Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Sawtell

"The largest amusement park between Sydney and the Gold Coast is right here in Coffs Harbour. The Big Banana Fun Park has been in business since 1964, taking shape on a banana plantation. The landmark, walk-through Big Banana may have been the first of the monumental “Big Things” that are dotted around Australia."

"The Big Banana now boasts The Banana Slip Water Park (Australia’s first 3 story high inflatable waterslide – the biggest in the world), Area 351 Laser Tag Arena, Ice Skating Rink, Wild Toboggan Ride, “The World of Bananas” multimedia theatre experience, plantation."

"No trip to Coffs Harbour is complete without visiting The Big Banana. One of Australia’s original ‘big’ icons, this destination has something for everyone. There are rides, slides and of course, bananas!"

"We began our exploration of Coffs Harbour things to do at the point where I think all adventures should start in this area – at the Sealy Lookout and Forest Sky Pier. The view from the Forest Sky Pier. Within a flora reserve in the Orara East State Forest, you can find this overhanging “pier” with amazing views over the whole Coffs Harbour area."

"Located in the Orana East State Forest is a spectacular skywalk, jutting out more than 20m from the edge and 300m above Coffs Harbour. The state forest is home to a number of walking tracks and lookouts, so it is easy to spend a day here exploring. Find out more about Orana East State Forest and the Sky Pier here."

"Drive to Sealy Lookout for incredible views over the city and then grab a beer and toast to the first night of your Australian road trip! Byron Bay (2 nights)"

"This charming stop on the Pacific Highway is home to a couple of Dutch style buildings which include a miniature model Dutch village out the back complete with miniature windmills and railways. It’s a free attraction and if you can time it right, there are also regular clog making demonstrations. Find more information here including the latest timetable for the free clog making demonstrations."

"There’s a piece of the Netherlands at Coffs Harbour, in the form of this Dutch-themed attraction opened to accompany a caravan park in 1984. Under the watch of the Hartsuyker family and its patriarch, Tom, The Clog Barn has grown a lot since that time. Clogs are cut and painted in the traditional way, and you can watch a free demonstration to see how it’s done."

"Coffs Harbour’s subtropical botanic garden is bordered on three sides by the waters of Coffs Creek, and takes its place as the most beautiful in northern New South Wales. Covering more than 20 hectares you can step into rainforest, a Japanese garden, a sensory garden, natural forest and mangroves, an exotic collection of tropical plants and a prime display area condensing all of the garden into a one-hectare space. There are also five distinct glasshouses, for orchids, ferns, bromeliads and plants from arid climate zones."

"This 20 hectare botanical gardens is in a central spot in Coffs Harbour and is well presented and great for a look around especially if you are looking for things to do in Coffs Harbour for free. It’s quite extensive with many different gardens and walking trails. S surprised herself by loving these gardens (after she initally refused to go)."

"A post shared by g2 architects pty ltd (@g2architects) on Aug 10, 2018 at 8:24pm PDT. Want to start your morning right?. Go for a chill stroll at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in their five-kilometer walking path traversing the whole garden and breathe in some fresh cool air."

"Stroll amongst hundreds of beautiful Australian butterflies in one of Coffs Harbour’s most remarkable attractions. The award-winning Coffs Harbour Butterfly House is set in an indoor subtropical rainforest and allows visitors to observe the many types of native butterflies in their natural habitat. Visitor tip: The butterflies are typically most active between 10 am and 2 pm due to the light, temperature and humidity levels so it’s highly recommended to visit in those hours."

"Standing perfectly still while a cloud of delicate, picture-perfect butterflies fill the air around you and land gently on your skin is a remarkable experience, and the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House is a remarkable place. Over 400 live Australian butterflies live in this indoor tropical habitat, which offers an incredible opportunity to get closer than ever before to a shy and retiring part of the natural world. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm."

"A year round attraction, the Butterfly House is aflutter with more than 400 Australian butterflies at any one time. This is an indoor subtropical rainforest environment, rich with palms and ferns, and with the chance to see butterflies flying, courting, mating, sipping nectar or landing on your hand. The best time to come to see these many-coloured insects is between 10:00 and 14:00 when they are most active."

