Coffs Harbour is Australia's most important blueberry-growing area and one of the most popular stops for doing your 88 days of farm work for the second visa. Add patrolled beaches, an island with whale views and the Big Banana. Here you'll find all 12 checked spots from our map — with seasons, how to get there and tips.
Around Coffs Harbour, large areas are planted with blueberries, plus raspberries, blackberries, bananas and avocados. That makes the region one of the most reliable places for working holiday makers to do their 88 days of “specified work” for the second visa: picking, packing and pruning on farms all count.
The main blueberry season runs roughly from July to December depending on the farm, and some growers pick into autumn. Raspberries and blackberries run from February to July and fill the gap, and bananas are harvested all year. Picking is often paid by piece rate — since 2022 your employer still has to pay you at least the minimum wage. Many hostels in Coffs work directly with farms and find you jobs. Before you start, check that the farm's postcode is on the Home Affairs list, and get a payslip every week, or the days won't count.
Coffs Harbour sits roughly halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the Pacific Coast. The long-distance train between Sydney and Brisbane stops at the station by the harbour, coaches run the route several times a day, and the airport has flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. In town you'll manage without a car if you stay centrally; for the farms you'll need a car, a lift or your hostel's shuttle. Coffs is a fixed stop on the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip.
For the harvest season, a hostel with farm contacts pays off: Aussitel Backpackers, Coffs Harbour YHA and the Hoey Moey at Park Beach say they place people with local farms. Before paying a deposit, get it in writing what jobs there are, what the room costs per week and how you get to the farm.
This government-run holiday park sits right on Park Beach, with tent and powered sites for vans and cars. The beach is a few steps away, and the centre and the jetty are a few minutes' drive. A good base if you're travelling in your own van and staying longer for the harvest season — for longer stays, ask about weekly rates.
The coast off Coffs is part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Swim at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags; the water is nicest from October to April.
The town's main beach is patrolled by lifeguards and has picnic areas and barbecues right behind it. The currents change often here — stay between the flags even when the water looks calm. The water is warmest from October to April. The holiday park and hostels are within walking distance.
This bay north of town sits right below the Big Banana and has consistent waves — the most popular surf spot in Coffs. You can hire boards in town. The bay is sheltered by hills and quietest early in the morning. After your surf, walk up the hill to the Big Banana.
You reach this small island at the end of the breakwall on foot along the harbour wall. For the Gumbaynggirr people, the traditional owners of the land, it's a significant place. From September to April wedge-tailed shearwaters nest in burrows beside the path, and from June to November humpback whales pass the island. From the top you get the best view of the sunrise over the sea.
This historic 19th-century timber jetty reaches far out to sea and is the town's landmark. It's most beautiful at sunrise, and on warm days kids jump off it. Behind it is the Jetty Strip with cheap cafés and restaurants — a good meeting spot after your shift.
The giant concrete banana from 1964 is one of Australia's first “Big Things” — the oversized landmarks that stand along country roads all over the country. Looking and taking a photo is free; you only pay for the attractions behind it. Diggers Beach is right below.
This viewing platform at Sealy Lookout juts out over the forest, with views across banana plantations to the sea. The drive up is short but steep — take it slowly in a heavily loaded van. Most beautiful at sunrise, when the mist still hangs in the valleys.
The fishermen's co-op at the harbour sells fresh catch straight off the boat, plus fish and chips to take away. You won't get cheaper or fresher fish in Coffs. Sit by the water with your food or walk on to the jetty.
The village south of Coffs has fig trees down the middle of the main street and some of the best cafés in the area. It's quieter than Coffs itself and has its own train station. Come for breakfast in the morning, then walk to the beach and the mouth of Bonville Creek.
A laundromat near the harbour — handy after a week on the farm when every machine in the hostel is taken. While your washing runs, head to the Fisherman's Co-op or out on the jetty.
Outdoor padel courts in the centre of Coffs — a good stop on the east coast route or a break from harvest work. Padel usually costs 20 to 60 AUD per court per hour, booked through Playtomic or Matchi, and you can hire racquets.
The main season runs roughly from July to December depending on the farm. Raspberries and blackberries are picked from February to July, bananas all year.
Yes, picking, packing and pruning on farms around Coffs count as “specified work” for the second and third working holiday visa. Still check the farm's postcode beforehand and keep all your payslips.
Pay is often by the kilo or bucket. Since 2022 your employer has to guarantee you at least the minimum wage, currently 26.44 AUD an hour (33.05 AUD as a casual).
By long-distance train or coach on the Sydney–Brisbane route, or fly into Coffs Harbour. By car it's about 530 km from Sydney and 390 km from Brisbane.
All spots on the Coffs Harbour map. Nearby: Port Macquarie to the south and Byron Bay to the north, and on to Sydney. The whole route at a glance on the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip. Track your farm days in the 88-day counter; all harvest regions are in the harvest calendar on Work.
Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources, operator websites and job boards. Seasons vary with the weather and the farm — confirm with your hostel or farm before you travel.