Coffs Harbour is a coastal city and Local Government Area in northern New South Wales, Australia. It is a popular vacation spot for locals and tourists because it is far enough north to be semi-tropical, but relatively close to Sydney (a mere 550km along the Pacific Highway). The population is estimated at 48,047, by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in June 2003. The surrounding region is dominated by resorts and apartments along the beach with coastal hills and mountains covered by forests, banana plantations, and other farms.

Coffs Harbour owes its name to Captain John Korff, who named the area Korff's Harbour when he was forced to take shelter from storm in the area in 1847. Its name was accidently changed by the surveyor for the crown when he reserved land in the area during 1861.

Coffs Harbour is the hub for a thriving banana industry. One of the biggest attractions is the Big Banana, one of Australia's Big Things, celebrating the region's best known export. There is also a popular underwater diving spot on a small natural reef.

Directly out to sea from Coffs Harbour adjacent to the man-made breakwater is Muttonbird Island. The island is an Australian National Park protecting unique muttonbird nesting sites. The well_known film actor Russell Crowe lives inland from Coffs Harbour at Nana Glen.

External links

• Coffs Harbour City Council (http://www.coffsharbour.com/)
• Coffs Coast (http://www.coffscoast.com.au/) - tourism website