554km (344 miles) N of Sydney; 427km (265 miles) S of Brisbane
Rainforests, beaches, and sand surround the relaxed capital of Australia's Holiday Coast, the state's "banana republic" headquarters -- the area used to produce more bananas than any area in Australia (but you have to go farther north for the huge plantations these days). It's still bordered by hillsides furrowed with rows of banana palms, though. Farther inland, the rolling hills plateau into Dorrigo National Park, one of the best examples of accessible rainforests anywhere. Also inland is the Nymboida River, known for its excellent white-water rafting.
Coffs Harbour is a rather disjointed place, with an old town-center retail area; the Jetty Strip (with restaurants and fishing boats) near the best swimming spot, Park Beach; and a new retail area called the Plaza. Wide sweeps of suburbia separate the three areas; it's a difficult town to negotiate if you don't have a car.
