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Best driving roads near Coffs Harbour, NSW

Coffs Harbour sits at the base of Waterfall Way - one of the east coast's best-scored driving roads - and opens up to the rest of the Mid North Coast hinterland.

Roads scored
20
Median RQS
8.7/10
Total kilometres
149 km
ProfileAllSportsMotorcycleEV4WDCaravan
SurfaceAll surfacesSealedMixedUnsealed
Min scoreAny score6+7+8+
  1. 01

    Eastern Dorrigo Way

    NSWTertiary33 km49.2 km away83 grey spots
    9.3
    RQS
  2. 02

    Helliwells Road

    NSWSecondary3 km86.1 km away8 grey spots
    9.2
    RQS
  3. 03

    Willowbank Drive

    NSWUnclassified1 km130.8 km away3 grey spots
    9.0
    RQS
  4. 04

    Wenga Drive

    NSWUnclassified2 km131.5 km away5 grey spots
    9.0
    RQS
  5. 05

    Jackwood Road

    NSWUnclassified1 km86.5 km away3 grey spots
    9.0
    RQS
  6. 06

    Rocky Creek Dam Road

    NSWResidential2 km140.9 km away7 grey spots
    8.9
    RQS
  7. 07

    Newton Drive

    NSWResidential7 km147 km away18 grey spots
    8.9
    RQS
  8. 08

    Alphadale Road

    NSWSecondary5 km123.4 km away10 grey spots
    8.8
    RQS
  9. 09

    Tyringham Road

    NSWSecondary26 km52.1 km away70 grey spots
    8.8
    RQS
  10. 10

    Stony Chute Road

    NSWSecondary12 km141.4 km away33 grey spots
    8.8
    RQS
  11. 11

    Central Bucca Road

    NSWTertiary6 km52.9 km away14 grey spots
    8.7
    RQS
  12. 12

    Tuckombil Road

    NSWSecondary1 km128.8 km away27 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  13. 13

    Upper Warrell Creek Road

    NSWTertiary9 km104.8 km away28 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  14. 14

    Plain Station Road

    NSWSecondary10 km90.3 km away24 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  15. 15

    Cawongla Road

    NSWSecondary20 km131.6 km away51 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  16. 16

    Numulgi Road

    NSWTertiary4 km128.5 km away14 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  17. 17

    Hanlan Road

    NSWUnclassified1 km124.5 km away2 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  18. 18

    McGraths Lane

    NSWUnclassified2 km25.8 km away6 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  19. 19

    Howards Road

    NSWUnclassified2 km128.1 km away22 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS
  20. 20

    Ellandgrove Road

    NSWUnclassified2 km15.9 km away6 grey spots
    8.6
    RQS

Waterfall Way (the Dorrigo escarpment) is the signature climb, starting at Bellingen and rising 30 km to Dorrigo. The Orara Way north links Coffs to Grafton with quieter country driving. South, the Bowraville-Nambucca loop extends the network.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best driving roads near Coffs Harbour?+

Contour's top three scored roads near Coffs Harbour are Eastern Dorrigo Way (NSW, RQS 9.3/10, 49.2 km away); Helliwells Road (NSW, RQS 9.2/10, 86.1 km away); Willowbank Drive (NSW, RQS 9.0/10, 130.8 km away). All are within a two-hour touring drive of the city.

How far should I drive from Coffs Harbour to find a great road?+

The nearest excellent-rated road (RQS 8+) is Eastern Dorrigo Way, about 49.2 km from Coffs Harbour. Plenty of good options sit closer if you don't want the full drive.

Are there good motorcycle roads near Coffs Harbour?+

Yes. Eastern Dorrigo Way scores 9.3/10 for motorcycles and sits 49.2 km from Coffs Harbour. Several other strong rides sit within the same radius.

What's the best sealed road near Coffs Harbour?+

Eastern Dorrigo Way is fully sealed and scores 9.3/10 for driving quality. It's 49.2 km from Coffs Harbour.

Are there any dangerous sections on roads near Coffs Harbour?+

Contour has identified grey spots on 20 roads within range of Coffs Harbour - sections where the posted speed limit does not match the road geometry. Eastern Dorrigo Way has 83. Take extra care in wet conditions.

When is the best time to drive near Coffs Harbour?+

Summer wet-season rain makes Waterfall Way's lower hairpins slick; winter is clear and grippy.

Scores are based on road geometry, surface quality, traffic density, and crash history. Always drive to conditions and follow local road rules.