Holidaying with toddlers can be brilliant—but the best destinations are the ones that make family life a little easier. Short trips in the car, safe places to play, beaches for little feet, playgrounds, easy meals and plenty of opportunities to burn off some energy all help.
That’s where the Coffs Coast comes into its own.
With beautiful beaches, creeks, playgrounds, family attractions and plenty of outdoor space, Coffs Harbour and its surrounding coastal villages are fantastic for families with babies, toddlers and preschool-aged children.
Stay with Coffs Coast Holiday Parks and you’ll also have four beachside holiday parks to choose from, with different locations and facilities to suit the kind of family holiday you’re looking for.
Why is the Coffs Coast Good for Toddlers?
The Coffs Coast makes it easy to keep your days flexible—which every parent of a toddler knows is important!
You don’t need to fill every day with major attractions. A morning at the beach, playground before lunch, afternoon nap and swim later in the day can be a pretty perfect holiday.
You’ll find:
- Family-friendly beaches and waterways
- Playgrounds and open spaces
- Short walks suitable for little legs
- Wildlife experiences
- Family attractions
- Cafés and easy dining options
- Picnic and barbecue areas
- Plenty of free things to do
- Holiday parks where the entertainment is right outside your door
And because many of the Coffs Coast’s attractions are relatively close together, you can explore without spending half the holiday getting everyone in and out of the car.
Make a Splash at BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park
If having lots to entertain little ones without leaving the park is high on your list, BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park is a great choice.
The resort-style pool is a family favourite, with water fountains, slides and a giant tipping bucket providing plenty of splashy fun.
There’s also a shaded jumping pillow and two playgrounds, including a fully fenced playground designed for younger children.
During the NSW school holidays, families can join free scheduled activities, while family movies provide an easy way to wind down later in the day.
And when parents need coffee? Parkies Poolside Café is conveniently located beside the pool deck, with online ordering available so you can order ahead and collect when it’s ready.
Find Calm Water at Jetty Beach
When you’re visiting the beach with younger children, calmer water can make all the difference.
Jetty Beach in Coffs Harbour is a popular choice for families thanks to its sheltered position within the harbour.
Bring the buckets and spades, enjoy a paddle and then explore the nearby Jetty Foreshore. There are open grassy areas for little ones to run around, picnic spots and plenty to see as boats move in and out of the harbour.
You can also take a walk along the historic Coffs Harbour Jetty before heading back for nap time.
Have a Big Day at The Big Banana
For generations of Australian families, a photograph beside the Big Banana has been part of visiting Coffs Harbour.
Today, The Big Banana Fun Park offers a range of attractions, so families can choose activities appropriate to the ages of their children.
Even if your toddler isn’t ready for the bigger attractions, seeing the giant banana and enjoying some family fun makes this iconic Coffs Harbour attraction worth adding to your itinerary.
Discover Sawtell with Little Ones
For families who prefer a relaxed coastal setting surrounded by nature, Sawtell is another great base.
At BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park, children have plenty of room to explore, with a playground and large Village Green within the park.
Just beyond the park you’ll find Bonville Creek, Sawtell Beach and the village itself.
First Avenue is perfect for an easy family wander beneath its beautiful fig trees. Stop for morning tea or lunch, grab an ice cream and browse the shops before strolling back to the park.
Play Beside Bonville Creek
One of Sawtell’s natural highlights is Bonville Creek, directly accessible from BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park.
Its picturesque setting makes it a lovely place for families to slow down, explore the shoreline or enjoy a picnic beside the water.
Another family favourite nearby is Boambee Creek Reserve, with calm creek water, grassy picnic areas and plenty of space to spend a few hours outdoors.
Meet the Local Wildlife
Animals and toddlers tend to be a winning holiday combination.
The Coffs Coast offers several opportunities for families to introduce little ones to wildlife, from dedicated wildlife attractions to animals encountered while exploring the region.
Keep an eye out for colourful birdlife around the creeks and parks, dolphins offshore and, during migration season, whales travelling along the coastline.
Even a seagull wandering past can become a major event when you’re two!
Head to Woolgoolga for an Easy Beach Holiday
Around 20 minutes north of Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga offers another fantastic option for young families.
Woolgoolga Beach Holiday Park puts families directly beside the beach and close to a large playground, while the cafés and shops of Woolgoolga Village are within easy reach.
That means less time loading the car and more time enjoying your holiday.
Take a walk along the beach, visit the playground, wander into the village or head up to Woolgoolga Headland for spectacular coastal views.
Choose Lakeside Space at Woolgoolga
For a nature-focused family escape, Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park offers direct access to both the lake and beach.
There’s a playground for younger guests, plenty of beautiful outdoor space and a beachfront barbecue area where families can enjoy an easy lunch or dinner.
The lake also creates a beautiful backdrop for slower holiday mornings and afternoon walks.
Find a Playground and Let Them Play
Not every holiday activity needs to be an attraction.
Sometimes toddlers just need a swing, a slide and somewhere to run.
You’ll find playgrounds throughout the Coffs Coast, including within or close to our four holiday parks. Combine a playground visit with a picnic, coffee or beach trip and you’ve got an easy morning out without spending a fortune.
Keep Your Holiday Schedule Simple
One of our biggest tips for visiting the Coffs Coast with toddlers is build your day around one main adventure.
You might spend the morning exploring an attraction, head back to your accommodation for lunch and a rest, then finish the afternoon with a swim or playground visit.
Staying in a holiday park makes this particularly easy because your accommodation, outdoor space and family facilities are all together.
Choose Accommodation That Makes Family Life Easier
The right accommodation can make a big difference when you’re travelling with little ones.
Across Coffs Coast Holiday Parks, families can choose from modern self-contained villas and cabins with features such as kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning, WiFi and separate sleeping areas.
Having your own kitchen means you can prepare familiar meals and snacks whenever you need them, while a villa deck gives you somewhere to relax once the little ones are asleep.
Prefer camping or caravanning? We also offer a wide range of powered sites across all four parks.
Which Coffs Coast Holiday Park is Best for Families with Toddlers?
It depends on the holiday experience you’re looking for.
Choose BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park if extensive family facilities, a resort-style pool and proximity to Coffs Harbour attractions are priorities.
Choose BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park if you want space, nature, Bonville Creek and the convenience of being close to Sawtell Village.
Choose Woolgoolga Beach Holiday Park for a smaller beachside park with direct beach access and Woolgoolga Village nearby.
Choose Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park for a relaxed, nature-based stay with lake and beach access.
Make Their First Holidays Memorable
Toddlers might not remember every attraction you visit, but family holidays are about much more than ticking things off a list.
They’re sandy feet, morning swims, playground adventures, ice creams, discovering the ocean and having Mum and Dad around all day.
The Coffs Coast gives families plenty of space to enjoy those simple moments.
Choose your Coffs Coast Holiday Park, settle into holiday mode and make your next family beachside getaway one you’ll remember long after the buckets and spades have been packed away.
Book your next family stay with Coffs Coast Holiday Parks and start planning your toddler-friendly Coffs Coast adventure.
