Things To Do In Coffs Harbour

10 nature-based things to do in Coffs Harbour

Looking for things to do in Coffs Harbour that connect you with wildlife, ocean, rainforest and Country? The Coffs Coast is recognised as a nature-lover’s paradise, surrounded by national parks, uncrowded beaches and rich coastal environments. Coffs Coast tourism also highlights the region’s 11 national parks, 37 State Forests and 84,000 hectares of World Heritage-listed areas, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious travellers.

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary has been rescuing, rehabilitating, releasing and caring for marine animals since 1970. Discover our conservation and education programs and how you can help us protect our precious marine wildlife and their ocean habitats.

1. Visit Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary (of course)

Start your nature-based Coffs Harbour adventure with a visit to Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary has been caring for marine wildlife since 1970 and now focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, conservation education and long-term care for animals unable to return to the wild. Visitors can learn about marine animals, conservation and Gumbaynggirr cultural stories through close, respectful experiences.

2. Walk Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve

Muttonbird Island, also known as Giidany Miirlarl, is one of Coffs Harbour’s most iconic natural places. The walk offers spectacular coastal views, birdwatching and whale watching opportunities, while sharing the cultural and ecological significance of this precious seabird rookery.

3. Explore the Coffs Creek Walk and Cycleway

This scenic shared path links the CBD with the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, Jetty Beach and Park Beach. The full route is approximately 8.6 kilometres and passes through bushland, wetlands, beaches and birdlife, with plenty of spots to pause along the way.

4. Discover the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden

A peaceful green oasis in the heart of Coffs Harbour, the Botanic Garden features discovery walks through natural forest, Australian plants, rainforest areas, a sensory garden, international plant collections, ponds and lakes. It is perfect for a slower, shady nature experience.

5. Visit Look At Me Now Headland

Just north of Coffs Harbour at Emerald Beach, Look At Me Now Headland offers a short, easy walk with sweeping ocean views. It is an important Aboriginal site for local Gumbaynggirr people and a wonderful place to spot eastern grey kangaroos, sea eagles, ospreys and, during winter and early spring, migrating whales.

6. Spend time in Moonee Beach Nature Reserve

Moonee Beach Nature Reserve is a beautiful coastal escape for walking, fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and whale watching. It is a great option for visitors wanting a quieter nature experience close to Coffs Harbour.

7. Take a day trip to Dorrigo National Park

For rainforest, waterfalls and big hinterland views, head inland to Dorrigo National Park. The Skywalk lookout, attached to the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, offers superb views over the national park, the Bellinger Valley and out towards the coast.

8. Explore Bongil Bongil National Park

South of Coffs Harbour near Sawtell, Bongil Bongil National Park is known for walking, beach access, picnics, fishing and wildlife. NSW National Parks notes that it is home to a large koala population, while Coffs Coast tourism describes it as a favourite for hiking, barbecues, wild beaches, peaceful streams and mountain biking.

9. Follow part of the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk

The Solitary Islands Coastal Walk connects dramatic headlands, beaches and ocean viewpoints along the Coffs Coast. Coffs Coast tourism recommends the coastal scenery around Woolgoolga, Emerald Beach and Muttonbird Island, with several vantage points for whale watching.

10. Enjoy a beach, creek or waterfall day trip

One of the best things about the Coffs Coast is how quickly the landscape changes. In a single day you can move between rainforest walks, waterfalls, estuaries, headlands, beaches and whale watching viewpoints, making it easy to build a nature-based itinerary around your Sanctuary visit.

Download the Explorer App to experience the Coffs Coast

Animal Experiences

Connect naturally with unique land-based and private in-water experiences .

Ultimate Dolphin Encounter

Experience an extraordinary adventure at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can interact with a beautiful Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin. This unique experience goes beyond just meeting the dolphin – you’ll get to assist with their daily care and swim in the lagoon.

Dolphin Discovery

Step into the tranquil waters of the Lagoon at Coffs coast Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll embark on an enriching journey of connection and discovery with one of the three Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins in our care.

Meet the Dolphin

Embark on an extraordinary land-based adventure with the Meet the Dolphin Experience at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Led by our Animal Care Team, delve into the fascinating world of dolphin anatomy and care while forging a meaningful connection.

Seal Discovery

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary opportunity to swim with an Australian Sea Lion at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. This unique experience invites you to form a deep connection with these playful marine mammals, while actively learning about their biology, care and conservation from their Animal Care Team.

Meet the Seal

Experience an exclusive opportunity to connect up close with an Australian Sea Lion at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Engage in a land-based interaction where you’ll learn about the fascinating differences between seals and sea lions from their dedicated Animal Carer, while exploring their remarkable anatomy, physiology, care and enrichment programs.

Meet the Penguin

Indulge in a unique beach-side interaction with mischievous Little Blue Penguins. Assist our Animal Care Staff in feeding our charming colony of Little Blue Penguins while delving into their breeding habits, nesting behaviours, and distinct personalities up close.

Daily Talks Schedule

Time	Talk	Description	Location
9:15am	Healthy Habits	A demonstration highlighting the cooperative care techniques used at CCWS to ensure the animals maintain optimal health.	Check map for location
9:45am	Exciting Enrichment	This presentation showcases our enrichment programs and how we ensure all species experience positive welfare and stimulation every day.	Check map for location
10:15am	Training Talk	Discover how our team trains animals using positive reinforcement and why this is essential for their welfare and well-being.	Check map for location
10:45am	Conservation Conversation	Learn about the enigmatic and endemic Australian Sea Lion—facts, conservation challenges, and the efforts being made to protect them.	Check map for location
11:15am	Solitary Reefs Talk	Observe fish, rays, and sharks up close—species native to the Solitary Islands Marine Park—and learn about sustainable fishing practices and ocean conservation.	Solitary Reefs
11:45am	Rescue Retreat	Take an informal tour through our Turtle Triage area and learn about CCWS’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts for marine life.	Turtle Triage
12:15pm	Wonderful Welfare	Explore how we assess, monitor, and maintain the welfare of all animals in our care.	Check map for location
12:45pm	Dolphin Dreamtime	Hear a Dreamtime Story from a local Gumbaynggirr Elder about the cultural and spiritual connection between Indigenous people and dolphins.	Discovery Habitat
1:15pm	Penguin Paradise	Meet Australia’s only native penguin species and learn about the threats they face and how you can help protect them.	Penguin Beach

You may take your own photos during the day.

We hope you enjoy our snapshot of a day in the life at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Sanctuary and WOW you with some amazing marine animal fun and educational information about our conservation projects and actions you can take to help preserve marine life for future generations.

Book your tickets 24/7 online today. Call 02 6659 1900 between 9 am and 3 pm every day. Or buy tickets at the door.

Pre-booking is recommended to secure your preferred date.