Coffs Harbour tourism strategy identifies assets to turbocharge eco tourism

While tired accommodation and sleepy night-life are challenges for Coffs Harbour, eight “flagship opportunities” are set to boost the NSW city’s eco-tourism potential. See the full list.

The beaches are a magnet for tourists but Coffs Harbour believes it has so much more to offer as it looks to strengthen the visitor economy.

The Coffs Coast has adopted a new tourism strategy which identifies eight “flagship opportunities” to grow the market.

The stakes couldn’t be higher, with nine per cent of all jobs in the area dependant on tourism.

“Tourism is vital for the region – a total of 1.3 million people visited the Coffs Coast in 2022 and 270,000 people visit the Coffs Coast destination website on average each year,” Mayor Paul Amos said.

“Last year, visitors to the region spent $747m in the Coffs Coast region – that is more than $2m per day.”

The strategy outlines the Coast’s strengths mostly centred on the natural environment, as well as challenges to overcome.

Coffs Mayor Paul Amos. Picture: Janine Watson.

Some of those challenges include an “underdeveloped” night-time economy, “dated/tired” accommodation and an under-utilisation of the hinterland (with most tourists drawn by the coastline).

The strategy identifies a risk of “over-tourism” on the Coffs Coast, with the city set to prioritise quality visitors over the sheer numbers.

The council’s general manager Natalia Cowley said: “Our tourism strategy is targeted towards attracting high-yield domestic and international visitors who value our natural environment.”

Covid lit the fuse on domestic travel to the North Coast and the visitor market has remained robust, even with lockdowns in the rear-view.

That has been acknowledged by Luke Hartsuyker from The Clog Barn, while the Big Banana Fun Park has embarked on projects to boost its offering.

Meanwhile, new owners are planning to expand the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary (formerly Dolphin Marine Conservation Park).

It comes at a time of unprecedented change in the area, with big ticket builds underway and the pending opening of the Coffs Bypass.

The strategy has identified eight key areas to boost tourism, and particularly eco-tourism.

The Nyanggan Gapi cafe is officially opened at Sealy Lookout.

1. The Coffs Coast is home to world-class Indigenous experiences including the Indigenous-owned and operated Nyanggan Gapi cafe at Sealy Lookout. An eco-resort with 30 glamping sites is being built nearby.

The ancient Gondwana Rainforests in the Coffs hinterland will host a spectacular new multi-day walk.

2. A new multi-day walk and visitor centre will be completed in 2026 as part of a $56m investment in Dorrigo National Park. The development of the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk and centre is expected to draw 200,000 more visitors annually.

Build the trails and the mountain bikers will come.

3. A new trail network puts the Wedding Bells State Forest coastal trails on the map of mountain bikers from across northern NSW.

The Regional Botanic Garden.

4. The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden at Coffs blends discovery walks, bird watching and more, boasting natural forests, a sensory garden, international plants from seven regions, and a tropical glasshouse.

The National Marine Science Centre.

5. The National Marine Science Centre is one of the world’s best situated facilities for studying coastal and marine habitats. The centre provides education programs from primary school to doctorate level.

Solitary Islands Marine Park. Picture: Ian Shaw

6. Solitary Islands Marine Park is the oldest of its kind in NSW and extends north from Coffs Harbour to Sandon River along about 75km of coastline. The northern estuaries are some of the state’s most pristine.

The Solitary Islands Coastal Walk. Picture: Destination NSW

7. Solitary Islands Coastal Walk is a 60km trek which links a string of idyllic golden beaches, rocky headlands and lush rainforest.

Tiga Cross at Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Picture: Chris Knight

8. Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary (the one-time Pet Porpoise Pool) is renowned for its dedication to wildlife conservation. Tiga and Brian Cross are the new owners at the park, which already attracts some 60,000 visitors a year.

Another element of the strategy is to “supercharge” awareness of the region, which is seen as vital to attract more investment and expand job opportunities.

Cr Amos said: “We’re working hard to be the state’s premier regional city in which to live, work, visit and do business.

“This strategy is an important part of our road map to achieving this.”