Visit the Coffs Coast

ON THE COFFS COAST

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eat , stay, play

Whale watching T H E

ON THE COFFS COAST

B E S T

E N CO U N T E R S

Coffs Coast is known for its gorgeous beaches, fantastic surfing, incredible marine park and warm all year round sub-tropical weather.

The region offers endless days discovering wildlife adventures in pristine landscapes, days filled with warm blue skies by the sea, and the ultimate nature experience - whale watching!

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rom May to October, Humpback Whales habitually turn on a show of spectacular surfacing behaviours, from slapping their fins and tails, to spy-hopping and breaching.

Occasionally they are accompanied by their rarer relatives, including Southern Right, Sperm and Minke Whales, creating a once in a lifetime experience for keen-eyed whale watchers.

There are a myriad of stunning elevated vantage spots that are ideal for watching acrobatic breaches from dry land, as whales frolic out to sea or in the protected inlets.

The famous Muttonbird Island in Coffs Harbour, reached from the marina walking paths, offer spectacular 360 degree panorama views of beach and hinterland, when you’ll suddenly glimpse the dorsal fins of a pod of whales cruising by.

You can get up-close with the majestic giants on a whale watching tour, or for the ultimate nature encounter, book a Whale Swim with Jetty Dive Centre.

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Mornings prove to be prime time for viewing the inquisitive giants; the first glimpses of morning sun kiss the ocean as local fishing boats crawl back to the harbour after a long night.

There is a refreshing chill in the salty air, as resident seagulls guard their domain in hungry anticipation.

This is “magic hour” for Mike Davey (Jetty Dive), as he heads out into the deeper waters that have been his playground for more than 20 years. Davey knows the ocean landscape intimately and expertly navigates his vessel past Muttonbird Island and into the blue of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. He cuts the outboard motor and waits. Solitary. Silence.

Not long after, the quiet is broken by the familiar blow of a lone Humpback Whale porpoising nearby. Casting an eye on the horizon of the pristine Pacific Ocean, you see tell-tale sprays of migratory whales, as they signal their arrival to the Coffs Coast enroute to North Queensland.

Experiencing this display in person is one of the most profound of all wildlife experiences, and the Coffs Coast is fast becoming a renowned destination for its world-class whale interaction experiences.

Whales have a way of connecting us to nature.

When you watch a whale leaping from the pristine waters of the Coffs Coast and slowly spiral in joy, remember to put down the camera for just a moment and immerse yourself in this truly transformative experience.

For more information visit www.coffscoast.com.au #coffs4whales #coffscoast #naturallyconnected

Best land viewing locations on the Coffs Coast • Woolgoolga Headland • Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, adjacent to the Coffs Harbour Marina • Boambee Headland and Boambee Beach • Sawtell Headland and Bongil Bongil National Park • Moonee Beach Nature Reserve and Look At Me Now Headland near Emerald Beach • Arrawarra Headland • Hungry Head Headland Coffs Coast Whale Watching Tour Operators Jetty Dive* - P: (02) 6651 1611 Pacific Explorer - P: 0422 210 338 *Jetty Dive also offers Swim with the Humpback Whales Tour

focusinterview.

ON THE COFFS COAST

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hat drew you into the music industry? Were you singing from a young age?

I started singing in the church choir when I was three years old, so I’ve been singing all my life. But as I got older, I still sang a little, but it wasn’t something I was really serious about until recently. It wasn’t until 2014 that I started singing professionally.

Before I would sing for church, weddings, talent shows for fun, things like that, but it wasn’t anything serious I was trying to pursue. I started out doing backup singing first, and then that just sort of led in to me singing lead. But, I’m really enjoying it; I love it!

How did you and Chris cross paths?

So, I was actually singing backup with a band that I’m a part of called Lance Lapinski and the Lovers, and he was a sub on guitar for our show, and we met then. But then afterwards he had a show of his own; I was actually out with my husband on his birthday and Chris was performing, and he asked me to sit in on a song. We did Jim Dandy, because that was one of the songs that I sang in the show that he subbed in, so we both knew that one - but we didn’t have any other songs. Everybody was like, “Encore! Encore!” and we were like, “We don’t have anything else though!”

After that we talked. I told him I wanted to come out with a 45, and he said he could help me with that. We started rehearsing and we recorded some things in his basement, and now those songs we recorded are on our EP. From there we just started doing shows together, and we’ve been doing that ever since.

So how long have you been working together now?

We started rehearsing last October/ November I think, but our first actual show

Tammi Savoy and the Chris Casello Combo are going to be PLAYING AT THE BELLO WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL THIS YEAR, COMING ALL THE WAY FROM CHICAGO IN THE U.S. THEIR MUSIC TAKES YOU TO ANOTHER ERA, and they’re sure to be a stand out at the festival with their unique style. We spoke to Tammi about the show, how she and Chris came together to form the band, and what we can expect to see. together was last year at the Nashville Boogie. That was at the end of May last year.

