with a family beachfront picnic, Coffs Harbour’s stunning beaches make the perfect getaways to discover sandy treasures, meet vibrant marine and wildlife, and experience pure bliss. 

1. Park Beach in Coffs Harbour

If you drive towards the Northeastern part of the town, you’ll find Park Beach, which is arguably one of the most popular beaches in Coffs Harbour. The Coff Creek meets the Pacific Ocean’s waters at the Park Beach shores. It accommodates a distinct collection of people, from tourists to backpackers to locals, inviting visitors to experience the rhythm of the Pacific waves paired with laid-back adventures.

The beach has facilities such as a caravan park, bushlands, toilets, picnic areas, barbeque facilities, and extensive parking facilities, making it ideal for families. Park Beach caters to activities like swimming, surfing, fishing, sunbathing, a long walk along Macauleys Headland, and many other touristy activities. 

Additionally, the beach is close to camping, motels, restaurants, and shopping, so you can make the most out of the trip to Park Beach. The Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club’ is nestled on the shores of Park Beach, a community safety for the coastal lifestyle.

2. Jetty Beach in Coffs Harbour

Located near the popular Coffs Harbour Jetty, Jetty Beach is one of the most popular spots amongst locals and tourists, offering many attractions and activities for every beach enthusiast. This stunning stretch of shoreline with its golden sands invites visitors to spend a day in the sun, surf, and relax in a seamless rendezvous.

Jetty Beach is known for its calm waters, making it a great place to swim, paddle, or snorkel. It is an incredible, family-friendly beach with nearby picnic areas and barbeque facilities. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, making it safe for visitors to enjoy the water.

It is a protected beach renowned for its abundant marine diversity. The Jetty Foreshores Park is behind Jetty Beach, so hop on a boat and take a trip to the Solitary Islands marine park for whale watching. When it comes to dining options, Jetty Beach does not disappoint.

The foreshores area will have a strip of restaurants for quick grabs. So bring your children down to Jetty Beach for an unwinding day, walk along the Jetty line, take a long walk around the Mutton Bird Island natural reserve, or take in the beautiful views of the Southern breakwall and harbor. 

3. Emerald Beach in Coffs Harbour

Stretched along a crescent-shaped bay, Emerald Beach is located approximately 15 kilometers north of Coffs Harbour and is a secluded beach often overlooked by tourists. The beach is an excellent choice for surfers since the waves reach up to 3 meters in height, boasting an excellent beach break, making it a safe option for swimming.

Locals also favor the beach, making it an ideal spot for fishing and family barbeques. Since it is much quieter than the other beaches, it makes an excellent spot for family picnics with a playground and picnic spots plentily available. The beach is also home to the famous ‘Look At Me Now Headland,’ which offers stunning ocean views and surrounding landscapes, so keep your cameras handy.

Once you’ve made the most of your time in the water, you can head to Look At Me Now Headland to catch sight of the kangaroos, if you’re lucky. This unspoiled beach with dense surroundings is ideal for nature lovers who love relaxation. 

4. Diggers beach in Coffs Harbour

Diggers Beach is located north of Coffs Harbour right opposite the Big Banana, perfectly located for tourists. Situated between Diggers Headland and Macauleys Headland, it unfolds into a blend of seaside haven. Diggers Beach is a surfing paradise; it is excellent for its surf waves, so if you are a surfer, you are guaranteed to catch some waves. The beach is also ideal for family picnics, with a playground to play and shaded areas to sit and enjoy. The beach doesn’t go unnoticed by the locals, who often visit the shores to fish, swim, and surf.

Another interesting gem on this beach is if you walk a little further up, you will stumble across their unofficial nude beach, ‘Little Diggers Beach,’ for those seeking a more liberating beach experience (perfect if you’re looking for an all-over tan). Besides that, the beach boasts stunning scenery, so pick your sandals for a wind-free walk to Charlesworth Bay during sunset. While strolling there after a sun-soaked walk, stop by the Solitary Island Aquarium to explore fascinating marine life. 

5. Moonee Beach in Coffs Harbour

Moonee Beach, a serene coastline north of Coffs Harbour, offers postcard-perfect scenery. The Moonee Creek gently opens up in the ocean, creating a haven for those seeking a quieter beach experience. The beach has shallow and calm waters, ideal for families with children who like to splash and play, while also providing ample area for beach picnics as it is lined with bushlands.

Catch yourself on the boardwalks for a peaceful stroll and immerse yourselves in the sights and sounds of nature at Moonee Beach Reserve adjacent to the beach. While coming forth as a tranquil beach, Moonee Beach also caters to the needs of water enthusiasts. Kayaking and paddle-boarding on these calm waters are popular activities.

And guess what? The beach is dog-friendly so you can get your pets for the family picnic. The beach also offers a view of the South Solitary Islands and the lighthouse. Moonee Beach offers a range of amenities to enhance the visitor experience, from nearby Moonee marketplace to accommodations options.  

6. Woolgoolga Beach in Coffs Harbour

Adorned with lush grasslands and white grainy sand, Woolgoolga Beach, locally named ‘Woopi,’ is an ideal sandy beach for surfing, swimming, fishing, and diving. It is a perfect blend of picturesque escape with a laid-back coastal vibe.

