Boasting average temperatures of around 13-25 degrees and an average annual rainfall of 1688 mm, Coffs Harbour has been assessed by the CSIRO as having the most liveable climate in Australia. Long renowned as a haven for holiday makers from across Australia and the world, this sub-tropical region is far from the hustle and bustle of a big city life and there’s never been higher demand to live, work and play on the Coffs Coast.
In 2022, the City of Coffs Harbour is experiencing unprecedented demand for housing and with it’s population predicted to rocket past 100,000 by 2030, it seems Coffs Harbour has become one of NSW most desirable locales for a ‘sea’, ‘tree’ and ‘me’ change.
Is Coffs Harbour Australia’s most liveable city?
What is it that makes Coffs Harbour so liveable? There’s a certain country coastal charm that comes with living on the Coffs Coast. The pace is a little slower and for good reason, it’s all about balancing work with family, nature and experiences that fill one’s cup. There’s plenty of elements play their own unique roles in making Coffs Harbour Australia’s most liveable city.
So before considering the practicalities that come with moving, a change of job, or a new business venture, it’s important to stop and consider the liveability of a place.
Here’s why we think Coffs Harbour is Australia’s most liveable city.
It’s all about proximity – the 15 minute rule!
Flanked by National Parks to the North and South, with rolling hills, farmlets and State Forest to the west, it takes no more than 15 minutes to find yourself lost in nature or on your way to a weekend camp trip with friends. Looking for a retail fix? Major shopping precincts including Park Beach Plaza and Park Beach Homebase are centrally located and less than 15 minutes away. Coffs Harbour Airport is easily accessible, putting you within reach of major metro cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra.
Blues and greens abound
Beach and bush weekend adventures are the norm for the people of the Coffs Coast, with easily accessible 4WD beaches and Summer bush adventures to the Never Never or along the Nymboida all within earshot. Boaties enjoy easy access to the Solitary Islands Marine Park. There’s no queues, plenty of wide open spaces and even a big starry sky at night.
Satellite suburbs with flavours all their own
Boasting some of Coffs harbour’s most incredible real estate, the suburbs surrounding Coffs harbour present their own unique flavours and make for easy day trips. There’s Sawtell with it’s fig lined main street, Café culture and laid back atmosphere, Woolgoolga with it’s Sikh heritage, incredible bay, whale trail and fish and chips on tap! Follow the Bellinger River to Bellingen where foodies, musos and creatives enjoy the good life.
Jobs and opportunity is plain to see
As the area grows, so do the opportunities. Small business and trades flourish in this developing city with builders, plumbers and electricians experiencing high demand on their skills. Nursing and Education is awash with opportunities for young professionals and government roles supporting regional development are on the rise.
Where community is King
Community is important in Coffs Harbour, Sporting clubs are well supported and families enjoy weekend competitions, season to season, right across the coast. A great sense of community is helping to grow healthy and happy generations and positive outcomes for the youth of Coffs Harbour.
Enveloped in nature, Coffs Harbour is NSW’s first Eco-Certified Destination. What does that mean for the future of this Regional NSW City?
In early 2022, the Coffs Coast became NSW first Eco certified destination. The official accreditation was handed down by Ecotourism Australia after 14 months of assessment and cements the Coffs Coast as a leader in sustainable travel.
But the achievement is not one that has come easy and not one that finishes with the Eco-certification logo tagged to the bottom of a website. It’s a journey that the whole of the region, including industry outside the tourism sector, is on.
Ten local tourism based operators have completed the certification program with more to follow in both the experience and agri-tourism sectors.
In the background, Coffs Harbour City Council’s destination team are busy putting their money where their mouth is. That means actionable ongoing outcomes in sustainability including a partnership with Take 3 for the Sea and actively promoting their ‘Tread Lightly’ message to visitors.
Check out the top 10 best ways to be an eco-friendly traveller.
For a city where tourism equates to approximately $650m per annum, the certification is set to further enhance Coffs Harbour’s robust tourism industry. Here’s how it’s shaping Coffs Harbour into the future.
Ecotourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the tourism industry worldwide.
As a destination locked between UNESCO World Heritage National Park and The Solitary Islands Marine Park, the recognition shows visitors that we value leading environmental standards.
The certification is helping to attract high-value travellers who are likely to spend more, stay longer and disperse more regionally. They have distinct key drivers for destination choice that includes aquatic and coastal, and nature and wildlife experiences when choosing a holiday destination.
The certification will encourage higher yield visitation by offering visitors an easy way to determine where genuine and authentic ecotourism experiences are found.
There are TEN locally accredited Eco-certified tourism operators on the Coffs Coast (LINK THESE)
- WAJAANA YAAM GUMBAYNGGIRR ADVENTURE TOURS: Stand up paddleboard tours led by Gumbaynggirr guides or Aboriginal guides with strong ties to Gumbaynggirr Country, in three incredible locations.
- TREETOPS ADVENTURE: A tree ropes and zip lining experience in sublime natural habitat and with an abundance of local wildlife – what more could you ask for?
