Character-filled hotels, resorts, Airbnbs and bed-and-breakfasts round out our pick of the best Coffs Harbour accommodation.

From absolute beachfront homes and rustic hinterland cabins to a resort offering wraparound views of the Great Dividing Range and Pacific Ocean, Coffs Harbour accommodation offers a smorgasbord of ultra-cool stays. Here, we pinpoint our favourites within the holiday hot spot and within the wider Coffs Coast.

1. Sapphire Sands Beach House

Make sure your hair is perfectly coiffed during your stay at Sapphire Sands Beach House so you can snap stellar selfies while swanning about poolside. The four-bedroom home, which sleeps up to 10 guests, sits metres away from Sapphire Beach, which is one of the loveliest spots on the Coffs Coast.

Bags the main bedroom and book a long stay so you can take advantage of the infinity-edge swimming pool and 12-person heated spa, gourmet galley kitchen, thatched gazebo with comfy lounges and complimentary fishing rods.

Address: 12a Beachfront Close, Sapphire Beach

2. Barellen Beach House

Barellen Beach House is a sophisticated space that looks like it could have been airlifted in from The Hamptons. The five-bedroom waterfront hangout, which sleeps 10, spills directly onto Safety Beach and offers magical views of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

It’s awash with nautical vibes spanning giant seashells, life buoys and porthole wall mirrors sourced from all over the world, including India, Europe and Africa.

The word Barellen represents ‘the meeting of the waters’ in the local Indigenous language, to which the owners like to refer the home itself, a charming rendezvous point for your favourite people.

Address: 18 Ocean Drive, Safety Beach

3. Diggers Beach Cottage

If you stir early enough, you’ll have the entire beach to yourself at Diggers Beach Cottage, located on prime real estate near Coffs Harbour’s pretty Diggers Beach.

The three-bedroom, two-bathroom estate blends coastal with country, creating a calming oasis that sleeps up to six people, just 10 minutes from the centre of town. Rifle through the selection of books and board games, kick back in the beautifully maintained courtyard or get your hands dirty in the luxurious gourmet kitchen.

Address: 2 Diggers Headland Place, Diggers Beach, Coffs Harbour

4. Hernani Wilderness Hut

Weave your way through Dorrigo National Park to get to Hernani Wilderness Hut, a property that should appeal to anybody seeking off-grid tranquillity. The eco-friendly escape, which sleeps nine people, is located about 1.5 hour’s drive west of Coffs Harbour so it really is just you and the greatest of outdoors. Expect old-school country comforts such as a slow-combustion fireplace and colourful crochet blankets as you go bush in cosy comfort.

Address: 10392 Armidale Road, Hernani

5. ArtHOUSE

While creativity defines your stay at ArtHOUSE, it’s the sensational views that take centre stage. A boutique property split into three self-contained apartments on Emerald Beach, it’s designed for couples but can accommodate up to four people in each. Featuring easterly aspects overlooking Emerald Beach (go for ArtHOUSE 3 for the most exceptional views), you’ll be treated to enclosed verandahs, queen size beds, air conditioning, robes, laundry facilities, flat screen TVs and more. There’s a cafe next door but nobody will blame you if you never want to leave.

Address: 1 Surf Street, Emerald Beach

6. Hampton on the Beach

It doesn’t get any more delicious in Sapphire than this. Hampton on the Beach is a four-bedroom marvel that offers instant access to Sapphire Beach’s sandy shores.

All the bells and whistles are naturally thrown in, including a yoga studio, a media room, a fireplace, a gourmet kitchen and even an optional concierge service that grabs groceries and arranges a cook for you. Beachfront decadence direct from your holiday dreams.

Address: 13 Emerald Avenue, Sapphire Beach

7. Nautilus Beachfront Villas & Spa

Fallen head over heels for Sapphire? Rest your head in style at Nautilus Beachfront Villas & Spa, located right off the sand and offering self-contained apartment living.

Pick your poison out of studio, one, two or three-bedroom stays as you seize the opportunity to laze poolside, dip into the spa, get your sweat on in the exercise space, play tennis at the two full-size courts and let the kids wear themselves out within two shallow wading pools. A reliably comfortable family-friendly hot spot.

Address: 8 Solitary Islands Way, Sapphire Beach

8. Opal Cove Resort

Coffs Harbour’s infamous views, spanning the mountain and the sea, can be soaked up in full at Opal Cove Resort. Whether you’re booking a summer stay or winter escape, the resort’s location near Korora Bay means you’ve got a great sun-splashed position all year round. Enjoy a plunge in the outdoor pool fitted with a water slide and sun deck or just pop across the manicured lawns for a swim in the turquoise sea. Spa Elements is located on-site so you can indulge in your favourite treatment before chasing it with dinner at Horizons Restaurant.

