The Coffs Harbour Marina is a busy harbor on New South Wales’ Central Coast. Stroll along the water’s edge to watch sailing boats and yachts come and go, spot playful dolphins in the clear waters, hop on a boat to visit the Solitary Islands and dive in its Marine Park. If you love the coastal lifestyle, only the sky is the limit at the Coffs Harbour Marina.
Arrive early to order your seafood straight from a fishing trawler or pay a visit to the Fishermen's Co-op to get a bag full of fresh prawns or fresh fish fillets for lunch. You can also get ready-made fish and chips here, which is the perfect take out for a romantic sunset dinner on the harbor’s old timber jetty, adjacent to the marina. The Coffs Harbour Marina Village also has cafés, restaurants, an ice creamery, fashion shops, marine supplies stores and even a hairdresser and a beautician.
Coffs Harbour Marina’s boat harbor with ample berths is protected from the waves by a series of rocky breakwaters. Its inner walls are shaped like the hull of a large ship, with just a narrow opening for optimal protection. The marina’s outer breakwater wall connects the harbor to the formerly isolated Muttonbird Island, once the exclusive domain of the local Gumbaynggirr people. Stroll to the viewing platforms at the eastern end of the hilly island for panoramic ocean views and bird watching.
The marina is surrounded by estuaries full of sea creatures. Dolphins, the occasional turtle and shore birds regularly visit the marina. Rent a sea kayak or stand-up paddleboard to get in amongst it all or join a whale-watching cruise between early June and October. If you are a keen scuba diver, book a guided dive trip to see the magical underwater world surrounding the Solitary Islands, just off the coast.
Coffs Harbour Marina is located midway between Sydney and Brisbane, two of Australia’s biggest cities, making this a logical rest stop for those exploring Australia’s popular East Coast. Whether you arrive by boat, by long-distance bus or by car, Coffs Harbour has all you need to refuel and recharge. There is free parking in and near the marina.
