Coffs Harbour weekend: Dorrigo, beaches and food stops

A Coffs Harbour weekend works best as two short days: the coast on Saturday and the rainforest on Sunday. Coffs Harbour is a city on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, about 540 km north of Sydney and 390 km south of Brisbane. Dorrigo National Park sits about one hour inland, so both halves fit into one trip without long drives.

This plan gives you the order, the opening times and what each stop offers. Check the NSW National Parks alerts for the latest closures and COVID-19 rules before you leave.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Coffs Harbour (version of November 2021); NSW National Parks, Dorrigo National Park.

Day one: the coast

Start at the harbour. Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, also known as Giidany Miirlarl, sits at the edge of the harbour. NSW National Parks calls it a seabird rookery in the middle of Coffs Harbour. It is one of the few easy-to-reach places in the state where the migratory wedge-tailed shearwater nests.

The reserve is always open, though it can close for poor weather or fire danger. The walk is short. You face a brief, steep climb, then the path leads to the Eastern Side lookout, which looks out to the Solitary Islands. The island is also an important Aboriginal place with Dreaming stories, and the Gumbaynggirr are the original people of the Coffs Harbour region.

From mid-year, bring your binoculars. NSW National Parks says whales migrate along the coast from May to November, and the lookout is one of the places to watch for them.

Sources for this section: NSW National Parks, Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve; Wikipedia, Coffs Harbour.

The jetty and the beaches

After the island, stroll to the Coffs Harbour Jetty. It is a timber wharf from the days when coastal ships carried timber from the hinterland. It was listed on the NSW State Heritage Register on 25 June 2021, so it is newly recognised. The area around it is a good place for a walk and a slow lunch.

The city has a string of beachside suburbs, including Park Beach, Diggers Beach, Korora, Sapphire Beach and Moonee Beach, and Sawtell lies about 10 km south. Pick one for the afternoon. Swim only where lifeguards are on duty, and read the local signs first.

The Big Banana is the city's best-known sight. It is one of the first of Australia's Big Things and celebrates the region's banana growing history. It makes a quick stop if you have children in the car.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Coffs Harbour.

Day two: Dorrigo National Park

On Sunday, drive inland. NSW National Parks says Dorrigo National Park is one hour from Coffs Harbour, yet it feels worlds away. The park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. It protects red-necked pademelons, wompoo fruit-doves and regent bowerbirds, among many other animals and birds.

The park is open daily except Christmas Day, from 9am to 4.30pm. It may close at short notice for poor weather or fire danger. Allow most of the day, because the walks are the point of the trip.

Sources for this section: NSW National Parks, Dorrigo National Park.

The Skywalk and rainforest walks

Begin at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. The Skywalk lookout is attached to it. It is a 70 m boardwalk that runs out over the edge of the escarpment, about 21 m above the rainforest. The views run across the Bellinger Valley to the coast.

The lookout is easy to reach, so almost anyone can use it. Look for the double peak of McGraths Hump, which locals call the old man sleeping. There are several Gumbaynggirr stories about the mountain, whose outline looks like a face.

If you want a closer look at the forest, try the Rosewood Creek walking track. The park also lists Crystal Shower Falls, Red Cedar Falls, the Wonga walk and the Walk with the Birds boardwalk. Bring drinking water, a hat and sunscreen. Mobile reception is limited, but wireless internet is offered at the Rainforest Centre.

Sources for this section: NSW National Parks, Skywalk lookout; NSW National Parks, Dorrigo National Park.

Where to eat

For lunch on day two, stop at the Canopy Cafe, which NSW National Parks lists beside the Rainforest Centre. The park also has the Never Never and The Glade picnic areas, so you can bring your own food instead. On day one, eat near the harbour and the jetty, then pick a place that suits your budget. We have not rated any one cafe here.

Plan to be back in town by late afternoon. The park closes at 4.30pm, and the winding road down is easier in daylight.

Sources for this section: NSW National Parks, Dorrigo National Park.

Quick plan

1. Saturday morning: Muttonbird Island and the Eastern Side lookout.
2. Saturday afternoon: the jetty, then a beach.
3. Sunday morning: drive to Dorrigo and walk the Skywalk.
4. Sunday afternoon: a rainforest walk, then lunch before the 4.30pm close.

Rules and conditions can change, so check the official sources before you travel.

Sources

1. NSW National Parks, Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
2. NSW National Parks, Dorrigo National Park: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
3. NSW National Parks, Skywalk lookout: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
4. Wikipedia, Coffs Harbour: en.wikipedia.org