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The Best Hotels in Coffs Harbour, Australia, for Every Traveller

Enjoy views across Coffs Harbour Marina from Muttonbird Island
Enjoy views across Coffs Harbour Marina from Muttonbird Island | © Mike Greenslade/Australia / Alamy Stock Photo

On the northern New South Wales coast, Coffs Harbour draws tousled-hair surfers with its coastal waves, and camera-ready nature lovers with its humpback whales and birdlife. Whether you want to pitch a tent, luxuriate in a want-for-nothing resort or keep it cheap with a budget-friendly motel, there’s a suitable place for you among these hotels in Coffs Harbour, Australia.

The Observatory Holiday Apartments

Hotel, Resort

Double bed in white-painted room with two bedside tables and lamps at the Observatory Holiday Apartments
Courtesy of the Observatory Holiday Apartments / Booking.com

If resort life is a turn-off, the Observatory provides modern holiday rentals with private kitchenettes and balconies. They’re located just moments from a curved strip of sand known as Jetty Beach, while the marina, markets, restaurants and shops are also nearby. You don’t need to forgo all the luxuries of a resort, though, there’s a shared dipping pool with a welcome shaded spot to protect you from the sun. If you want to explore, there’s free parking and Coffs Harbour railway station is a two-minute stroll away.

BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort

Hotel, Resort

Double bed in cream-and-white room with glass doors to balcony with two chairs and tree views, BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort
Courtesy of BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort / Booking.com

BreakFree Aanuka brings tropical kicks to the NSW coast. Central to that philosophy is a lagoon-style rock pool with a slide and cave spas, all hugged by towering palms. From the scenic location, it’s just a short stroll to Diggers Beach, a surfing hotspot and romantic place for a hand-in-hand walk. Back at the resort, accommodations include studios, spa suites with luxurious baths, or self-contained villas of various sizes. There’s also a fitness centre, ocean-view restaurant and tennis courts.

Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort

Hotel

Double bed in white-toned room with desk, chair and cupboards, plus doors to a garden patio at Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort
Courtesy of Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort / Booking.com

This family-run collection of apartments and studios sits within the Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort, offering the seclusion of a private accommodation without having to give up resort amenities. Sports lovers are well catered for, there’s a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, plus three heated pools. But if holiday means being horizontal, you may prefer to take a short stroll to Diggers Beach or luxuriate in the on-site spa.

CBD Motor Inn

Hotel

Three double beds in monochrome room with table, chairs and kitchenette at CBD Motor Inn
Courtesy of CBD Motor Inn / Booking.com

The sleek, modern rooms at CBD Motor Inn offer all the comforts of home. Each comes with a sink-into queen-size bed, handy kitchenette, and a desk for when that work email just can’t wait. There are plenty of attractions within walking distance; families are sure to love the Aquatic Centre, while more adult-friendly fun can be found in the nearby restaurants and bars. Transport is sorted with free parking and the hotel airport shuttle service (call ahead for the latter).

Pacific Bay Resort

Hotel

Double bed facing flat-screen TV in cream-and-white room with glass doors to a private balcony at Pacific Bay Resort
Courtesy of Pacific Bay Resort / Expedia

This luxurious resort sits on 40ha (100 acres) of clipped lawns, interspersed with palm trees, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful hinterland rainforests on the Coffs Coast. This is a want-for-nothing getaway, with a nine-hole golf course, lounger-lined pool and day spa offering inviting treatments such as pohaku Hawaiian hot stone therapy. Got a little one in the group? They’ll love the games room and on-site aquarium – not something you’ll find at all hotels in Coffs Harbour.

Royal Palms Motor Inn

Hotel

Single bed in room with sofa, plus Marilyn Monroe art on its faux-brick walls at Royal Palms Motor Inn
Courtesy of Royal Palms Motor Inn / Expedia

Made for the budget-conscious traveller, this motel offers everything you need for a comfortable and convenient stay. Save your dollars by swerving the restaurants and taking advantage of the in-room fridge and microwave. Or make new friends by firing up the barbie. There’s an inviting pool, perfect for a little splash around, or take a breezy walk over to the beach for an ocean swim. Nearby landmarks include Coffs Harbour Jetty and Muttonbird Island lookout, an attractive viewpoint overlooking the sea and sheer cliffs.

Coastal Bay Motel Coffs Harbour

Hotel

Single bed in white-toned room with desk, chair, wall-mounted TV and overhead fan at Coastal Bay Motel Coffs Harbour
Courtesy of Coastal Bay Motel Coffs Harbour / Expedia

Sitting somewhere between hotel and charming inn, the family-run Coastal Bay Motel is a please-all place to stay. The 41 rooms are unfussy yet comfortable, but it’s the shared facilities that elevate this retreat. Spend your days around the family-friendly pool, where you’ll also find loungers and a snack bar. In the evening, feed the group using the barbecue facilities or explore the nearby restaurants.

BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park

Hotel, Resort

Double bed in wood-based room with flat-screen TV, desk and chair at BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park
Courtesy of BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park / Expedia

If you’re looking for hotels in Coffs Harbour that are made for a beachside family holiday, look no further than BIG4 Park Beach. You can choose from beach cabins or caravans – there are even a range of camp sites available. Kid-friendly activities include a huge resort pool with slides and giant tipping bucket, a climbing tower, games area and two playgrounds. The complex is just across the street from the beach, where you can surf, stand-up paddleboard, fish or kayak.

About the author

Emily is a writer currently based in Montreal, Canada. She works with a number of online and print publications, mainly pursuing stories about arts and culture, travel, nature, and local history.

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