Planning a family holiday to Coffs Harbour? The good news is you don’t need to spend a fortune to keep the kids entertained! From beautiful beaches and coastal walks to playgrounds, wildlife spotting and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of free things to do in Coffs Harbour and across the Coffs Coast.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying for a week, here are some of our favourite budget-friendly family activities.
1. Explore the Coffs Harbour Jetty
The Coffs Harbour Jetty is one of the region’s most popular attractions, and it’s completely free to explore.
Take a stroll along the historic timber jetty, watch the boats in the harbour and enjoy the beautiful coastal views. Keep an eye out for marine life in the water below!
Nearby Jetty Beach is a great spot for families to enjoy a swim, build sandcastles or relax on the sand.
Why kids love it: Watching the boats, spotting fish and exploring the beach.
2. Walk to the Top of Muttonbird Island
For families who enjoy a little adventure, Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is a must-visit.
Located at the northern end of the Coffs Harbour Marina, this scenic walking track offers spectacular views across the ocean and coastline. During whale migration season, you might even spot humpback whales passing offshore.
The walk includes some steep sections, so it’s best suited to families with children comfortable walking uphill.
Why kids love it: Ocean views, wildlife spotting and the excitement of reaching the top.
3. Spend a Day at the Beach
One of the best things about a Coffs Coast holiday is the incredible choice of beaches.
Some family favourites include:
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Jetty Beach: A popular swimming spot with generally sheltered conditions.
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Sawtell Beach: A beautiful stretch of coastline with rock pools to explore near the headland.
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Woolgoolga Beach: Perfect for beach walks, sandcastle building and enjoying the coastal atmosphere.
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Emerald Beach: A scenic beach with nearby coastal walks and opportunities to spot kangaroos.
Always check beach conditions and swim between the flags when lifeguards are on duty.
Why kids love it: Swimming, beach games, rock pools and endless sandcastle competitions.
4. Spot Kangaroos at Emerald Beach
Want to see kangaroos in their natural habitat? Head to Emerald Beach, just north of Coffs Harbour.
The Look At Me Now Headland walking track is a fantastic place to spot eastern grey kangaroos grazing near the coastline.
The easy coastal walk also offers beautiful ocean views, making it a great family outing.
Remember to keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid feeding the kangaroos.
Why kids love it: Seeing kangaroos up close in a natural coastal setting.
5. Discover Sawtell’s Beaches and Creek
Sawtell is a wonderful destination for a relaxed family day out.
Explore the beautiful coastline, take a walk around Sawtell Headland or spend time near Bonville Creek, where the calm surroundings are perfect for enjoying nature.
Afterwards, wander along Sawtell’s charming main street, lined with cafés, shops and shady fig trees.
Why kids love it: Exploring the creek, discovering new beaches and enjoying the outdoors.
6. Enjoy a Picnic at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
Located in Coffs Harbour, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is a peaceful place to explore with the family.
Entry is free, and the gardens feature walking paths, beautiful plant collections and plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic.
It’s a great option when you want a break from the beach or a quieter activity with younger children.
Why kids love it: Exploring garden paths, spotting birds and discovering interesting plants.
7. Explore Woolgoolga Headland
Woolgoolga Headland is one of the best places on the Coffs Coast to enjoy spectacular ocean views.
Take a short walk, enjoy a family picnic or simply watch the waves rolling in. During whale migration season, the headland is also a popular whale-watching location.
Afterwards, head into Woolgoolga town centre to explore the shops and cafés.
Why kids love it: Whale spotting, ocean views and exploring somewhere new.
8. Visit a Local Playground
Sometimes the simplest activities are the biggest hits with kids!
The Coffs Coast has plenty of public playgrounds where children can run, climb and burn off energy.
Popular options include the playgrounds around the Coffs Harbour Jetty precinct and Brelsford Park in central Coffs Harbour.
Pack some snacks, bring a ball and enjoy an easy morning or afternoon outdoors.
Why kids love it: Climbing, sliding, running around and making new friends.
Make Your Family Holiday Even More Fun
When you stay at BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained without constantly heading out for activities.
The park features a resort-style swimming pool, water playground, jumping pillow, mini-golf, pedal karts and a Holiday Kids Club during school holidays.
Families staying at BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park can enjoy the playground, BMX track, direct creek access and complimentary access to Sawtell Swimming Pool.
With so many activities both inside and outside the parks, it’s easy to create a memorable family holiday without filling every day with expensive attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Coffs Harbour with kids?
Some of the best free family activities include exploring the Coffs Harbour Jetty, visiting Jetty Beach, walking Muttonbird Island, spotting kangaroos at Emerald Beach and visiting the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.
Are there free activities in Coffs Harbour when it’s not beach weather?
Yes! The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is a great option on cooler days, while exploring local towns, visiting playgrounds between showers and enjoying coastal walks can also be fun when conditions allow.
Where can families see kangaroos near Coffs Harbour?
The Look At Me Now Headland at Emerald Beach is one of the best-known locations for spotting wild kangaroos near Coffs Harbour. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Is Coffs Harbour a good destination for a budget family holiday?
Absolutely. With free beaches, scenic walking tracks, playgrounds, wildlife experiences and picnic spots, families can enjoy plenty of activities without spending a lot of money.
Plan Your Next Coffs Coast Family Holiday
From spotting kangaroos and exploring coastal headlands to building sandcastles and discovering new playgrounds, some of the best family holiday memories don’t cost a thing.
With four waterfront holiday parks across Coffs Harbour, Sawtell and Woolgoolga, Coffs Coast Holiday Parks makes it easy to enjoy everything this beautiful region has to offer.
Ready for your next family adventure? Explore our holiday parks and find the perfect base for your Coffs Coast getaway.
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