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Finding a rental car in Coffs Harbour is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers around Australia with no booking fees. Whether you're picking up from the airport or a city depot, a set of wheels is your ticket to exploring the Waterfall Way or kicking off a coastal road trip.
| Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS) |
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| Coffs Harbour City |
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| Off-Airport Independents |
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Major Rental Companies:
Pick your dates wisely. August is typically the cheapest month for a rental in Coffs Harbour. Watch out for the September school holidays, when prices often hit their yearly high.
Compare airport vs. city pickup locations. A quick taxi ride to an office in town could save you a decent chunk of change on airport surcharges.
Look at weekly rates if you're staying 5 days or more, as the daily price often drops. Also, picking up on a Tuesday is usually cheaper than a Friday.
Skip the prepaid fuel option and fill the tank yourself before returning the car. For a bargain, fuel up in Toormina, where prices are often lower than in the city centre.
| Location | Parking Options | Costs & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coffs CBD | Street parking, council lots | Mix of free timed (1-2 hours) and all-day parking. City centre lots on Castle and Vernon Streets. |
| Park Beach Plaza | Large shopping centre lot | Free parking, time limits apply in some sections (3 hours). |
| Jetty Area | Street and designated lots | Free parking along some timed zones. Can be busy on weekends. |
| Beaches & Headlands | Dedicated parking areas | Free parking at most beaches. Limited spaces at popular spots like Diggers Beach. |
| National Parks | Designated parking areas | Day use fees apply at Dorrigo NP. |
| Big Banana | Large free lot | Plenty of parking for visitors. |
Local Driving Regulations:
Speed Limits: 40 km/h in CBD and school zones, 50 km/h in residential areas, 80-100 km/h on rural roads
School Zones: 40 km/h during 8-9:30 AM and 2:30-4 PM on school days
Pedestrian Malls: Vehicle access restricted on City Square and parts of Harbour Drive
Seasonal Changes: Higher enforcement during summer tourist season and school holidays
RBT Locations: Random breath testing common on Orlando Street, Pacific Highway and Hogbin Drive
Beaches: No vehicle access permitted on beaches in Coffs Harbour area
Traffic Hotspots:
Park Beach Plaza area on weekends and holidays
Jetty area on Sunday afternoons and during events
What's the best vehicle type for exploring the Coffs region? For most visitors, a standard sedan or small SUV is suitable. If planning extensive hinterland exploration on Waterfall Way or forestry drives, a SUV offers better ground clearance and comfort on winding roads.
Is Coffs Harbour a good starting point for one-way trips? Yes, Coffs is positioned midway between Sydney and Brisbane, making it practical for starting a coastal exploration in either direction. One-way rentals are readily available but expect to pay a one-way fee.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle in the Coffs Harbour region? No, standard 2WD vehicles can access all major attractions and towns. 4WD is only necessary for forestry trails or beach driving. However, driving on unsealed or gravel roads is often restricted or prohibited by rental agreements, even for AWD/4WD vehicles. Always check your specific contract terms carefully for restrictions. Beach driving is generally prohibited when using rental cars.
What's the current status of the Pacific Highway through Coffs Harbour? The Pacific Highway is now dual carriageway throughout the region, but the Coffs Harbour bypass is under construction (completion expected around 2027). Currently, the highway still passes through parts of Coffs using traffic lights.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations in Coffs Harbour? Yes, Coffs has EV charging infrastructure, including multiple DC fast chargers in and around the city (often at major shopping centres and along the Pacific Highway), plus AC destination chargers at some accommodations. Check your charging network app or PlugShare for up-to-date locations and availability.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Coffs Harbour? For peak periods (December-January, Easter and September school holidays), book at least 4-6 weeks ahead. During winter (except school holidays), 1-2 weeks notice is usually sufficient.
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