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with Stephen Saunders of Tourism Coffs Coast
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tourism UPDATE
COFFS HARBOUR · BELLINGEN 4 JAN - 28 JAN 2017
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STAYING COOL THIS SUMMER COFFS COAST BOASTS SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST BEACHES, WITH EXCELLENT SURFING BREAKS, SWIMMING OPTIONS AND BEACHSIDE RESERVES OFFERING LOTS OF FAMILY FRIENDLY FACILITIES.
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he region has more than 30 beaches located from Red Rock to Urunga, with 24 headlands spread over 70 km of beautiful coastline. There are several beaches bordering National Parks and nature reserves, including rainforest with crystal clear swimming holes. The hinterland swimming holes not only offer pristine waterways to escape the summer heat, but also enjoy some secluded areas with stunning rainforests and waterfalls. Best Beaches The secret is out about Moonee Beach, which has recently been listed as number three in Australia’s 101 Best Beaches. The Best Beaches publication refers to Moonee Beach as “Magic Moonee”, with its gentle flowing tidal creek, laid back atmosphere, ocean beach with good surfing break and a large foreshore for picnicking or relaxing under a shady tree. The area is family friendly, offering a pristine estuary for water activities including fishing, paddling, snorkelling, surfing or exploring the foreshore wildlife with walks along the beach and footbridge. Make sure you stay safe on the beach and swim between the flags on patrolled beaches. For a list of patrolled beaches and to stay updated, download the free MyBeachInfo app from iTunes or Google Play, which provides the latest information on beach conditions, patrol times and beach closures or dangers. The MyBeachInfo app is perfect for visitors, as it also includes the option to translate into 90 different languages. National Parks Swimming
There is a sense of adventure that lures you to waterfalls and swimming holes with the promise to cool you off when the ocean
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currents are warm in summer. The Coffs Coast region has many National Parks offering diverse nature activities, including 4WD touring routes, mountain bike trails, walking tracks, bird watching, scenic spots for picnicking
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and swimming spots. The closest park to the Coffs Harbour CBD is just 20 km inland. Bindarri National Park offers swimming holes to submerge yourself in the Urumbilum River, and the Bangalore Falls is a “must-see”. Just south of Coffs Harbour is the Bongil Bongil National Park, which is home to one of NSW’s largest koala colonies and offers a choice of aquatic fun, including kayaking, paddling and fishing.
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Secret Nature Reserves Heading west from Woolgoolga is the Sherwood Nature Reserve, which has an easy 20 minute walk through subtropical rainforest habitat that leads you to a waterfall and swimming hole. Just west of Coffs Harbour
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is a waterfall rock slide at Friday Creek, with pristine rainforests, smooth, low waterfall and “Magic Pools”. It’s the perfect time of year to experience nature and cool off in the ocean or local swimming holes. So grab the family, pack a picnic with plenty of drinking water and head out to enjoy nature. Our parks and reserves are wilderness locations that have no facilities, so take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. www.coffscoast.com.au coffs coast focus. 59