OUR Coffs Coast is fast becoming a year-round destination.
When you live here on the daily it’s sometimes easy to walk past the roses with little notice.
Through the fresh lens of a visitor, Coffs shines so bright.
Our magnificent coastline, lush forests, laidback lifestyle, boutique shopping and foodie experiences are a dynamic mix.
We are also becoming massive for events and entertainment.
On the Australia Day long weekend there is something for everyone.
Catch the free family movie Runt in the great outdoors at Brelsford Park at 6.30pm on Sunday 25 January.
Then kickstart your Australia Day on the Monday with the Big Float (bring along an inflatable) down at the Jetty and a brand new event – a coffee rave – at the same location from 7am.
Coffee raves have become huge in Brisbane and on the Goldie, and it’s a chance to grab a cuppa and vibe on with a DJ at the beach.
The action then swings to Brelsford Park from 10am to 2pm for free banger sangers and of course the big reveal of our Australia Day Awards from 11am.
More than 100 people are expected to take out Australian Citizenship at C.ex Coffs from 2pm, while the Saltwater Freshwater Festival at the stunning North Coast Regional Botanical Garden will be another highlight of the day.
The 2026 festival will embrace the theme of: Reflect. Respect. Celebrate – The Next Generation Rising.
The all-day party will return to Jetty Beach from 4pm for the Big Dig – what treasures will the kids find hiding in the sand?
Next Thursday, 22 January, be sure to catch street theatre featuring the wild costumes from the ESSSENSSSE exhibition showing at YAM.
There’ll be two free performances: at noon near the fig tree in Riding Lane and a special YAM Up Late event at Yarrila Place from 5pm to 7pm.
And book now to get up close and personal with master crime author Tim Ayliffe who’ll be in conversation with local journalist Michael Burge in the River Oak Room at Yarrila Place on 2 February.
Ayliffe’s latest novel Dark Desert Road is hot off the press and this will be a chance to hear from one of Australia’s premier writers of dark thrillers.
Check the Coffs Harbour Library website for details.
2026 is going to be a terrific year for Coffs with so much to do, see, and enjoy. Let’s get the party started.
By Nikki WILLIAMS, Mayor, City of Coffs Harbour
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