Welcome to Coffs Harbour, the laid-back holiday destination that’s perfect for exploring with a pooch pal. From off-leash beaches to scenic walking trails, the city and surrounding area is packed with outdoor activities to enjoy with your four-legged friend.
We’ll cover all this and more in this guide to dog-friendly Coffs Harbour, as well as discussing how house sitting in Coffs Harbour works, plus how to find a Coffs Harbour pet sitter. Let’s get started!
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Moonee Beach, Coffs Harbour
Dog-friendly beaches, Coffs Harbour
No matter the season, a day at a dog-friendly beach is always a good idea. Just remember to keep your four-pawed pal under control at all times – whether you’re in an off-leash area or not.
The Coffs Harbour City Council permits pups off-leash at the following beaches:
Boambee Beach
This 4WD beach is a beautiful place to watch the sunrise or sunset while your pooch pal enjoys the sand and sea.
Location: New South Wales, Australia
North Wall Beach
Located right next to Coffs Harbour Jetty, this beach features water fountains, a dog washing station, and poop bags, making it perfect for a casual stroll.
Location: Coffs Harbour NSW, Australia
Emerald Beach (north of Fiddamans Creek)
Navigate your way through the reserve and continue walking north to find the dog-friendly bit, where pups are free to roam off-leash.
Location: Diggers Point Track, Emerald Beach NSW 2456, Australia
Hearns Lake Beach
Golden sand galore, plenty of space, and barely any other people make this a breathtaking beach to take your pooch.
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Woolgoolga Back Beach
Dog-friendly outside of Little Tern breeding season, this beach is popular with swimmers, surfers, and four-legged friends! Be sure to keep Fido on the leash when signposted.
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Darkum Beach
Another beach where furry friends are welcome to explore leash-free outside of Little Tern breeding season, this stretch of sand is beautifully quiet.
Location: Mullaway NSW 2456, Australia
Corindi/Pipeclay Beach (south of Ocean Street)
This wild beach welcomes pups off-leash along its rugged shoreline, where four-legged friends are free to roam for miles.
Location: New South Wales 2456, Australia
Dogs are also allowed on leash at the following beaches:
- Sawtell Beach (north)
- Charlesworth Bay
- Korora Beach
- Hills Beach
- Campbells Beach
- Sapphire Beach
- Moonee Beach
- Safety Beach
- Mullaway Beach
- Mullawarra Beach (Ocean View Beach)
- Arrawarra Beach
- Red Rock Beach
- Little Beach
- Corindi Beach (north of Ocean Street)
- Woolgoolga Beach (north of Hofmeier Cl)
Dogs are not permitted on the following beaches:
- Sawtell Main Beach (including Sawtell Beach Reserve and Rock Pool)
- Jetty Beach
- Park Beach (including Park Beach Reserve)
- Emerald Beach (southern end)
- Diggers Beach
- Sandy Beach
- Woolgoolga Beach (southern end)
This information was correct at the time of writing – please check the council website for the most up-to-date regulations.
Dog-friendly cafes, Coffs Harbour
Need a coffee break with your canine companion? Coffs Harbour has plenty of cafes with outdoor seating where furry friends are welcome, so you can relax and refuel without leaving your pup behind.
Urban Espresso Lounge
Furry friends are welcome to join in the dog-friendly dining area outside, where humans can dig into buddha bowls, pancakes, and breakfast wraps from the early hours until midday.
Location: Jetty Strip, 382 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Cafe Aqua
A bowl of water for the pooch and a coffee, milkshake, or fresh juice for the human? Sold! They also serve a variety of breakfast and lunch classics, alongside homemade cakes.
Location: 57 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Dark Arts Cafe & Bar
If you’re looking for something a little different, head here for brunch and coffee with your pooch pal in tow.
Location: Cox Ln, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Twenty46
Bring your pups and sit outside this friendly cafe, which has plenty of tables and big portions of food.
Location: 394 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Palate & Ply Espresso Bar, Cafe & Roastery
Strong coffee, a delicious menu full of flavors, and dog-friendly tables outside – plus it’s open past 2 pm most days!
Dog-friendly restaurants, Coffs Harbour
One of the best things to do around Coffs Harbour? Go for dinner! Grab a table outdoors at one of these dog-friendly restaurants and enjoy a meal together in true Coffs Coast style.
Jetty Beach House, Coffs Harbour
Perched on a small headland overlooking Jetty Beach, come here for lightly battered fish and chips, Korean popcorn chicken, or buckets of prawns. They even have toys to play fetch with!
Location: 1 Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Attitude Burgers
Comfort food like chicken wings, Philly cheesesteak, and fried chicken burgers is served in a peaceful, dog-friendly setting.
