What is Coffs Harbour known for?
Coffs Harbour is a coastal city on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, known for the Big Banana, its beaches, Muttonbird Island and the surrounding hinterland. It was once a major banana-growing area.
The city lies between Sydney and Brisbane on the Pacific Highway. The Great Dividing Range comes close to the coast here, creating a scenic mix of mountains and beaches.
The Big Banana, opened in 1964, is one of Australia's most famous roadside attractions. It has grown into a theme park with water slides, a toboggan ride and a banana plantation tour.
Island and hinterland
Muttonbird Island, linked to the harbor by a breakwater, is a nature reserve where wedge-tailed shearwaters nest. It is a popular place to watch whales during their migration.
The Solitary Islands Marine Park protects reefs and marine life off the coast. Inland, the Dorrigo National Park has rainforest walks and a skywalk.
Coffs Harbour also grows blueberries, which have become a major industry. A Pacific Highway bypass of Coffs Harbour has been under construction to move through traffic away from the city center. The jetty is a popular spot for walks and sunsets.