Address: Opal Boulevard, Coffs Harbour

9. Pacific Bay Resort

Pacific Bay Resort has earned a reputation for being one of Coffs Harbour’s premier stays. And, as the sister hotel to Jonah’s in Sydney’s Whale Beach and the nearby Bonville Golf Resort where you can stay and play, it’s in good company.

Pacific Bay’s rooms range from studio configurations to three-bedroom apartments and plush penthouse suites. If the sun’s shining, dine on local seafood on the outdoor terrace at Bayside Bar and Grill, adjacent to the lagoon or take aim at the nine-hole golf course. There’s also Tranquillity Day Spa, buffing and shining holidaymakers seven days a week.

Address: Corner Pacific Highway and Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour

10. Pacific Towers Beach Resort

This absolute beachfront hotel is expertly dressed in subdued colours to let those stunning sea and sky views act as artworks. Settle into one of Pacific Towers Beach Resort’s self-contained apartments to spot, if you’re lucky, whales migrating throughout the glistening waters. Enjoy a spot of tennis, swim laps in the 20-metre pool, and soak in the heated spa. You can also join a fishing charter from the Coffs Harbour International Marina, located just nearby.

Address: 121 Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour

11. BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort

This tropical-inspired resort, positioned right on Diggers Beach, is a great place for a family-friendly gallivant. For the ultimate all-immersive experience, opt for one of BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort’s Paradise Spa Bures, decked out like a traditional Balinese hut with a king bed and spa bath. The resort provides all the creature comforts your clan will nee,d including three tennis courts, four swimming pools, two outdoor spas, a kids’ play area, a barbecue area, a gym and a day spa.

Address: 11 Firman Drive, Coffs Harbour

12. The Pier Hotel

Book any one of the beautiful queen, single or twin-share rooms at The Pier Hotel to stay within walking distance of the Jetty precinct, the marina and waterfront walking and cycling paths. Savvy travellers have been staying overnight at the pub, one of the best pubs within the Coffs Coasts, since 1905 and although you can no longer tether your horse to a hitching rail, you will score secure alarmed parking if you’re riding a motorcycle. Non-motorcycle travellers will still get free wi-fi, LED TVs and plush bedding.

Address: 356 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

13. Ibis Budget

Although the Ibis Budget sits a little bit back from the coastline, it’s a perfect option for families keen to stick to Coffs Harbour’s centre. The 70-room hotel has a mix of standard rooms with queen beds as well as rooms with singles and bunks so it caters for every style of family. There’s also a swimming pool, a laundry and free-flowing wi-fi to help everyone relax.

Address: 1A McLean Street, Corner Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour

14. Quality Hotel City Centre

The Quality Hotel City Centre is smack bang in the centre of Coffs Harbour, making it well suited for urbanites who want to be within walking distance of the best places to eat and drink.

The rooms in this low-key hotel span queen-bed executive-style, king-bed suites and three-bedroom apartments. Grab a relaxed feed at Marinara Restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner and dishing up modern Australian fare with Italian inspiration. Facilities include a fitness centre, outdoor pool, laundry services and on-site parking.

Address: 22 Elizabeth Street, Coffs Harbour

15. Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat

Head for the hills with a stay at Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat. Plunging you right into the beautiful Orara Valley, the property features two beautifully appointed cabins fitted with hot tubs, outdoor dining settings, barbecues, fire pits, fully equipped kitchens and all your linen. Plus, four-legged friends are welcome. The owners are firmly focused on ensuring they leave the planet in better shape than when they entered it so you can count on solar power, all-natural materials and upcycled features throughout.

Address: 84 Gundarene Road, Lowanna

16. Friday Creek Retreat

Journey 20 minutes inland from Coffs Harbour to find the stunning Friday Creek Retreat in the Orara Valley. Set among rolling green hills, the Coffs Coast accommodation offers nine cottages with fully equipped kitchens and open fireplaces.

And while you’re certainly out in the middle of the forest, there’s still plenty to indulge in. An outdoor pool puts you right into the fresh country air while a poolside barbecue space is fitted with a woodfire pizza oven to inspire party times.

Address: 267 Friday Creek Road, Upper Orara

For more unexpected wonders of the Coffs Coast, read our guide to Coffs Harbour and beyond.

This article was originally written by Carla Grossetti with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams