How to spend a Sunday at Coffs Harbour Jetty

Arguably one of the Coffs Coast’s most stunning and buzzing locations, the Jetty Foreshore is the perfect place to spend a stress-free Sunday. From the tranquil, Fiji-style ocean to gourmet cafés and some of the best sightseeing the city has to offer, there’s plenty to see and do.

A Day at the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore

If you’re looking for some ideas, we’ve mapped out your itinerary…

9am

There’s no better way to start off your Sunday than with a dip and it’s hard to ignore the glistening, crystal clear water. Inside the Coffs Harbour breakwaters is the well-protected Jetty Beach – a 1.4km stretch of flat, serene water where you can float all your troubles away.

For those with kids in tow, it’s also the perfect family beach, with waves rarely exceeding half a metre and plenty of sand for sandcastles.  For the slightly older kids, no trip to the Jetty is complete without ‘jetty jumping’ from the wooden jetty which extends out into the waters of the protected harbour.  Coffs Harbour boasts balmy sea temperatures well into June so there are plenty more Sundays to enjoy a dip.

10am

 There’s no doubt some grumbling bellies by now so it’s time to find something to eat. Fortunately, the jetty boasts a huge array of options for even the fussiest of eaters. We recommend grabbing a bite from the Salute kiosk, situated at the top of the steps to the water.  Keep up that refreshed feeling with a Pitaya Bowl – a blend of Pitaya (Dragon fruit) and other frozen fruits, topped with granola and some fresh blueberries and strawberries – delish! Salute is also known for its top-notch coffee so we’re sure a latte will hit the spot.  For those with a sweet tooth, cross the road to the other side of the jetty and you’ll find a ‘mini pancakes’ van… there will no doubt be a queue, but it’s worth it, we promise.

11:30am

 Every Sunday, the newly revamped Jetty Foreshore comes alive with market stalls with fresh fruit, vegetables, homewares and much more.  With a philosophy of ‘locally made, locally grown’, the Harbourside Markets offer a great range of local produce and unique handmade art and craft. Plus, there’s free live music, workshops and games for the kids.

 1pm

 A trip to the jetty would not be complete without fresh fish and chips for lunch from the renowned, Fishermen’s Co-Op.  We recommend grabbing your lunch and heading up Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve for a picnic and some of the best views the city has to offer. Muttonbird Island can be accessed via the northern break wall and has breathtaking views of the coast and hinterland.

For the kids, it’s also a great spot for watching the migratory wedge-tailed shearwater (aka, the mutton bird).  The island also has a rich indigenous history. For the history buff, there’s an award-winning outdoor learning space located at the base of the western side of the island.

 3:30pm

 Make your way back down to the Jetty from the island and treat yourself to an ice cream from the Jetty’s ice cream shop. Located right near the co-op, this ice cream store is sure to be the cherry on top of your Sunday.  This pit stop is also a terrific opportunity to walk along the northern break wall in the other direction. Depending on the swell, it can be quite the adventure walk when the waves are crashing against the wall.

4:30pm

 If you’re sans kids, complete your stress-free Sunday with a drink on the deck at Latitude 30 which overlooks the picture-perfect jetty.  This charming restaurant and bar boasts an extensive cocktail menu as well as a range of beers and wines.

If you’re feeling peckish, there are plenty of yummy dinner options along Harbour Drive – just up from the Jetty Foreshore. The many restaurants of the Jetty Strip offer something delicious for all palettes. The choices take you around the world with everything from Italian to Mexican to Thai and Indian, just to name a few.