4 Best Places to Paddle Board in Coffs Harbour, AUS

Discover the beauty of Australia’s east coast through the best places to paddle board in Coffs Harbour.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking coastline, marine life, and crystal-clear waters.

Embark on an unforgettable journey and let’s uncover the top paddleboarding spots in Coffs Harbour together. Ready to set sail?

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Planning Your Paddle in Coffs Harbour

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs stay above 15 °C right through the year, so there is no closed season. January is the warmest month, averaging 27 °C.
Rules and licences: Australia regulates paddling state by state. In New South Wales a lifejacket on a stand-up paddleboard is recommended rather than legally required, and so is a leg rope. The mandatory-wear rules that do exist for paddle craft are written for canoes and kayaks.

Where to Paddle Board in Coffs Harbour

Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!

#1 Jetty Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Jetty Beach Access Point (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, sheltered waters, protected from swell
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, seabirds, fish
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Coffs Harbour Marina, Muttonbird Island
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Swimming area nearby, be mindful of other beachgoers

Jetty Beach is a perfect spot in Coffs Harbour for paddleboarding, offering calm and sheltered waters.

The stunning coastline, Coffs Harbour Marina, and Muttonbird Island create a delightful backdrop for paddling adventures. Jetty Beach is ideal for beginner and intermediate paddleboarders, with rental facilities available nearby.

#2 Coffs Creek

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Coffs Creek Walkway (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, meandering waters
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Birds, fish, turtles
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Coffs Creek, lush vegetation
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife and natural habitats, avoid mangrove areas

Coffs Creek offers a serene paddleboarding location surrounded by lush vegetation.

The meandering waters provide a delightful setting for a relaxing paddle, allowing paddlers to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife and turtles that call this creek home as you explore this charming spot.

#3 Moonee Beach

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Moonee Beach Reserve (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, sheltered bays, estuary mouths
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Dolphins, seabirds, fish
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Moonee Beach, natural rock formations
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Pay attention to changing conditions, respect marine eco-zones

Moonee Beach offers a mixture of calm waters, sheltered bays, and estuary mouths, making it an ideal paddleboarding spot for all skill levels.

With breathtaking natural rock formations and abundant marine life, this area provides a fantastic environment for paddlers seeking a scenic and enjoyable experience.

#4 Urunga Lagoon

🏖️ Location Type: Lagoon
📍 Access Point: Urunga Boardwalk (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Shallow, gentle currents, protected waters
☀️ Popular Seasons: Year-round
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Fish, birds, crabs
🏞️ Landmarks & Views: Urunga Boardwalk, surrounding wetlands
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife and remain aware of local water conditions

Urunga Lagoon is a unique paddleboarding destination with shallow, protected waters and diverse wildlife.

The Urunga Boardwalk provides easy access to the lagoon, where paddlers can explore the picturesque wetlands and discover the many bird species, fish, and crabs that call this area home. This picturesque location offers a tranquil escape for paddlers seeking a serene environment.

Coffs Harbour sits roughly halfway up the New South Wales coast. Head south and the water keeps coming: Jervis Bay below Sydney, Manly inside the harbour itself, and Melbourne once you cross into Victoria.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case