Up towards the Woolgoolga Headland, you’ll find panoramic views of the coastline expanding to Yuraygir National Park and the hills of Coffs Coast, offering a stunning backdrop of the beauty of the ocean.

Woolgoolga Headland makes a vantage point for whale watching during migration seasons between May and October. This point is deemed the best spot for whale watching in the Coffs region.

The Beach also has a back beach with an ideal picnic spot near Woolgoolga Lake near the Headland. The beach is complimented by a playground for the kids and a picnic spot for family gatherings so you can relax during your day.

Woolgoolga Beach has cafes, shopping stores, and accommodations for all types. Make sure you visit this beach to indulge in the beaches’ dramatic landscapes. 

7. Sandy Beach in Coffs Harbour

Located south of Woolgoolga Beach, Sandy Beach emerges as a hidden jewel, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its serene beauty. The clear blue water and scarcity of tourists make this beach favorable to locals. Sandy Beach offers excellent fishing opportunities for those seeking a little adventure, and Groper Island, which is 3 km offshore, is very popular amongst fishermen.

The southern vegetated Headland is the most visited area because of the protection received from Bare Bluff against strong winds, making it advisable to swim in this area. The beach is also great for strolls as it is between Dammerels Head and Bare Bluff, offering stunning views of the hinterland.

This beach is ideal for those seeking a family-friendly vibe but not for high-adrenaline sports. Teenagers who want to engage in heavy water or beach sports can head to Woolgoola Beach, a 5-minute drive from Sandy Beach.

A few coastal trails on this beach show you diverse flora and fauna alongside breathtaking views, so if you love long sandy walks, this beach is for you. 

8. Sapphire Beach in Coffs Harbour

Nestled along the coastline of Coffs Harbour, you’ll find Sapphire Beach, which emerges with panoramic views and crystal-clear water just like the name suggests, inviting visitors to glisten in her azure shades. Finding this beach may get tricky, so take the Sapphire Beach exit and follow along the Crystal Water Drive.

Some bush trails will give you access to the beach.  Midway along the expanse of Sapphire Beach, you’ll find South Solitary Island, which stands on a platform where you can view the picturesque historic lighthouse. Access to this island is usually facilitated through tours such as helicopters, boating, or diving fun filled with education and adventure.

If you want to explore the White Bluff at the southern end, take the White Bluff Walking Track and enjoy the rocky grounds, but stop there for a picnic to watch the sunset. The beach has access to showers, toilets, a playground, and other usual amenities. Families appreciate its gentle waves and serene atmosphere, perfect for light lapping against the waters. 

9. Arrawarra Beach in Coffs Harbour

Arrawarra Beach is located near Woolgoolga just north of Coffs Harbour and is a quieter option with a more secluded feel, great for fishing and beach walks. Surrounded by white dunes, a serene landscape, and clear turquoise waters, this beach is for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

It is surrounded by lush coastal greenery, numerous picnic spots, and nature trails, allowing visitors to enjoy the surroundings in nature. Moreover, the waves are calmer, making it an ideal spot for beginner surfers. It is also perfect for those seeking to swim, snorkel and surf. There are more fun activities to embark on saunter through the Growers Market, where freshly produced farm products are sold, or enjoy the Moonee Creek Canoe Route with your family.

Additionally, this beach is pet-friendly, so get your best friend on a leash to the beach with you. South of Arrarwarra is the Mullaway Headland for beautiful sensational views of cliffs and ledges. The beach provides a coastal getaway to relax with your family and spend time discovering the tranquil area, offering you a refreshing break from urban life. 

10. Sawtell Beach in Coffs Harbour

This beach is a picturesque coastal haven located in the nearby town of Sawtell. The coastline stretches from Sawtell Headland to Sailors Bay, an area shielded by a small island to Murray’s Beach. The southern part of Sawtell Beach has a low tide area, Sailors Bay, hidden by small islands, where you’ll find a boat launching ramp, parking spots, and rocky pools.

The beach is patrolled daily by Sawtell Surf Lifeguards, who also run the Sawtell Surf Club on the beach. Sawtell Beach boasts a rocky pool and sandy shore that families and surfers love because it provides something for all surfers of any age. These natural rock pools are ideal for exploring during low tide. The picturesque headland provides excellent vantage points for watching migrating whales and seeking panoramic coastline views.

To the north of Sawtell, Boambee Beach, and Boambee Creek Reserve are popular among locals and young children. Besides this, towards the south side of the Bonville Headland, you will stumble across Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool, a protected swimming area and a stunning tucked-away beauty. Sawtell Beach is a relaxing getaway beach with a touch of village charm that boasts a range of cafes, restaurants, shops, and basic facilities, delighting locals and tourists. 

Final Note

Plan your visit to one of these beaches next time you are in Coffs Harbour to discover beaches that stand out as must-visit beaches for locals and tourists alike. So grab your sunscreen and beach mats to soak up these sun-soaked beaches for an unforgettable coastal experience next time you visit Coffs Harbour.

Last Updated on December 11, 2023 by Ruth Dias