Coffs Harbour International Marina

About Coffs Harbour International Marina

Coffs Harbour International Marina is one of the most strategically placed cruising stops on the New South Wales coast, roughly midway between Sydney and southeast Queensland. Its protected harbour position gives coastal crews a practical place to pause, refuel, rest and reassess the weather. Following a substantial upgrade, the marina advertises 143 berths for monohulls and multihulls from about 10 to 30 metres. For us, that range and the marina's passage-making role are its defining strengths.

The renewed berthing system provides fresh water and shore power, with 15, 32 or 63-amp connections allocated according to berth. Swipe-card access and round-the-clock surveillance support security, while bathrooms, showers and a laundromat make multi-day stays more comfortable. Fuel and pump-out services help crews reset the boat as well as themselves. A courtesy car adds uncommon convenience when provisions, hardware or a trip beyond the immediate harbour precinct are needed.

Coffs Harbour is also an official first port of entry. International arrivals must use the designated boarding arrangements and complete Australian Border Force and biosecurity clearance before moving freely or receiving visitors. That capability is valuable, but it comes with formal responsibilities: advance notice, documentation and agency directions take precedence over an ordinary marina booking. Overseas crews should coordinate directly with the relevant authorities and the marina well before landfall.

Maintenance support strengthens the stopover. The neighbouring boatyard promotes a 75-tonne travel lift, hardstand space and access to marine trades, making Coffs relevant for planned work or an unexpected coastal repair. The city itself offers supermarkets, accommodation, transport, dining and broader services, while the harbour precinct puts beaches and waterfront walks close by. We like that balance: the marina can serve a serious passage without making the layover feel purely functional.

Our take is that Coffs Harbour International Marina deserves consideration from almost every east-coast cruising plan, especially for vessels that benefit from a protected intermediate port. It also works for larger local boats and multihulls that need modern berths and yard access. Weather and bar conditions still require conservative seamanship, and berth availability should never be assumed during migration periods or strong coastal systems. Confirm dimensions, electrical supply and arrival guidance, then use Coffs as a capable place to regroup before the next leg.

Services

Coffs Harbour International Marina advertises 143 upgraded berths for monohulls and catamarans approximately 10 to 30 metres long, with short- and long-term arrangements available. Fresh water and shore power are provided, with 15, 32 and 63-amp connections depending on berth allocation. Swipe-card access, 24-hour surveillance, bathrooms, showers and a laundromat support both resident and travelling crews.

Fuel and vessel pump-out are available within the facility, and a courtesy car can assist with local provisioning under the marina's current conditions. The adjoining boatyard publishes a 75-tonne travel lift, hardstand capacity and access to marine trades. Yard work should be quoted separately, with full length, beam, draft, displacement and lifting-point information supplied before a booking is accepted.

As an official first port of entry, Coffs has designated arrangements for international vessels. Overseas arrivals must coordinate advance reporting and follow Border Force and biosecurity instructions before berthing or disembarking. Domestic visitors should still confirm weather access, berth assignment, fuel hours, pump-out procedure and power compatibility. Ask about courtesy-car availability, security credentials, parking and any contractor rules when planning a longer stay or maintenance period.

Ideal for

East-coast cruising yachts and powerboats needing a protected passage stop, larger monohulls or catamarans seeking modern utilities, and international arrivals requiring an official first port of entry.

What we love

• A strategic position between Sydney and southeast Queensland.
• 143 upgraded berths accommodating monohulls and multihulls.
• Multiple shore-power ratings for vessels up to approximately 30 metres.
• Fuel, pump-out, laundry and a courtesy car for genuine cruising support.
• A nearby 75-tonne travel lift and working marine precinct.

To keep in mind

International crews must complete formal clearance before normal marina activity. Confirm the allocated power connection and catamaran width before arrival. Coastal weather and harbour access remain the skipper's responsibility, even with a protected berth waiting.