Coffs Harbour was once best known for being home to the Big Banana. Despite the fact the region now produces more blueberries than bananas, the nostalgia of pulling off the highway to visit this iconic ‘big thing’ endures. But the city on the NSW Mid North Coast also attracts attention for its its growing list of places to eat, drink and stay that reward a detour off the highway. Expect seafood pulled straight from local waters, low-key bars and stays that make the most of the coastal setting. Whether you’re road-tripping north to Brisbane or settling in for a long weekend, this is the ultimate guide to where to eat, drink and stay in Coffs Harbour.
The approach to cooking at Mie Mie’s – the sister venue to Latitude 30 – is an East meets West collision of big, bold flavours and polished technique. Eke out an arvo under a beach umbrella on the terrace or in the ambient dining room to enjoy dishes like twice-cooked beef short ribs or whole steamed fish with wok-fried greens on the side. 75 Jordan Esplanade; miemies.com.au
Aanuka Beach House is one of the best places in Coffs Harbour to enjoy lunch on a sunny day. Sit outside under the soft glow of fairy lights to enjoy a cool breeze and cocktail. Set above Diggers Beach, it’s a top spot for sashimi and beer-battered fish and chips, with buffet breakfasts and bottomless brunches also drawing a crowd. 11 Firman Drive; aanukabeachhouse.com.au aanukabeachhouse.com.au
The name Latitude 30 is a nod to the distance Coffs Harbour sits from the equator – said to be the perfect year-round climate and characterised by warm, dry summers and mild winters. Match that sunny outlook with pristine local seafood, best ordered as a generous platter overlooking the marina. 1 Marina Drive, Coffs Harbour; latitude30.com.au
Rattle makes the most of one of the best outlooks on the Coffs Coast – all shimmering ocean, sky and salty air. The beachside venue just north of Coffs Harbour skews Mediterranean with mezze plates like fresh-shucked Nambucca River oysters and za’atar pumpkin, sumac onion, roquette and focaccia designed for sharing. 104 Fiddaman Rd, Emerald Beach; rattle-restaurant.com
Named by OpenTable as one of Australia’s most romantic restaurants, 99 on Park makes a strong case for ordering a dozen Nambucca River oysters. Not for their supposed aphrodisiac qualities, but for the fact they rated so highly at the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show. Swoon over the spiced labneh dip plate with flatbread. 104 Fiddaman Rd, Emerald Beach; 99onpark.com.au
The Jetty Pavilion is the perfect place to kick back along the iconic Jetty Strip in Coffs Harbour. Come for a coffee or a quick bite. Or snag a seat on the outdoor deck for a round of ‘croc-tails’ named in honour of Robert Irwin who shouted out the Pav as a place for a bevvie and a bite on his socials.. Kids eat free on Thursday nights and there is a steady run of happy hour specials, too. 59/361 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour; jettypav.com.au
Park yourself for a long lunch in the sunshine at Jetty Beach House. Coastal-chic interiors – beach umbrellas, raffia pendant lighting, bare timber tables – set the tone inside with floor-to-ceiling windows framing ocean views. The venue gets a big tick for its list of beers, wines and cocktails. An outdoor table by the water is the place to be for Baja fish tacos and a bucket of fries. 150 Jordan Esplanade; jettybeachhouse.com
Bistro Vue offers a more refined take on dining in Coffs Harbour. The dimly lit dining room is intimate and ambient, with Art Deco-inspired cues and green, white and brass interiors. Expect modern European dishes that shift with the seasons matched to a smart wine list. It’s the kind of place that suits a slower, more considered night out. 384B Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour; bistrovue.com
Have you even been to Coffs if you haven’t had a choc-coated banana? The aroma of melted chocolate serves as a sensory signpost that you’re near to Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory. Follow your nose to the factory outlet to enjoy a hit of sugar in the form of said banana. You can also create your own giant freckle during a hands-on chocolate-making session. Shop 2A/351 Pacific Hwy; juneelicoriceandchocolate.com
The giant fig trees that line the main strip of Sawtell are central to the town’s charm and personality. Enjoy this backdrop at Bar Que Sera which conjures an idealised image of a small bar in a small town. The art of the aperitivo is celebrated here every Friday to Sunday and a charcuterie plate and glass of wine is the perfect way to wine down over the weekend. 61 First Avenue, Sawtell; bar-que-sera.com
You’re so close to the water you can wave to the blokes fishing in their dinghy from your table at Stef & Co. Part café, part cocktail bar, part osteria, Stef & Co is the kind of place that invites all-day grazing. Start your day here with a pain au chocolate and cappuccino, enjoy a bowl of pasta for lunch, then make a night of it in the Cocktail bar & Pizzeria downstairs, a groovy hangout for music-lovers. 319-321 Harbour Dr; stefandco.com.au
Coffs Harbour’s only rooftop bar, Baske, sits above the fray with sweeping skyline views. It’s bright and breezy with greenery spilling from the ceiling and pops of cyan softening the edges of the space as it shifts from sunset drinks to party mode. Strictly adults-only, Baske is a great choice for your next special occasion with cocktails and stupid-good bar bites like jalapeno poppers, crispy chicken wings and lemongrass beef lollipops. Baske is only open to the public for two days over summer; the rest of the time it’s available to hire for private events. Level 1, 2-6 Vernon St, C.ex Coffs; cex.com.au
Rely on the bushman’s clock (cackling kookaburras) to wake you up for an early morning surf so you can indulge in a few well-earned beers at The Hoey Moey. Right on Park Beach, it’s one of the best places for a brew in Coffs Harbour. The bar is also regarded as one of the best live music spots on the NSW North Coast and is popular with backpackers for its accommodation upstairs. 84 Ocean Parade; hoeymoey.com.au
King Tide Brewing is tucked down a lane lined with murals and is a must-visit when you’re on the Coffs Coast. The brewery is known for its boundary-pushing brews like The Mango Mingler Sour alongside very drinkable lagers and pale ales. Expect Euro-leaning comfort food like Polish dumplings and crispy pork knuckle. 1 Studio Lane, Coffs Harbour; kingtidebrewing.com.au
The Hitching Rail Hut is completely sympathetic to its surroundings. Built from timber sourced on the property and set amid a patchwork of tranquil fields and rainforest of the Coffs Coast hinterland, the hut’s rustic heritage charm coexists with luxe additions like an outdoor bath and fireplace. Expect encounters with local wildlife and nights around the fire pit under a star-lit sky to enhance a stay. relaxedaccommodation.com