Location: 1 Marina Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Brazzo Restaurant, Coffs Harbour
Grab a table outside with your pooch and enjoy lovingly prepared dishes from Myanmar, including lamb shanks, beef curry, and slow-cooked pork.
Location: Shop 5/44-52 Moonee St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Latitude 30 Restaurant
This fine dining restaurant is located on the edge of Coffs Harbour, meaning you can watch out for dolphins as you dig into seafood specials with your four-legged friend by your side.
Dog-friendly pubs, Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour has a great mix of laid-back pubs that welcome dogs in their outdoor spaces. Whether you’re chilling in a breezy beer garden or stopping by a local watering hole after a beach walk, there are plenty of spots where both you and your four-legged mate can kick back and relax.
King Tide Brewing
The dog-friendly courtyard is a great place to try a range of craft beers, locally distilled spirits, and good grub – from sharing plates to Polish dumplings.
Location: 1 Studio Ln, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Moonee Beach Hotel
This pub has plenty of room for everyone, including dogs and children. Located just off the Pacific Highway (and right next to a groomer’s!), it’s a great place to stop and grab a pizza.
Location: 2 Moonee Beach Rd, Moonee Beach NSW 2450, Australia
Forest Sky Pier, Coffs Harbour
Other things to do in Coffs Harbour with a dog
If you’re looking to mix things up, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly activities in Coffs Harbour. From scenic bushwalks to outdoor markets, there are plenty of ways to keep tails wagging beyond the beach.
Visit West Coffs Reserve District Park
Pups are allowed off-leash at West Coffs Reserve District Park, which has two fully fenced areas for furry friends to play leash-free. If you’re looking for other dog-friendly parks in Coffs Harbour, try Thompsons Road Dog Park on the south side of the city.
Location: Hart Close, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Take in the views from the Forest Sky Pier
Walk along the pier to get wonderful views of the coast from Sealy Lookout, which is easily accessible via dog-friendly walking trails through Orara East State Forest.
Location: Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Get a photo at the Big Banana
While Fido won’t be able to go inside the amusement park, it’s still worth heading to the Big Banana for a photo! It was the first of the “big things”, a series of eye-catching sculptures scattered across Australia, and is reflective of Coffs Harbour’s thriving banana industry.
Location: 351 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Walk down Coffs Harbour Jetty
Walk down the historic jetty with your pooch pal on the leash before letting them free in the nearby off-leash area on North Wall Beach. From the jetty, you’ll be able to see Muttonbird Island and Jetty Beach – just remember pups aren’t allowed to visit either.
Location: Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Browse the Harbourside Market
Held on Sundays between 8 am – 2 pm, this beachside market is a great place to browse after a stroll along North Wall Beach.
Location: Marina Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia
Do the Coffs Creek Walk
If you’re looking for a longer walk, take the shaded 8.6 km-long path along Coffs Creek. Note that you’ll be sharing the path with cyclists and other walkers, so remember to keep your furry friend on the leash.
The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour
Tips for pet parents in Coffs Harbour
Follow the dog-friendly rules
As stated by Coffs Harbour City Council, dogs are not allowed in the following places:
- Children’s playgrounds
- School grounds
- Public food preparation areas
- Wildlife protection areas
Four-pawed pals may be allowed in the following areas if signage permits:
- Public areas, reserves, and beaches
- Public bathing areas
- Shopping areas
Visit the dog parks
If your furry family member prefers grass to sand, visit the West Coffs Reserve District Park or Thompsons Road Dog Park, both of which cater specifically to pooch pals.
Watch out for wildlife
Keep an eye out for wildlife at all times, whether your pooch is on the leash or not. Coffs Harbour is home to venomous snakes, spiders, and amphibians, as well as marine hazards like box jellyfish.
Plan ahead for your time away
Coffs Harbour has plenty of dog-friendly activities, but there may be times when you need to travel without your pup. Find loving, trusted in-home sitters to keep your pooch safe and happy while you’re away – click below to find out more.
Tips for pet sitters in Coffs Harbour
Scoop the poop
Keep pet-friendly Coffs Harbour clean by carrying dog poop bags and disposing of waste properly — bins are available near most parks and beaches.
Avoid protected areas
Places like Solitary Islands Marine Park and Muttonbird Island don’t allow dogs, even on leash, because of wildlife. Stick to designated dog-friendly areas to avoid fines.
Respect non-pet people
Not everyone loves dogs as much as you do, so be mindful in shared spaces like outdoor cafes or paths, and keep your pooch pal calm and under control.
Try house and pet sitting
Fancy exploring Coffs Harbour like a local? Try pet sitting in the area and enjoy a unique travel experience while caring for pets – find out more below.
More dog-friendly travel guides near Coffs Harbour
Thinking about house sitting in Coffs Harbour, visiting another town in New South Wales, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.
