Top 7 Best Suburbs In Coffs Harbour For Students In 2025!
“Beach life. Chill life. Coffs life!”
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Dreaming of a life where golden beaches meet laid-back coastal living? Welcome to Coffs Harbour, one of Australia’s most loved seaside cities. Tucked between Sydney and Brisbane, this sunny paradise offers a mix of beachside tranquillity, buzzing cafés, and lush hinterland views, all within a friendly and affordable community. Whether you’re a student eyeing convenience, a family craving safety, or a professional seeking balance, exploring the best suburbs in Coffs Harbour will help you find the perfect place to call home.
Top 7 Best Suburbs In Coffs Harbour, NSW
From peaceful beach towns to vibrant coastal hubs, the best suburbs in Coffs Harbour offer the perfect blend of lifestyle, convenience, and safety. Whether you’re a student, a family, or a working professional, these suburbs promise low crime, great infrastructure, and easy access to beaches and cafés. Here are the top picks that truly capture the essence of coastal living in New South Wales, Australia.
1. Moonee Beach
Average Rent: ~AUD $600/week
Population: 1,900
Safety Index: 8/10
Nearest University:Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour Campus - 10 km)
Best For: Coastal families and students wanting a quiet, beachside lifestyle close to town
Moonee Beach easily earns its spot among the best suburbs in Coffs Harbour for students and families who want coastal calm with city access. The suburb has strong infrastructure, a modern shopping centre, and excellent connectivity to the Pacific Highway. With low crime rates and a walkability score of 60/100, it’s one of the safest neighbourhoods in Coffs Harbour. Locals enjoy weekends at Moonee Creek, Moonee Market, and the nature reserves nearby. Its balance of nature, convenience, and affordability makes it a standout among the top suburbs in Coffs Harbour.
2. Sapphire Beach
Average Rent: ~AUD $580/week
Population: 1,700
Safety Index: 8/10
Nearest University: Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour - 9 km)
Best For: Beach lovers and professionals seeking scenic coastal views and calm living
Sapphire Beach is one of the best suburbs in Coffs Harbour, Australia, ideal for students and professionals craving seaside vibes. Known for its crystal-clear coastline and high-quality housing, it offers easy transport to Coffs Harbour CBD via Hogbin Drive. The suburb has low crime levels, strong community engagement, and a walk score of 55/100. Locals love visiting the Sapphire Beach Lookout or dining at the nearby Opal Cove Resort. With its safe environment and premium yet peaceful setting, Sapphire Beach stands out as one of the safest suburbs in Coffs Harbour.
3. Emerald Beach
Average Rent: ~AUD $570/week
Population: 2,100
Safety Index: 7.5/10
Nearest University: Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour - 17 km)
Best For: Surfers and students who love nature, beaches, and small-community vibes
Emerald Beach is among the top Coffs Harbour suburbs in NSW, for its unspoiled coastline and community-driven vibe. With low crime, excellent public amenities, and a walkability score of 58/100, it’s considered one of the safest neighbourhoods. The suburb’s infrastructure supports both families and students with local cafés, bus routes, and easy access to the Pacific Highway. Popular hangouts include Look-At-Me-Now Headland and Emerald Beach Reserve, ideal for weekend breaks. The suburb’s affordability and seaside charm make it one of the best neighbourhoods in Coffs Harbour for easy coastal living.
4. Woolgoolga
Average Rent: ~AUD $520/week
Population: 6,000
Safety Index: 7/10
Nearest University: Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour - 25 km)
Best For: Affordable beachside living with local culture, cafés, and a lively foreshore
Woolgoolga, or “Woopi” as locals call it, is one of the best suburbs in Coffs Harbour, blending beachside beauty with vibrant multicultural life. Its infrastructure includes Woolgoolga Beach - one of the best beaches in Australia, a thriving town centre, and great bus connections to Coffs Harbour and Southern Cross University. With relatively low crime rates and a walk score of 65/100, it’s among the safest suburbs in Coffs Harbour. Students and young families love its coastal cafés, community markets, and surf-friendly beaches. Its lively atmosphere and affordability make it one of the best neighbourhoods in Coffs Harbour.
