Pet Porpoise Pool
The pet porpoise pool is another Coffs institution, operating on the site for 40 years. The setup here is more informal and smaller that the Seaworld type operation further north. You can get close to dolphins and seals. There are a couple of shows a day, so check session times before you go. You can do the dolphin encounter thing if you pay extra.
Butterfly House
A indoor rainforest with lots of butterflies. It is one of those places where you walk amoungt them and they land on you if they feel like it. Good spot ot take photos. There is maze and a cafe here as well. It is a typical Australian maze, which means that a person of normal ability and kids can successfully complete it. If you are venturing to New Zealand soon, this is the place to boost your ego before you tackle a real one.
The Big Banana, right on Pacific Highway, just north of town. (http://www.bigbanana.com/). Yes, it is kitsch. Yes, it is a pure tourism. Yes, it has overpriced food and tacky souvenirs But this is Australia's original "Big Thing", over 40 years old, and you have to get your photo taken in front of it, as generations of Australians have done before you. While you are there, you can eat banana bread, banana cake, and choc-dipped bananas, while sipping on your banana smoothie. Browse what may be Australia's largest range of banana themed merchandise, including the banana water pistols, which are a real boon for the politically correct parent who prohibits their child playing with guns, but who encourages fruit. If you choose not to indulge yourself in all things banana, visting the big fruit itself is free.
The Big Banana Complex
adjacent to the fruit, there are fun rides, ice skating, and a real snow slope indoor. Take a tour of the real bananas as well.
There is a Creek-side Boardwalk through mangroves near the jetty area and a quite extensive Botanical Garden nearby.
Shearwater nesting
on Muttonbird Island. Muttonbird Island is a penisula extending out from the marina area. It is completely treeless, but is a nesting site for the migratory birds call wedge-tailed shearwaters, or muttonbirds. Birds complete their courtship in November and the eggs hatch towards the end of summer. On the eastern side of Muttonbird Island, there is a great view out to sea and whales can also be seen at some parts of the year. Walking over Muttonbird Island is a short walk 10-20 minutes, but it's also steep and there is no shade. Wear a hat, cover your shoulders, and take a bottle of water with you.