- COFFS COAST MOUNTAIN RETREAT: Adult only, pet-friendly, accessibility accommodation offering private, tranquil spaces to unwind. Relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of the natural surroundings (along with a few luxuries of course).
- JETTY DIVE CENTRE: Swim with whales, dive with sharks and discover the majesty of the South Solitary Islands Marine Park. Local dive experts and genuine PADI diving courses.
- NORTH COAST REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN: Natural bushland, exotic species, rainforest and more! All linked together with wheelchair-accessible parks, boardwalks and a cafe.
- BRUXNER FLORA RESERVE: In Orara East State Forest, the ultimate nature-based destination on the Coffs Coast. The centrepiece is Sealy Lookout with the majestic Forest Sky Pier. The Gumgali track is an indigenous interpretive walk to Korora Lookout with unparalleled views of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Coffs Harbour is a hub for community, sporting and cultural events
Coffs Harbour’s calendar of events may just be the envy of other regional Australian towns and while the year may be anchored by National and International sporting and touring music events, the many diverse and unique community and cultural events on offer, showcase the best of this multi-cultural and community focussed region.
A raft of annual events have built a strong sense of community and inclusion in Coffs Harbour. Here’s a few of our favourites:
Blues and Berries
Now in its fifth year, Blues and Berries is Blues and Roots by the beach. This Family friendly event showcases the abundance of exceptional blueberries grown on the Coffs Coast and is supported by Costa Berry. Food, market stalls, music and even a farm tour! Set on the beach in Woolgoolga each Spring.
Curryfest
Curryfest celebrates the unique Punjabi heritage of Woolgoolga, immediately obvious from the Sikh temple on the hill as you enter town. The festival transforms the Beach Reserve and streets of Woolgoolga into a sea of colour, music and aroma in a spectacular celebration of Food, Culture and Dance. With over 100 stalls lining the Woolgoolga Beach Reserve and Beach Street, serving up delicious multicultural cuisines, family entertainment and an array of food and cultural delights, Curryfest has something for everyone.
National Touch and Oztag
The Barney Miller Surf Classic
“The Barney Miller Surf Classic is an annual charity surf competition held at Sawtell Main Beach on the last weekend in March every year. It started in 1999 when local surfer Barney was a passenger in a car accident that broken his neck & made him a quadriplegic. All money from the first event went to his family to help with initial costs but every year since Barney has paid it forward by donating 100% of proceeds to another family who have had their worlds turned upside down with a life changing accident. It has been running for over 20 years now with 100s of thousands raised for families in need.
The Koby Mitchell Classic and Bowl-a-nana
The Coffs Harbour Bowl-A-Nana is the biggest Skateboard Competition on the Mid North Coast.Every year Bowl-A-Nana Brings the best Skateboarders from all over Australia and the world to the beautiful Coffs Coast. In 2022, the event is in it’s 6th year.
Screenwave International Film Festival
The Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF) is an annual film and arts celebration, based held in Coffs Harbour and Bellingen for 16-days each year. Founded by husband-and-wife team Kate Howat and Dave Horsley, SWIFF has developed into a screen culture collective connecting cinephiles and movie lovers from all walks of life. At its heart is a small, dedicated team of creatives and award-winning change makers, helping new ideas and innovations flourish on the Coffs Coast.
Coffs Harbour Running Festival
The Coffs Harbour Running Festival is organised by the Rotary Group of Coffs Harbour.
Held on a bush trail on the Coffs Creek walkway, the flat, shady courses are ideal for runners. The picturesque track hugs the beautiful Coffs Creek and competitors run over floating boardwalks, through swamp forests of mangrove, casuarina and paperbark trees from the centre of town to the coast and back. All proceeds from the event go to local Rotary charities such as Life Education and Early Connections.
Coffs Harbour Running Festival
The Coffs Harbour Running Festival is organised by the Rotary Group of Coffs Harbour.
Held on a bush trail on the Coffs Creek walkway, the flat, shady courses are ideal for runners. The picturesque track hugs the beautiful Coffs Creek and competitors run over floating boardwalks, through swamp forests of mangrove, casuarina and paperbark trees from the centre of town to the coast and back. All proceeds from the event go to local Rotary charities such as Life Education and Early Connections.
Coffs Coast Festival of Motorsport
Run over an action-packed four weeks, the Coffs Coast Festival of Motor Sport caters for all four and two wheel disciplines of motor sport. The festival takes place at locations around Coffs Harbour, along with the nearby areas of Kempsey and Grafton. The event features various motorsport disciplines including rally, dirt track, off road racing, motocross, go karting, speedway, hill climbs and more
Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival
The Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival has become a popular annual cultural event showcasing leading Australian authors and celebrating all things literary. With workshops, talks, forums, book launches, competitions, entertainment and school programs, it’s a diverse and inspiring weekend with something for everyone. Events at the festival take place amidst the magnificent natural environs of the Bellinger Valley, Coffs Coast and Dorrigo National Park.