5. Boambee
Average Rent: ~AUD $500/week
Population: 1,600
Safety Index: 7.5/10
Nearest University: Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour - 8 km)
Best For: Families and students wanting green surroundings and suburban convenience
Boambee is a peaceful gem among the best suburbs in Coffs Harbour, ideal for those who value space, greenery, and convenient transit. It boasts well-developed infrastructure, including local schools, shopping zones, and direct transport links to Coffs Harbour CBD. With low crime rates and a walk score of 50/100, Boambee ranks high among the safest neighbourhoods in Coffs Harbour. Locals love Boambee Creek Reserve and nearby cafés, offering a relaxed lifestyle that’s perfect for both students and working professionals. It’s one of the best neighbourhoods in Coffs Harbour for a suburban-meets-coastal balance.
6. Sawtell
Average Rent: ~AUD $550/week
Population: 3,788
Safety Index: 8.5/10
Nearest University: Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour - 9 km)
Best For: Students and families chasing beach cafés, parks, and an active coastal vibe
Sawtell is one of the best suburbs in Coffs Harbour for its lively foreshore, buzzing cafés, and family-friendly charm. The suburb’s upgraded infrastructure includes Sawtell Village, Boambee Bay Reserve, and a thriving local cinema. With low crime rates and a walkability score of 70/100, it’s one of the safest suburbs in Coffs Harbour and popular among university students. Reliable public buses connect it to Southern Cross University within 15 minutes. From surfing at Sawtell Beach to catching sunsets at Bonville Head Lookout, it’s easily one of the best neighbourhoods.
7. Bonville
Average Rent: ~AUD $480/week
Population: 2,400
Safety Index: 8/10
Nearest University: Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour - 14 km)
Best For: Peace seekers, retirees, and students who prefer greenery and rural calm
Bonville is a serene addition to the best suburbs in Coffs Harbour, perfect for students and families seeking a quiet, green escape. Known for its large blocks, local golf club, and nature-rich surroundings, it combines rural tranquillity with accessibility. Low crime rates and a walkability score of 45/100 make it one of the safest neighbourhoods in Coffs Harbour. The area is well-connected by road to Coffs CBD and Southern Cross University. Locals enjoy the Bonville Golf Resort and scenic Bonville Creek, a peaceful retreat within one of the best neighbourhoods in Coffs Harbour.
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From coastal charm at Sapphire Beach and café-lined streets in Sawtell, the best suburbs in Coffs Harbour perfectly blend beach life, community, and comfort. Whether you’re chasing ocean views, green escapes, or student-friendly convenience, there’s a suburb here that fits every lifestyle. With scenic beaches, modern infrastructure, and welcoming locals, Coffs Harbour captures the best of coastal living, making its suburbs some of the most desirable in all of NSW.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most expensive suburb in Coffs Harbour?
The most expensive suburb in Coffs Harbour is Sapphire Beach, known for its luxurious coastal homes, ocean views, and proximity to the Pacific Highway. Median house prices often exceed AUD $1.3 million, making it one of the most premium addresses in the region. Emerald Beach and Moonee Beach also rank among the top high-value areas for their scenic appeal and low-density living.
Is Coffs Harbour a nice place to live?
Yes, Coffs Harbour is one of Australia’s most liveable regional cities! With its beautiful beaches, subtropical climate, and friendly community, it offers a relaxed yet modern lifestyle. The city combines coastal serenity with strong infrastructure, great schools, and access to Southern Cross University, making it ideal for students, families, and retirees alike.
Is Coffs Harbour expensive?
Compared to Sydney or Brisbane, Coffs Harbour is relatively affordable. While premium suburbs like Sapphire Beach and Moonee Beach have higher rents, areas such as Woolgoolga and Boambee offer excellent value for money. The average rent across the region sits around AUD $500–$600 per week, making it a balanced mix of affordability and coastal comfort.
Is Coffs Harbour going to boom?
Yes, Coffs Harbour is currently experiencing steady growth! With infrastructure projects like the Coffs Harbour Bypass, a growing university presence, and increasing interstate migration, property demand is rising. Experts predict continued population and economic growth, making the best suburbs in Coffs Harbour strong candidates for both living and investment opportunities.
What is the coldest month in Coffs Harbour?
The coldest month in Coffs Harbour is July, with average daytime temperatures around 19°C and mild nights dropping to 8–10°C. Even in winter, the city enjoys plenty of sunshine, making it one of the most comfortable climates on the NSW coast and a year-round destination for outdoor living.