A guide to wellness on the Coffs Coast and Hinterland

28 Jul, 2025

There’s a quiet enchantment to the Coffs Coast that’s hard to put into words. It’s not just the rainforest-draped hills or the rhythm of waves curling onto golden sand – it’s something you feel. A loosening. A slowing. A gentle shift, as if the landscape itself is inviting you to soften.

From the sun-drenched beaches of Woolgoolga and the sweeping headlands of Moonee Beach, to the character-filled hinterland towns of Bellingen and Coramba, the Coffs Coast and surrounding hinterland hums with natural beauty and an unhurried rhythm.

Whether you’re tucking yourself away for a weekend of deep rest at a wellness retreat in Coffs Harbour, soaking in the serenity of Sealy Lookout’s forest canopy boardwalk, or wandering beneath the ancient Gondwana rainforest in Dorrigo National Park, the Coffs Coast and its lush hinterland is a place where you come home to yourself – naturally, effortlessly and completely.

What makes it special isn’t just the scenery, though there’s no shortage of that. It’s the way the elements come together: salt air, lush green, birdsong, bush tracks, fresh produce, heartfelt hospitality. The Coffs Coast doesn’t demand anything, it simply invites you to return to what matters

Top wellness picks

Whether you retreat to Coffs Harbour or venture into its lush hills, this coastal haven offers a generous mix of movement, energy, creativity and calm.

If you need to truly exhale, the region’s spa scene knows how to hold space for rest. In Coffs, Shala Wellness offers a holistic, heart-led sanctuary where yoga, Traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and massage are thoughtfully tailored to support your nervous system and nurture real rest.

Nearby, Endota Spa invites deep restoration with COSMOS-certified organics and modern treatments like LED light therapy designed to restore from the inside out. For something more indulgent, Spa Elements at Opal Cove Resort weaves natural therapies with indulgent rituals in a serene, coastal setting.

For mindful movement with a local touch, Coffs Pilates is a hidden gem. Nestled in a peaceful garden setting, this light-filled studio offers small group reformer classes and private sessions. It’s known for its welcoming vibe and expert instruction that brings strength, balance and alignment back into focus – without the hustle.

If yoga is more your rhythm, Sol Collective in Coffs Harbour offers a down-to-earth studio space where you can drop into a variety of classes, from gentle yin to energising vinyasa. Craving something more expressive? 5 Rhythms Ecstatic Dance classes with Naomi Lishman are a dynamic practice to help you both workout and meditate in the same breath. This fusion of movement and community creates an uplifting, full-body experience that taps into something primal and playful. It’s stress relief that feels more like a celebration.

And for those craving a little adventure with their wellness? OzFoiling offers the ultimate combination of adrenaline and presence. Gliding silently across the water on an electric foil board, you’ll find yourself in that rare space between excitement and stillness – riding the saltwater, heart open and fully in the moment.

Natural wellness

When wellness meets wild beauty, you get the Coffs Coast. Head inland to Dorrigo National Park and walk the breathtaking Skywalk Lookout. Suspended high above the rainforest canopy, this timber boardwalk offers panoramic views of Gondwana wilderness and cascading waterfalls – it’s pure nature therapy.

Looking for something gentler? Drift down a local creek with Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours, where Indigenous guides lead standup paddleboard (SUP) experiences through the peaceful waterways of Gumbaynggirr Country. These slow, sensory journeys are more than just time on the water, they’re an invitation to connect with Country through the eyes and stories of its Traditional Custodians. As you glide past mangroves and sandy inlets, you’ll learn about bush foods, cultural practices and the deep spiritual connection the Gumbaynggirr people have with land and water. It’s a beautiful blend of gentle movement, living culture and quiet healing – one that leaves you feeling grounded, grateful and deeply moved.

For mountain biking or cycling enthusiasts, the Coffs Coast offers a variety of trails that wind through lush forests and along scenic coastlines. The Coffs Harbour Mountain Bike Park features a range of trails suitable for all skill levels, while the Bongil Bongil National Park offers serene paths through coastal rainforests. Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-pumping ride or a leisurely cycle, the region's diverse landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for your adventure.

Prefer to explore beneath the surface? The Solitary Islands Marine Park is one of Australia’s most biodiverse underwater environments – and a snorkeling or diving tour with Jetty Dive is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience it. Teeming with coral gardens, sea turtles and vibrant subtropical fish, this marine sanctuary is a living reminder of just how much magic exists below the waves. If you’re visiting between May and November, you can also take the plunge with a guided swim with humpback whales – a rare and humbling experience that will stay with you long after your wetsuit dries.

Nourishing eats

Wellness in this region also lives on the plate. We love the menu at the Three Blue Ducks restaurant, located on the grounds of The Lodge Bellingen because it showcases the Ducks’ approach to simple, ethically sourced real food, which the team is famous for. From weekend lunches, to indulgent dinners, you'll find something delicious to filly your belly.

And if you're in Bellingen on a Saturday morning, the Bellingen Growers Market is a must. Local food, seasonal produce and a strong sense of community come together in a beautiful celebration of nourishment and connection.

At Levenvale Farm (also in Bellingen!), regenerative farming isn’t just practised – it’s lived. This working farm showcases sustainability in action, with healthy soil, ethically raised animals and a deep commitment to the land. You can visit their butcher shop in Coffs to pick up organic, grass-fed Bello Beef – from preservative-free sausages to rich bone broths – or stay at the Farm for one of their seasonal long lunches. These open-fire feasts, like the signature 'Fire Long Lunch' by Terra Firma, turn the farm’s own produce into a slow, immersive dining experience that connects you with the source of your food.

In Coffs Harbour, The Happy Frog is a favourite for wholesome, sustainable eating. This vibrant café and grocery hub serves up vegetarian, vegan, organic and gluten-free meals using fair-trade, locally sourced ingredients. Then head to Nourished Earth at Moonee Beach to stock up on all your organic groceries.

Where to stay

The Coffs Coast is full of wellness-friendly stays where you can rest and recharge – and few places capture its grounding magic quite like The Lodge Bellingen. Tucked into the hills of the lush hinterland, this boutique retreat offers a beautiful balance of comfort and calm. Expect luxe rooms with thoughtful details, plush beds and plenty of natural light. What really sets The Lodge apart, though, is its setting – perched high above the valley with panoramic views that shift with the seasons.

Just a short drive away in Valla, Sacred Mountain Retreat offers a similarly soul-soothing experience. Surrounded by lush gardens and tucked between the ocean and the escarpment, it’s a place of quiet beauty – perfect for those seeking solitude and soft, uninterrupted moments.

If your idea of luxury is more about stars than spas, Reflections at Red Rock delivers with its beautifully appointed glamping tents set near pristine beaches and bushland. It’s wild, grounding and effortlessly restorative – the kind of escape that reminds you how good it feels to unplug.

Getting there and getting around

Coffs Harbour is easy to reach and even easier to explore. Direct flights to Coffs Harbour Airport are available from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, or enjoy a scenic drive along the Pacific Highway. You can also catch regular rail services to Coffs from cities like Sydney and Brisbane or other key regional centres.

Once you arrive, hire a car to make the most of your time – whether you're heading for the hills, the rainforest or the sea, freedom to explore at your own pace is part of the wellness experience.

Image credits: Wajaana Yaam (Destination NSW), Shala Wellness, Coffs Pilates, Dorrigo National Park (Destination NSW), Nourished Earth, The Lodge Bellingen, Reflections Holiday Parks.

Other stories you might like

1