How to spend 72 hours in Coffs
It is time to treat yourself
Step on a plane at Canberra Airport and in less than two hours you’re stepping directly into the stunning fusion of nature, adventure, eateries and world-class golf courses that is Coffs Harbour, NSW.
From 22 September, Link Airways flies direct from the capital to the home of the Big Banana: so to celebrate, we’ve compiled the perfect itinerary for a three-day Coffs getaway. Go ahead. Treat yo’self.
How to get there
Depart Thursday afternoon
- Depart Canberra Airport via Link Airways 4.15pm.
- Arrive Coffs Harbour Airport 6pm.
- Taxi, Uber, hire a car or catch one of two shuttle buses from the airport into Coffs Harbour.
Return Sunday afternoon
- Taxi, Uber, drive or catch one of two shuttle buses from Coffs Harbour to the airport.
- Depart Coffs Harbour Airport 2pm.
- Arrive Canberra Airport 3.45pm.
Where to stay: Opal Cove Resort
The exterior of this resort looks like the Hollywood Hills somehow landed on the NSW far north coast. Soak up the sun with a book on the huge deck, lay in the sun by that giant aqua pool or take a walk and enjoy the views of the neighbouring Solitary Islands. Opal Cove Resort is the perfect base for your adventures in Coffs Harbour, with a spa, day spa, sauna, games room and restaurants and an ocean view that’s breathtaking.
Where to stay: Pacific Bay Resort
Past guests have included The Wallabies, the Sydney Swans, INXS and Midnight Oil, so if you’re into celebrity spotting, check in to the Pacific Bay Resort. The venue offers luxurious rooms and outstanding food and relaxation facilities on-site. Eat lunch al fresco at Bayside Bar and Grill and then head to Tranquillity Day Spa for a pedicure before Instagramming yourself poolside.
What to do: Eat Italian food infused with salty air
Right on the shore of Park Beach lies The Mermaid Beach House, a homely Italian eatery with serious Hamptons vibes. It’s a small restaurant with the ambition of “cooking with love”. The caprese salad looks incredible for lunch and for dinner we’re going with the 1.2kg Tomahawk steak, drizzled with caramelised mustard and dijon lemon.
What to do: Hang on tight to The SkyWire
If your flight wasn’t enough time in the air, head to The SkyWire. The dual cable zip line is a whopping 220m long (it feels longer when you're up there - trust us!) and safety is key, with full-body harnesses, purpose-built trolleys and safety-rated lanyards keep you safe while racing down the wire. Speed down with your BF and see who can make it to the bottom first, then make your way back to the top to do it all over again.
What to do: Meet the ‘James Bond’ of golf resorts
Okay, we get that golf’s not everyone’s game but when a course is described as “the James Bond of golf resorts” we simply have no option but to include it. Set among tropical bushland absolutely packed with native Australian wildlife, Bonville Golf Resort is pristine and private, and a beautiful way to spend an afternoon, even if you’re not swinging the clubs. It’s a course for golfers of every ability and a brilliant talking point for when you get back home to the Federal.