Depart mid-morning after a relaxed start in the Gold Coast and head north along the Pacific Motorway with a first stretch of scenic driving before your break at Byron Bay Lighthouse Reserve for coastal views and a chance to spot dolphins from the clifftop walking tracks. Continue with a relaxed stop at Ballina's Richmond Riverfront to stretch legs, enjoy a riverfront coffee and a light snack, then stroll the nearby foreshore parklands before resuming the drive toward Coffs Harbour.
After your Ballina stop, continue north and take a scenic detour to Nambucca Heads Foreshore & V-Wall to watch fishing boats and admire the public mosaics before a seaside lunch at Pacific Hotel Nambucca or a café on River Street. In the mid-afternoon, stretch your legs with a short walk at Glasshouse Rocks in the Nambucca River estuary, then drive the final hour to Coffs Harbour, arriving in time for a sunset stroll along Jetty Beach and dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.
After your sunset stroll, settle into Coffs Harbour's relaxed evening scene with a waterfront drink at Dolphin Marine Conservation Park's nearby café area or a craft beer at Liberation Brewing Coffs Harbour (both open into the evening), then wander the illuminated jetty precinct. For a memorable finish, take a short night walk along Marina Parklands to watch lights reflected on the harbour, enjoy fresh seafood at The Anchorage Seafood Restaurant, or grab gelato and sit on the foreshore while planning tomorrow's Big Banana visit.
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Coffs Harbour Farmers' Markets (open weekends) sampling local pastries and seasonal fruit, then head to Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve for the coastal walking track that offers panoramic harbour and whale-watching vantage points. After the walk, cool off with a swim or a coffee on the sands of Digger's Beach, followed by a short drive to the iconic Big Banana Fun Park to experience the banana-themed exhibits and a quick ride on the toboggan before lunch.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the northern shores with a visit to South Solitary Island boat tours for a short wildlife cruise or snorkel (seasonal), then unwind with a beachside lunch and local oysters at Dolphin Marine Conservation Park café's nearby eateries. After lunch, take the coastal headland walk from Park Beach Lookout to Fishermans Bay Reserve for panoramic ocean views, rockpool exploration and a quiet sunset picnic before returning to town.
As dusk falls, head to Harbourside Park for a relaxed picnic while watching the lights come on across the marina, then wander the nearby boardwalk to spot fishing boats and pelicans. Afterward, enjoy a casual seafood dinner at The Boathouse Coffs Harbour or sample local wines and small plates at The RSL Club Bar & Bistro, finishing the night with a gentle moonlit stroll along Moonee Beach to digest and reflect on the day's coastal highlights.