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.
- 01
Helliwells Road
NSWSecondary3 km86.1 km away9.0RQS - 02
Rotary Drive
NSWSecondary1 km122.6 km away9.0RQS - 03
The Channon Road
NSWTertiary4 km134.8 km away4 grey spots8.0RQS - 04
Rocky Creek Dam Road
NSWResidential2 km140.9 km away8.8RQS - 05
Wenga Drive
NSWUnclassified2 km131.5 km away8.8RQS - 06
Stony Chute Road
NSWSecondary13 km141.4 km away8.8RQS - 07
Tyringham Road
NSWSecondary26 km52.2 km away20 grey spots8.8RQS - 08
Willowbank Drive
NSWUnclassified1 km130.8 km away8.7RQS - 09
Numulgi Road
NSWTertiary4 km128.5 km away3 grey spots8.8RQS - 10
Richards Road
NSWResidential1 km51.3 km away8.7RQS - 11
Upper Warrell Creek Road
NSWTertiary9 km104.8 km away8.7RQS - 12
Jackwood Road
NSWUnclassified1 km86.5 km away8.6RQS - 13
Ellandgrove Road
NSWUnclassified2 km15.9 km away2 grey spots8.7RQS - 14
Blue Knob Road
NSWSecondary11 km145.6 km away3 grey spots8.7RQS - 15
Grassy Head Road
NSWTertiary9 km109.4 km away5 grey spots8.6RQS - 16
Newton Drive
NSWResidential7 km146.9 km away8.6RQS - 17
Merton Street
NSWTertiary0 km48.7 km away8.4RQS - 18
New Ballina Road
NSWTertiary1 km122.9 km away8.4RQS - 19
Short Cut Road
NSWTertiary2 km76.1 km away1 grey spot8.4RQS - 20
Flat Rock Road
NSWTertiary1 km134.6 km away8.5RQS
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 Helliwells Road (NSW, RQS 9.0/10, 86.1 km away); Rotary Drive (NSW, RQS 9.0/10, 122.6 km away); The Channon Road (NSW, RQS 8.0/10, 134.8 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 Helliwells Road, about 86.1 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. Helliwells Road scores 8.9/10 for motorcycles and sits 86.1 km from Coffs Harbour. Several other strong rides sit within the same radius.
What's the best sealed road near Coffs Harbour?+
Helliwells Road is fully sealed and scores 9.0/10 for driving quality. It's 86.1 km from Coffs Harbour.
Are there any dangerous sections on roads near Coffs Harbour?+
Contour has identified grey spots on 7 roads within range of Coffs Harbour - sections where the posted speed limit does not match the road geometry. The Channon Road has 4. 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.