More than the Big Banana: a Canberra girl’s guide to Easter in Coffs Harbour
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Your overseas travel plans may have been put on the back burner, but that doesn’t mean that all is lost. We’ve found the perfect Easter escape, a direct flight from Canberra.
When you think of Coffs Harbour, chances are the first thing that pops into your head is the Big Banana. And while the iconic roadside attraction deserves its place on the map, there’s far more to discover along this stretch of the NSW coast.
Even better? Getting to Coffs Harbour from Canberra is easier than you might think. With direct flights with Link Airways running two days a week until Sunday 19 April, it’s perfectly timed for an easy Easter escape. In just over an hour, you can swap Canberra’s crisp autumn mornings for warm sea breezes, long beaches and that relaxed coastal pace.
If you’re wondering how to make the most of a long weekend, here’s a Canberra girl’s guide to eating, playing and staying in Coffs Harbour.
Play: beaches, rainforest and coastal adventures
Image: Destination NSW
Of course, no first visit is complete without stopping at the Big Banana. The giant banana itself is a classic photo opportunity, but the site has evolved into a full family attraction with rides, ice skating, mini golf and its famous banana split.
Travelling with kids? The region also has several wildlife attractions, including the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House and the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see dolphins, seals and penguins up close.
Indeed, one of the best things about Coffs Harbour is the sheer variety of landscapes packed into one region. This is where the Great Dividing Range meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a pocket of coastline backed by lush hinterland and rainforest.
Image: Destination NSW
Start with the obvious: the beaches. Coffs Coast stretches for miles, with plenty of spots for swimming, surfing, or simply spreading out a towel and doing very little. Park Beach is one of the most popular, while locals often head to quieter stretches further north or south.
Behind Jetty Beach, the Jetty Foreshore Park is a popular local hangout with picnic areas, barbecues, playgrounds and walking paths – perfect for a laid-back afternoon by the water.
For one of the best views on the coast, drive up to Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout. Perched high above the city, the lookout delivers sweeping views across the coastline and hinterland.
Image: Destination NSW
If you’re keen to explore beyond the coastline, take a short drive inland to the charming village of Bellingen where you’ll find heritage buildings, leafy streets and a thriving creative scene with galleries, artisan shops and cafés tucked into old weatherboard storefronts.
Nature lovers should also make time for a rainforest walk in Dorrigo National Park, where walking tracks lead through ancient forest to lookouts and waterfalls.
Eat: fresh seafood and relaxed coastal dining
Image: Destination NSW
In recent years, the Coffs Coast has developed a thriving food scene, with everything from waterfront seafood to European-style bistros and paddock-to-plate dining experiences across the region.
And being right on the ocean has obvious perks when it comes to food. Seafood is front and centre across Coffs Harbour, whether you’re after fish and chips on the beach or a long lunch overlooking the water.
The Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op is a local institution. Boats pull in daily with fresh catches, and the attached takeaway serves up some of the freshest fish and chips you’ll find anywhere.
Image: Destination NSW
When it’s time for a morning caffeine fix, locals swear by Supply Specialty Coffee, a favourite for expertly brewed coffee and a relaxed brunch menu. Linger over a latte and something fresh from the kitchen before heading out for a day of exploring the coast.
For something a little special, book a table at 99 on Park, where French elegance meets relaxed coastal hospitality. Or venture inland to Three Blue Ducks, which offers a memorable farm-to-table dining experience set on 16 acres of lush gardens with views towards Dorrigo Mountain.
If you’re after something more leisurely, the Jetty Strip is the place to go. This lively stretch near the historic jetty is lined with restaurants, cafés and bars where you can settle in for a sunset drink or dinner by the water.
Image: Destination NSW
Check out the stylish Jetty Beach House for modern Australian, Latitude 30 for a seafood menu with sweeping ocean views, and Element Bar for a little bit of everything – craft beer, wine, live music and comfort food such as burgers, pizzas and tacos. Don’t leave without a drink on the terrace at The Jetty Pavilion.
Don’t skip the local produce either. The region’s famous banana plantations cover the surrounding hills, giving the landscape its distinctive green patchwork. You’ll spot banana bread, smoothies and banana desserts popping up on plenty of menus around town.
Stay: ocean views or hinterland hideaways
Accommodation in Coffs Harbour ranges from beachfront resorts to quiet hinterland retreats, so you can tailor your stay to your travel style.
If waking up to the sound of waves is your idea of a holiday, there are plenty of coastal resorts and apartments offering easy beach access and ocean views. BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort is a popular option thanks to its beachfront location and resort-style amenities, while Pacific Bay Resort pairs spacious suites with lush gardens and sweeping coastal surroundings.
Prefer something a little slower? The hinterland around Bellingen offers boutique stays and peaceful retreats surrounded by rainforest and rolling hills. Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat is a great option for travellers looking for an eco-friendly escape, offering sustainable luxury in a tranquil natural setting where even pets are welcome.
Either way, it’s easy to settle into the region’s relaxed rhythm – whether that means morning swims, long lunches or simply unwinding with a view.
The easy Easter escape from Canberra
With direct flights from Canberra Airport to Coffs Harbour available until Sunday 19 April, it’s a great chance to turn the Easter break into a proper getaway. Skip the long drive, hop on a short flight, and you could be on the sand before lunchtime.
The Big Banana might get the headlines, but once you arrive, you’ll quickly realise it’s just the beginning.
