Coffs Harbour - Attractions

Attractions

Coffs Harbour is the hub for a thriving banana industry. One of the biggest attractions is the Big Banana, one of the first of Australia's Big Things (it celebrated its 40th birthday in 2005), with the World's Largest Banana celebrating the region's best known export. There is also a popular underwater diving spot on a small natural reef.

The Coffs Harbour Jetty is an historically important timber wharf where coastal shipping once moved the timber from the hinterland. The jetty area is the subject of current planning by Council and consultants to develop a cultural precinct and rejuvenated residential area.

Nearby, the Solitary Islands Marine Park preserves a diverse underwater ecosystem that mirrors the terrestrial biodiversity, covering the southern limit of northern tropical species and the northern limits of the southern temperate species. Directly out to sea from Coffs Harbour adjacent to the human engineered breakwater is Muttonbird Island. The island is a nature reserve protecting a significant Wedge-tailed Shearwater breeding site.

There are many national parks, reserves and marine parks surrounding the city, including:

• Bellinger River National Park (west of Bellingen in the Bellinger headwaters)
• Bindarri National Park (20 km west of the city, near Ulong and Dairyville)
• Bongil Bongil National Park (south of Sawtell)
• Cascade National Park (north of Dorrigo)
• Coffs Coast Regional Park (beachside reserves and parks along the Coffs Coast)
• Dorrigo National Park (just south of the Dorrigo township)
• Hayden Dent Nature Reserve (northwest of Coffs Harbour)
• Junuy Juluum National Park (north of Dorrigo)
• Moonee Beach Nature Reserve (Moonee Beach-Emerald Beach)
• Nymboi-Binderay National Park (north of Dorrigo, east of Glenreigh, on the Nymboida River)
• Solitary Islands Marine Park (in the Tasman Sea from Coffs Harbour to Wooli)
• South Solitary Island (18 km NE from Coffs Harbour in the Marine Park)
• Ulidarra National Park (Bruxner Park and Mount Coramba area)
• Yuraygir National Park (stretching from Yamba to Red Rock and west along the Coast Range)

The town's water supply comes from the nearby Orara River at Cochranes Pool and the city hosts the Coffs Harbour Regional Botanic Garden.