"Muttonbird Island has the stunning green color and rocky cliff faces that make one think of ireland, scotland or iceland in summer. The contrast of the greens of the island against the blue of the ocean and the blue of the sky is breathtaking at times. A short hike around the island will find you spotting the nesting site of the mutton birds for which the island is named."

"We were excited to visit Muttonbird Island after seeing it mentioned many times online as the thing to do in Coffs Harbour. However, our excitement turned in to disappointment as the path to the island was shut when we visited. Hopefully, it is open when you visit!"

"The Gumbaynggirr people knew this island as Giidany Miirlarl (Place of the Moon). It was joined to Coffs Harbour by the northern breakwater in 1935. The walk to the top (steep at the end) provides sweeping..."

"Enjoyable both as a focal point to visit and explore itself, as well as a lookout location to take in another excellent Coffs Harbour panorama, Muttonbird Island is one of the region’s most significant natural features. Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is a rookery of importance for bird life, which can be accessed via an interconnected jetty from the main wharf – no boat required – and is an essential visit in Coffs Harbour providing a gorgeous return for minimal effort, with views out to the Solitary Islands and beyond. Some outstanding birdwatching is made all the more impressive by the wonderful surrounds that border each side of the wildlife-rich island which serves as home to a cavalcade of bird life – particularly the species from which it derives its name – as well as a number of wedge-tailed shearwaters."

"Known to the indigenous Gumbaynggirr people of the area as The Place of the Moon, Muttonbird Island is a peaceful haven occupied by thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters, known as mutton birds. Connected to the mainland by a breakwater, it is a lovely (and exhausting) hike to the top, where the views are exceptional. Evening guided tours by Aboriginal elders are also available, which provide fascinating and rich context about the cultural importance of the island."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kamilshariff used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Surrounded by the pristine blue ocean and the scenic views of the Coffs Coast, Mutton Bird Island Nature Reserve is an ideal destination for nature lovers. The eastern lookout offers a majestic view of the Solitary Island and it is the perfect place for whale watching especially from May to November."

"As you’d imagine from a stunning seaside town, the beaches in Coffs Harbour do not disappoint. Pack the towels, floaties and hit the white sands of beaches Jetty, Sawtell, Park, Diggers, Moonee or Emerald. The only question is – how long have you got?"

"Centrally situated, Coffs Harbour YHA allows for easy access to Coffs Harbour's main hot spots. It also offers free Wi-Fi, a free shuttle service and an outdoor pool."

"The third largest undersea protected area in New South Wales, the Solitary Islands Marine Park is an extraordinary marine wonder. With tropical, sub-tropical and temperate fish and coral there’s a remarkable diversity of natural life here, as well as some delightful beaches along its 75km of coastline. Boat trips, whale watching, fishing, diving and snorkelling can all be arranged in this marvellous underwater reserve."

"Drop by Coffs Harbour’s first retro-themed café Spoke N Wheel on Gordon Street for diner-style food in a classic 1950s vibe. This community-minded eatery helps the disabled by offering training classe..."

"380 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales 2450 AustraliaBar, Australian, Wine Bar, ContemporaryLunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks, Late NightTakeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credi[email protected]+61 2 6651 6655http://www.elementbar.com.au"

"If live music, a laidback atmosphere and an eclectic tapas menu is your thing, then take to Element Bar in Coffs Harbour. A popular hang-out with the cool crowd, this bar and eating house embodies ind..."

"Lime Mexican provides unexpectedly authentic Mexican tastes, flavours and experience in a delightfully decorated spot not far from the harbour. A modern, contemporary take on traditional Mexican cooking, the food is served tapas-style alongside tasty larger sharing platters. Exposed brick and wall-mounted sombreros adds to the charm, and the cocktail menu is well worth exploring."

"Spice up your lunch break with our $15 Lunch Menu featuring gourmet nachos, tacos, quesadilla, Mexican table salad and more!"