When the weather warms up on the Coffs Coast, there’s one question that matters: where are we going for a swim?
The good news is you’re spoilt for choice. From patrolled surf beaches and sheltered swimming spots to beautiful creeks, lakes, ocean pools and family-friendly swimming pools, there are plenty of ways to cool off around Coffs Harbour, Sawtell and Woolgoolga.
Whether you’re looking for waves, somewhere for a family swim, a pool for the kids or a peaceful paddle surrounded by nature, here are some of our favourite places to make a splash on the Coffs Coast.
Jetty Beach, Coffs Harbour
Best for: Families and sheltered beach swimming
Jetty Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots in Coffs Harbour, particularly for families looking for a more sheltered beach experience.
Located inside the harbour beside the iconic Coffs Harbour Jetty, it’s a great place to combine a swim with a full morning or afternoon around the Jetty Foreshore.
Pack a picnic, walk along the Jetty, explore the nearby marina or simply find a spot on the sand and enjoy the water.
Jetty Beach is patrolled during the summer school holidays, and accessible beach facilities are also available.
Park Beach, Coffs Harbour
Best for: Patrolled ocean swimming and surfing
If you love a classic surf beach, Park Beach is one of Coffs Harbour’s most popular.
It’s a long stretch of sand that’s popular for swimming, surfing, fishing and beach walks, and it’s also the Coffs Coast’s only beach patrolled seven days a week throughout the year.
Always swim between the red and yellow flags and take particular care around the mouth of Coffs Creek, where tidal currents can be strong.
Just behind the beach, Park Beach Reserve offers shady trees, picnic tables, BBQs and play areas, making it easy to turn your swim into a family day out.
BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park Resort-Style Pool
Best for: Family pool days without leaving the park
Sometimes the best swimming spot is right outside your accommodation.
Guests staying at BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park have access to the park’s resort-style swimming pool, making it easy to enjoy a swim without packing the car or heading anywhere else.
For kids, there’s much more than just a pool. Water slides, fountains and a giant tipping bucket add plenty of splashy fun, while parents can relax around the poolside deck.
Parkies Poolside Café is also right beside the pool, so coffee, lunch, snacks and an easy family meal aren’t far away.
Best of all, the pool is exclusively for guests staying at the park.
Sawtell Beach
Best for: Swimming, surfing and a classic Sawtell beach day
Sawtell Beach is one of the Coffs Coast’s most popular beaches for both swimming and surfing.
Stretching between the headlands, it’s a beautiful spot to spend a warm spring or summer day before wandering into Sawtell Village for lunch, coffee or an ice cream.
Sawtell Beach is patrolled daily from the September NSW school holidays through to the end of the April school holidays.
As with all surf beaches, conditions can change, so always look for the red and yellow flags and swim between them when lifeguards are on duty.
Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool
Best for: An ocean pool experience
Want the ocean experience without swimming directly in the surf?
At the base of Bonville Headland you’ll find Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool, the Coffs Coast’s only ocean pool.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the headland and coastline, it’s a unique place for a dip and well worth discovering during a visit to Sawtell.
Combine your swim with a walk around Bonville Headland, where you’ll find fantastic views along the coast.
Bonville Creek, Sawtell
Best for: Creek adventures, paddling and waterside relaxation
Running alongside BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park, Bonville Creek is one of Sawtell’s defining natural features.
The creek is popular for water-based activities including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, while its grassy banks and beautiful natural setting make it an inviting place to spend time by the water.
Guests staying at BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park have direct access to Bonville Creek, making it particularly easy to enjoy during your stay.
Remember that creeks are tidal environments and conditions can change. Take care around deeper water and tidal flows, supervise children closely and choose your swimming or paddling location according to the conditions.
Boambee Creek Reserve
Best for: Families with younger children
Just north of Sawtell, Boambee Creek Reserve is a favourite with local families.
The reserve has shallow creek water in areas, along with playground facilities and space to enjoy a relaxed day beside the water.
Pack lunch, bring the swimmers and settle in for a few hours.
It’s important to distinguish the reserve from the mouth of Boambee Creek where it meets the ocean. Tidal currents at the creek mouth can be very strong, so follow local safety advice and avoid swimming at the creek mouth.
Sawtell Swimming Pool
Best for: Lap swimming and families wanting a pool
Prefer a swimming pool to the beach?
Sawtell Swimming Pool is conveniently located right beside BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park and features a 25-metre outdoor pool as well as a separate toddler pool.
It’s a handy option for families, particularly when the surf isn’t suitable, and guests staying at BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park have free access to the pool when it is open.
The facility operates seasonally, so check current opening times before your visit.
Woolgoolga Beach
Best for: Swimming, surfing and a beach day close to town
Woolgoolga Beach combines a beautiful stretch of coastline with the convenience of having Woolgoolga’s cafés and shops nearby.
It’s popular for swimming, surfing, fishing, diving and snorkelling, while the rock platforms and rock pools at the southern end provide another area to explore.
The beach is patrolled daily from the September school holidays through to the end of the April school holidays.
Guests staying at Woolgoolga Beach Holiday Park have direct access to the beach, making an early morning or afternoon swim particularly easy.
Woolgoolga Lake
Best for: A peaceful waterside escape
For something completely different from the surf, head to Woolgoolga Lake.
Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park sits between the lake and beach, giving guests easy access to two very different coastal environments.
The lake is ideal for enjoying the water at a slower pace, whether you’re exploring the shoreline, paddling or simply relaxing beside the water.
As with all natural waterways, conditions can vary, so take care, supervise children and assess the conditions before entering the water.
Woolgoolga Swimming Pool
Best for: Families and lap swimming in Woolgoolga
Woolgoolga Swimming Pool is another great option when you’d prefer a pool day.
Located close to Woolgoolga Beach, the facility has a 25-metre outdoor swimming pool and a separate toddler pool.
Guests staying at Woolgoolga Beach Holiday Park and Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park have free access when the pool is open.
The facility operates seasonally, so it’s worth checking current opening times when planning your swim.
Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool
Best for: Year-round swimming
If you’re looking for a swimming pool in central Coffs Harbour, the Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool is open year-round.
The complex includes an outdoor 50-metre Olympic pool, an enclosed heated 25-metre pool and a zero-depth toddler splash pad.
That combination makes it useful for everyone from serious lap swimmers to families looking for somewhere for younger children to cool off.
Which Coffs Coast Swimming Spot Should You Choose?
With so many different options, the best swimming spot really depends on the kind of day you have in mind.
For a sheltered family beach: Try Jetty Beach.
For patrolled surf swimming: Head to Park Beach, Sawtell Beach or Woolgoolga Beach and swim between the flags.
For an ocean pool: Visit Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool.
For creek and water-based adventures: Explore Bonville Creek or Boambee Creek Reserve.
For a lake experience: Spend some time at Woolgoolga Lake.
For a family pool day: Try the resort-style pool at BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park or one of the community swimming pools at Coffs Harbour, Sawtell or Woolgoolga.
Make Swimming Part of Your Coffs Coast Holiday
One of the best things about a holiday on the Coffs Coast is just how many ways there are to enjoy the water.
Stay at BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park and you can choose between the resort-style pool and nearby beaches. At BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park, Bonville Creek, Sawtell Beach, the Memorial Rock Pool and Sawtell Swimming Pool are all nearby. Further north, our Woolgoolga holiday parks put the beach, lake and local swimming pool within easy reach.
So pack the swimmers, towels, hats and sunscreen and get ready to discover your favourite Coffs Coast swimming spot.
Wherever you choose to swim, always check current conditions, follow safety signage and lifeguard advice, supervise children closely and swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches.
