Rent a Campervan in Coffs Harbour & Start Your Adventure

Discover the Jewel of the Coffs Coast: Coffs Harbour

Welcome to Coffs Harbour, the vibrant heart of the Coffs Coast and the perfect starting point for your Australian adventure! When you decide to rent a campervan in Coffs Harbour, you’re not just hiring a vehicle; you’re unlocking a world of breathtaking landscapes, from the mountains to the sea. Nestled on the coast of New South Wales, about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, this city is a true gem.

Geographical Charm and a Rich History

Coffs Harbour enjoys a unique geographical position, where the Great Dividing Range meets the Pacific Ocean. This creates a stunning backdrop of lush green hills rolling down to golden sand beaches. The region is home to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a protected aquatic sanctuary teeming with diverse marine life. The city itself has a population of over 75,000 people and is a major service hub for the region. Its history is deeply rooted in the Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people, the traditional custodians of the land for thousands of years. European settlement began in the 19th century, with the city getting its name from Captain John Korff, who sheltered in the harbour in 1847. For much of the 20th century, Coffs Harbour was synonymous with the banana industry, a heritage proudly celebrated by its most famous landmark, the Big Banana.

Climate and Best Time for Your Trip

Coffs Harbour boasts a humid subtropical climate, meaning you can expect mild winters and warm, humid summers. This makes it an ideal year-round destination. However, the best time to rent a campervan in Coffs Harbour is during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). During these months, you’ll experience beautifully warm days, comfortable nights, and fewer crowds than in the peak summer holiday period. This is the perfect weather to explore everything the region has to offer, from coastal walks to rainforest hikes. The decision to camper hire Coffs Harbour gives you the ultimate flexibility to chase the sun and find your own piece of paradise. For those wanting to explore the rugged hinterland or drive on designated beaches, considering a 4x4 camper hire in Coffs Harbour is an excellent choice, giving you access to more remote and wild locations. The region’s significance as a tourist destination cannot be overstated; it’s a magnet for families, adventurers, and nature lovers alike. So, when you pick up your keys, you're not just starting a holiday; you're beginning an unforgettable journey through one of Australia's most spectacular coastal regions. Your adventure awaits!

Attractions and Adventures Around Coffs Harbour

Once you’ve arranged your camper hire in Coffs Harbour, a world of incredible sights and activities opens up to you. This region is an absolute playground for nature lovers and adventurers.

The Big Banana Fun Park
You can't visit Coffs Harbour without a photo at Australia's original 'big thing'. But it's more than just a giant piece of fruit! It’s a full-fledged fun park with a water park, mini-golf, laser tag, and an educational theatre showcasing the history of the banana industry. It’s a perfect first stop for families.

Dolphin Marine Conservation Park
Get up close and personal with marine life at this beloved park. You can see daily presentations with dolphins and seals, and even get a kiss from one of them! It’s a fun and educational experience focused on conservation and rehabilitation.

Solitary Islands Marine Park
If you love the water, this is your paradise. The park protects a unique mix of tropical and temperate marine life. Go for a dive or snorkel to witness the vibrant coral reefs and fish, or book a whale watching tour between May and November to see majestic humpback whales on their annual migration. Picking up a campervan to rent in Coffs Harbour gives you the flexibility to time your visit with these natural wonders.

Dorrigo National Park
A short drive inland takes you to the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The Dorrigo Skywalk Lookout offers breathtaking views over the rainforest canopy. There are numerous walking tracks, including the beautiful Crystal Shower Falls walk, which takes you right behind a waterfall. Exploring this area is a must, and if you're feeling adventurous, a 4x4 camper hire in Coffs Harbour can help you access more rugged parts of the hinterland.

Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
Accessible via a walk along the northern breakwater of the International Marina, this island is a vital breeding ground for wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds). The walk to the top offers spectacular 360-degree views of the coastline, harbour, and mountains. It's the best spot in town for watching the sunrise.

Coffs Harbour Jetty and Beaches
The historic jetty is perfect for a leisurely stroll, fishing, or just watching the boats go by. The surrounding area is dotted with beautiful beaches like Jetty Beach, Park Beach, and Diggers Beach, each offering great spots for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing on the sand after a day of exploring in your campervan.

Unforgettable Road Trips Starting from Coffs Harbour

With the keys to your campervan, Coffs Harbour is the perfect launchpad for some of Australia’s most iconic road trips. Here are a couple of tour ideas to get your adventure started.

🏞️ The Waterfall Way & Hinterland Escape (Approx. 3-4 Days)

🌊 The Legendary Pacific Coast North (Approx. 4-5 Days)

Returning Your Campervan Clean in Coffs Harbour

After an amazing road trip, it's time to think about returning your campervan. Most rental companies require you to return the vehicle with a clean interior and exterior. Finding a place to wash a high-roof campervan can be tricky, as standard car washes are often too low.

The height of your motorhome is the main challenge. Don't risk getting stuck in an automatic car wash! Instead, you should look for facilities designed for larger vehicles like trucks, buses, or caravans. A manual jet wash or a dedicated truck wash is your best bet. Planning this before your final day will save you a lot of stress.

Here are a few suitable options in and around Coffs Harbour where you can get your campervan sparkling clean:

1. BP Truckstop Coffs Harbour
These facilities are designed for large rigs and are perfect for high-roof campervans. You'll find high-pressure hoses and long-handled brushes to easily reach the roof and high sides of your vehicle.
Address: 201-205 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia

2. Hoppys Carwash & Cafe Coffs Harbour
While primarily a car wash, they often have open-air, self-serve bays with high clearance. These bays provide high-pressure water jets and foaming brushes, giving you the tools to do a thorough job yourself.
Address: 30 Park Ave, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia

3. Any large service station with manual wash bays
Keep an eye out for larger BP, Shell, or Caltex stations on the outskirts of town or along the Pacific Highway. Many have manual, open-top wash bays that can accommodate the height of your campervan. Always double-check the clearance before you drive in!

Your Journey to Coffs Harbour

Getting to Coffs Harbour to start your campervan journey is straightforward, whether you're coming from across the globe or from another part of Australia.

From the UK, Ireland, and South Africa:
Your most likely route will involve a long-haul flight to either Sydney (SYD) or Brisbane (BNE). Major airlines like Qantas, British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways operate routes from London (LHR), Dublin (DUB), and Johannesburg (JNB), typically with one stopover in the Middle East or Asia. From Sydney or Brisbane, you can catch a short domestic flight directly to Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS).

From the USA and Canada:
You will fly from major hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Vancouver (YVR) to Sydney (SYD) or Brisbane (BNE). Airlines such as Qantas, Delta, United, and Air Canada offer direct or one-stop flights. Once you arrive in Australia, a quick connecting domestic flight with QantasLink or Rex will take you to Coffs Harbour.

From Australia and New Zealand:
By Air: Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS) is well-serviced with direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. If you're travelling from other Australian capital cities or from New Zealand (e.g., Auckland, Christchurch), you will typically connect through one of these three major hubs.

By Road: For those already in Australia, driving is a fantastic option and lets you see more of the country. Coffs Harbour is located on the Legendary Pacific Coast touring route. The drive is approximately 6 hours from Sydney (540 km) or 4 hours from Brisbane (390 km) along the Pacific Highway (A1). Picking up your campervan in one of those major cities and driving to Coffs Harbour is also a popular way to begin your adventure.