R&H Suburb Profile COFFS HARBOUR

Coffs Harbour is a city on the NSW north coast, about 540km north of Sydney, 385km north of Newcastle, and 440km south of Brisbane. The region has a winter time population of more than 70,000 people, which swells to 100,000 in the holidays.

Popular with those seeking a ‘sea’ or ‘tree’ change, Coffs Harbour continues to grow at a rapid rate, with projections putting the population at 80,000 by 2016. According to the CSIRO, Coffs Harbour has the most liveable climate in Australia and it is nestled between a high mountain backdrop and dozens of clean beaches.

The economy is based mainly on farming (bananas), tourism, and manufacturing and is home to the Big Banana, the first of Australia’s ‘big’ things.

Coffs Harbour Regional Airport has regular flights with various carriers. Coffs Harbour is also accessible by Countrylink train and regular bus services.

The city is home to the Coffs Harbour Education Campus (CHEC), a unique concept and a partnership between the Southern Cross University, TAFE and the Coffs Harbour Senior College. Other universities include the University of New South Wales Rural Clinical School.  Local state and private high schools include the Senior College, Woolgoolga, Orara, Coffs Harbour (Jetty), Toormina, John Paul College, Coffs Harbour Christian Community and Bishop Druitt College.

Coffs Harbour has several large shopping centres and is near numerous national parks, including a marine national park. Sport is extremely popular in, with many codes and varieties well represented.

Coffs Harbour Base Hospital serves the area, with Baringa Private Hospital nearby.