Planning a holiday to the Coffs Coast but not sure where to stay? With beautiful beaches, relaxed coastal towns and plenty of things to see and do, choosing the right location can make all the difference to your holiday.
Three of the most popular places to stay are Coffs Harbour, Sawtell and Woolgoolga. Each offers something a little different, whether you’re looking for family-friendly attractions, a laid-back beachside escape or a classic coastal town experience.
At Coffs Coast Holiday Parks, we have four beachside holiday parks across these three destinations. Here’s our guide to helping you find the perfect spot for your next getaway.
Coffs Harbour – Close to the Action
If you’re looking for a family holiday with plenty of activities, attractions and dining options nearby, Coffs Harbour is a great place to start.
Home to the famous Big Banana Fun Park, beautiful beaches, the Jetty precinct and a wide range of family-friendly experiences, Coffs Harbour makes it easy to fill your days with adventure.
Why stay in Coffs Harbour?
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Plenty of family attractions and activities
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Beautiful beaches and coastal walks
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Cafés, restaurants, shopping and entertainment
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Easy access to popular Coffs Coast attractions
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A great base for exploring the wider region
Where to stay in Coffs Harbour
BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park is perfect for families who love having plenty to do without leaving the park.
With a resort-style swimming pool, water playground, jumping pillow, mini-golf, pedal karts and holiday Kids Club activities, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.
Plus, you’re close to Park Beach, Coffs Creek, cafés and local attractions.
Best for: Families with young children, active holidays and guests who want plenty of facilities close at hand.
Sawtell – Relaxed Coastal Village Life
Just south of Coffs Harbour, Sawtell offers a different kind of holiday experience.
Known for its charming village atmosphere, tree-lined main street, boutique shops and excellent cafés, Sawtell is perfect for guests who enjoy slowing down and exploring on foot.
Spend your mornings enjoying a coffee in the village, your afternoons exploring nearby beaches and creeks, and your evenings dining at one of Sawtell’s popular restaurants.
Why stay in Sawtell?
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Relaxed coastal village atmosphere
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Excellent cafés, restaurants and boutique shopping
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Beautiful beaches, creeks and nature walks
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Great opportunities for swimming, kayaking and fishing
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A peaceful setting that’s still close to Coffs Harbour
Where to stay in Sawtell
BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park combines a peaceful natural setting with the convenience of being just a short stroll from Sawtell’s main street.
Surrounded by coastal bushland, with direct access to Bonville Creek, the park is ideal for guests who love nature and the outdoors.
Families can enjoy the playground and BMX track, while guests also receive complimentary access to Sawtell Swimming Pool.
Best for: Couples, grey nomads, nature lovers and families who prefer a quieter coastal holiday.
Woolgoolga – Classic Beach Town Atmosphere
Located north of Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga is a welcoming coastal town with beautiful beaches, scenic headlands and a relaxed atmosphere.
Affectionately known as ‘Woopi’ by locals, it’s the kind of place where mornings start with a beach walk, afternoons are spent swimming or exploring, and there’s always time for an ice cream or coffee.
Woolgoolga is also a great base for discovering the northern Coffs Coast, including nearby beaches, coastal walks and charming seaside communities.
Why stay in Woolgoolga?
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Classic Australian beach town atmosphere
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Beautiful beaches and scenic headlands
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Local cafés, shops and restaurants
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Great fishing, swimming and coastal walks
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A relaxed base for exploring the northern Coffs Coast
Where to stay in Woolgoolga
We have two waterfront holiday parks in Woolgoolga, each offering a different experience.
Woolgoolga Beach Holiday Park is ideal for guests who want to be right in the heart of town. With the beach on your doorstep and cafés, shops and restaurants nearby, you can park the car and enjoy everything Woolgoolga has to offer.
Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park offers a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, with a beautiful lakeside setting and direct access to the beach. It’s particularly popular with guests who enjoy fishing, stand-up paddleboarding and relaxing by the water. The park also welcomes pets during eligible off-peak periods, making it a great option for holidays with your four-legged family members.
Best for: Beach lovers, couples, grey nomads and guests seeking a relaxed coastal getaway.
Coffs Harbour vs Sawtell vs Woolgoolga: Which Is Best?
There’s no single best place to stay on the Coffs Coast. It really depends on the kind of holiday you’re looking for.
| If you’re looking for… | Our recommendation |
|---|---|
| Family attractions and activities | Coffs Harbour |
| A holiday park packed with family facilities | BIG4 Park Beach |
| Village cafés and boutique shopping | Sawtell |
| A peaceful bushland and creek setting | BIG4 Sawtell Beach |
| A classic beach town holiday | Woolgoolga |
| Beachfront accommodation close to shops | Woolgoolga Beach |
| Lakeside relaxation and nature | Woolgoolga Lakeside |
| Pet-friendly accommodation during off-peak periods | Woolgoolga Lakeside |
The good news? All three destinations are close enough that you can explore the wider Coffs Coast regardless of where you choose to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to stay in Coffs Harbour or Sawtell?
Coffs Harbour is ideal if you want to be close to major attractions, shopping and family entertainment. Sawtell is better suited to guests looking for a quieter coastal village atmosphere, with cafés, beaches and nature walks nearby.
Is Woolgoolga a good place for a family holiday?
Absolutely! Woolgoolga offers beautiful beaches, a relaxed town centre and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. It’s a great choice for families who enjoy swimming, exploring and spending time together by the coast.
Where is the best place to stay on the Coffs Coast with young children?
BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park is a great option for families with young children thanks to its water playground, resort-style swimming pool, jumping pillow, mini-golf and school holiday Kids Club activities.
Which Coffs Coast holiday park is best for couples?
BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park, Woolgoolga Beach Holiday Park and Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park are all excellent options for couples. Sawtell offers village dining and coastal walks, Woolgoolga Beach is close to town and the beach, while Woolgoolga Lakeside provides a peaceful natural setting.
Are there pet-friendly holiday parks on the Coffs Coast?
Yes. Woolgoolga Lakeside Holiday Park welcomes pets on eligible sites during off-peak periods, subject to park conditions. Pets are not permitted during designated peak holiday periods, so it’s best to check the pet policy before booking.
How far apart are Coffs Harbour, Sawtell and Woolgoolga?
Sawtell is approximately 15 minutes south of central Coffs Harbour by car, while Woolgoolga is around 20–25 minutes north. This makes it easy to explore all three destinations during your holiday.
Find Your Perfect Coffs Coast Holiday Park
Whether you’re chasing family fun in Coffs Harbour, relaxed village life in Sawtell or beachside adventures in Woolgoolga, there’s a Coffs Coast holiday waiting for you.
With four unique waterfront holiday parks to choose from, we make it easy to find a holiday that suits your style.
Ready to find your perfect spot? Explore our four holiday parks, compare their facilities and discover your next Coffs Coast getaway.
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