The best things to do at Charlesworth Bay Beach, Coffs Harbour, include swimming, the Diggers Head Trail and the Solitary Islands Aquarium. Accommodation is available at the Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort.
Charlesworth Bay Beach, NSW, is by no means the most impressive beach on the Coffs Coast. But it’s still pretty gorgeous, and a lot of people will end up staying there. The Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort is arguably much more famous than the 500-metre long beach itself.
Where is Charlesworth Bay Beach?
Charlesworth Bay Beach is in Korora, just north of Coffs Harbour on the Coffs Coast of New South Wales. The bigger Korora Beach lies to the north and Diggers Head is to the south.
Is Charlesworth Bay Beach safe for swimming?
Charlesworth Bay Beach is fairly safe for swimming. This is mainly due to the protection offered by Diggers Head. This usually means that waves are low.
However, there are no lifeguards patrolling the beach – so you swim at your own risk. Surfers, on the other hand, are not going to get much joy here.
Things to do at Charlesworth Bay Beach
Things to do at Charlesworth Bay Beach include walking the Diggers Head Trail to the end of Diggers Head. This is also where you’ll find the Solitary Islands Aquarium.
The aquarium, located at Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre, is a small but well-regarded attraction with tanks featuring local marine life, touch pools and keeper talks. It opens primarily on weekends and during NSW school holidays.
Charlesworth Bay accommodation
Perhaps more importantly, Charlesworth Bay is home to the Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort. One of the most impressive Coffs Coast accommodation options, this resort has three pools, a spa centre, a tennis court and a nine-hole golf course.
Book online for the best deals at this Coffs Harbour resort.
Other Coffs Coast beaches include Emerald Beach and Sapphire Beach.
Charlesworth Bay Beach: key visitor information
The Solitary Islands Aquarium is primarily open on weekends and during NSW school holidays — always check the aquarium website or call ahead before visiting.
| Question | Information |
|---|---|
| How much does it cost to visit Charlesworth Bay Beach? | Free. |
| Is Charlesworth Bay Beach patrolled by lifeguards? | No. The beach is unpatrolled. Swim with caution. |
| Where is Charlesworth Bay Beach? | Bay Drive, Korora NSW 2450. Approximately 5km north of Coffs Harbour city centre. |
| Is there parking at Charlesworth Bay Beach? | Street and car park parking is available near the beach. The Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort has free on-site parking for guests, though spaces can be limited. Free street parking is also available near the Solitary Islands Aquarium. |
| What facilities are at Charlesworth Bay Beach? | The beach itself has limited facilities. The Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort (adjacent) offers pools, a restaurant and spa facilities. The Solitary Islands Aquarium is a two-minute walk from the resort. |
| Where is the Solitary Islands Aquarium? | 2 Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450. Approximately a two-minute walk from the Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort. |
| When is the Solitary Islands Aquarium open? | Primarily on weekends and during NSW school holidays, 10am–4pm. Call 02 6659 8131 or check the aquarium’s website before visiting, as hours vary. |
| Is the Solitary Islands Aquarium accessible? | Yes. Wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible toilets and accessible parking are all available. |
| What amenities does the Charlesworth Bay Beach Resort have? | Three outdoor pools, spa, hot tub, sauna, tennis court, nine-hole golf course, restaurant, bar and free parking. |
Things to do near Charlesworth Bay Beach, Coffs Harbour
Diggers Head Coastal Walk – Beginning near Charlesworth Bay Beach, this trail follows the headland to the tip of Diggers Head, with ocean views and access to some of the Coffs Coast’s best snorkelling and diving spots.
Jetty Beach – Around 5km south, Jetty Beach is Coffs Harbour’s most family-friendly beach, with a year-round Mobi-Mat, beach wheelchairs, a children’s playground and lifeguard patrols in summer.
Big Banana Fun Park – Around 4km north of Charlesworth Bay, this Coffs Harbour landmark offers rides, waterslides, ice skating and toboggan runs, and remains one of the most-visited attractions on the Coffs Coast.
Diggers Beach – A longer, more exposed surf beach accessible from the northern end of the Diggers Head Trail or via car. Popular with surfers and bodyboarders.
Korora Lookout – A short drive inland from Charlesworth Bay, this lookout offers sweeping views over the bay, the coastline and the surrounding hinterland.
More New South Wales travel
Other New South Wales travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Coffs Harbour Butterfly House visitor guide: With ticket prices, opening times and what to expect other than butterflies.
- Bago Maze visitor guide: What to expect at Australia’s largest hedge maze.
- Mid-North Coast beach guides: Burgess Beach in Forster.
- Byron Bay beach guides: Wategos Beach, Tallow Beach, Broken Head Beach, Belongil Beach and Whites Beach.
- Killen Falls visitor guide: How to get there from Byron Bay or Ballina, plus whether it’s safe to swim.
