There is good surfing available around Coffs Harbour. East Coast Surf School offers how-to-surf lessons for $55 for a 2½-hour lesson, $135 for a three-day course or $200 for a five-day course.
Courses are usually held at Diggers Beach near the Big Banana, although this venue is subject to change depending on surf conditions.
Up to 4,000 hump back whales migrate through the Coffs Coast. Cougar Cat 12 run whale watching cruises between June and November. Whale watching cruises typically go for 1½–2 hours.
Seabreeze Hang Gliding runs tandem hang gliding flights from Cape Byron or Lennox Head. A tandem flight costs $145 for a 30-minute flight or $200 for a 45-minute flight.
Sea kayaking puts you in a unique position to discover Byron Bay’s marine life, which includes dolphins. Sea kayaking trips with Cape Byron Kayaks cost $69 per person.
Byron Bay has excellent beginners waves and it’s a popular spot to learn to surf. One-day lessons with Black Dog Surfing start at $60 for one-day (1 x 3.5 hour) course, $105 for a two-day (2 x 3.5 hour) course and $150 for a three-day (3 x 3.5 hour) course.
There are several companies operating white water rafting trips on rivers between Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay with pickups from Coffs Harbour hostels. The Nymboida River is the closest to Coffs Harbour and is a popular river for rafting. A one-day rafting trip on the Nymboida River costs around $185.
This outback institution provides medical support in isolated communities. The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) maintains visitors centres in several outback towns and this one is a working base with a museum on site. A visit includes a one-hour tour of the base.
Byron Bay has excellent beginners waves and it’s a popular spot to learn to surf. One-day lessons with Byron Bay Surf School start at $65 for one-day (1 x 3.5 hour) course, $165 for a three-day (3 x 3.5 hour) course and $235 for a five-day (5 x 3.5 hour) course.
While the Flying Doctor looks after medical problems in the outback, the School of the Air educates the outback. This unique correspondence school allows visitors to experience what life is like for children in the more remote parts of the outback. It is essential to book tours in advance through the tourist office.