What have been some of your favourite venues or shows so far?

Oh my goodness! That’s kinda hard, because there have been a lot of good ones!

But I would say, we did a show that was at the Arcada Theatre; we opened for Tommy James, and then we also had our own set after that at the speak-easy they have upstairs.

I really enjoyed that, being able to play at both venues at the Arcada Theatre. And I really like the Arcada Theatre,because it’s really fancy and it has that old-school feel to it! It’s a very historic place; I think it was built in the early 1900s, and they kept the old decor and everything. I just love being there.

Listening to your music, you get taken back to another time almost. What era of music are you most inspired by?

What I do in my set is music from the '50s, mostly. But, I sing all kinds of music from all different eras, and I feel like they all influence my sound. When I was younger, my best memories are of being in the car with the family and listening to old-school music - things like Motown, old soul music, jazz, just everything from every decade! But in my set I do mostly '50s songs by artists whose songs were more obscure, maybe that a lot of people don’t really know much about, and I want to bring attention back to those songs.

Can you tell us a bit about your wardrobe? You often seem to be wearing these amazing, old style dresses. How extensive is your wardrobe, and where does it all come from?

The funny thing is that people often think that they are stage costumes, and they’re actually just clothes that are in my closet already! I’ve always loved vintage style since I was younger. I would look at old Hollywood films from the '30s, '40s

and '50s and also the women who used to sing back in the day, like Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee, and they all dress like that on stage with the big band behind them - and that just stuck with me! I always liked that style, and I just wanted it for myself!

So, even before I started singing professionally, I already had a lot of these outfits in my closet! It’s a style I love, and at first I started dressing up for special occasions, but then after a while I was like, “This is me; this is what I do!” and I figured I might as well just dress like this all the time!

I’ve noticed that Chris and the band get all kitted up too. It makes it quite a show - not just about the music.

And the crazy thing is, I don’t ever tell them what to wear - they pick their own clothes. I know a lot of times with bands they want to coordinate and make sure everybody looks the same, but I’ve never told them what to wear - and I’m fine with whatever they choose! And it’s funny, because with Chris Casello, it seems like his clothes always seem to end up coordinating with mine, even though we don’t talk about it beforehand or plan it; it just works out that way!

Is this your first time to Australia?

What are you looking forward to?

Yes, it is! And it’s Chris’ first time to Australia as well. It’s very exciting. Having never been there, I don’t really know what to expect, but I know that people have told me that it’s nice there even in the winter so I’m looking forward to nice weather! I’m sure it’s nothing like winter in Chicago!

Thanks Tammi.

Tammi Savoy and the Chis Casello Combo playing at Bello Winter Music on July 11th until 14th. Tickets available from www.bellowintermusic.com New England focus. 41

ON THE COFFS COAST

Apartments H O L I D AY

The Observatory Holiday Apartments commenced in December 2000. It is a family-owned business with proactive members involved in the community. Friendly Managers Daniel and Emily will gladly greet you on arrival, and we sat down with them to find out more …

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here are The Observatory Apartments in Coffs Harbour, and why is their position so unique?

The Observatory Holiday Apartments are surrounded by the unique atmosphere and vibrance of the Coffs Harbour’s popular Jetty area. Our apartments are centrally located, with an easy walk to the beach, marina, markets, restaurants and shopping. We have fabulous views of the foreshore and Jetty Harbour. All our rooms have balconies and kitchens.

Why are the cooler months such a great time to travel to Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour has plenty of sunshine in winter and not much rain. Our average temperatures in winter are 22 degrees.

During June to September we have whales visit the area, and there are plenty of opportunities to see them either by taking a whale watching charter boat, or hiring one of our telescopes and viewing from your balcony.

Tell us about all the activities and dining that is within walking distance ...

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We have 14 cafés and restaurants, "Observatory Cash" was created as an We have 14 cafés all within walking distance of our incentive to encourage customers to book direct. and restaurants, apartments. There is plenty of choice to We offer a percentage of each direct booking all within walking suit all tastes. back to the guest in “Observatory Cash”, distance of our A short stroll is the marina, beach and which can be redeemed at a number of local apartments. There Mutton-bird Island, which has a viewing outlets. This is a great way to build community is plenty of choice to platform to sit and relax and watch for awareness and rapport with local outlets. When suit all tastes. birds and whales. booking, just mention “Armidale” on the phone Dolphin Marine Magic is a 10-minute or in the booking notes, and we will give you walk. They run two shows a day. There’s 10% of your booking in "Observatory Cash". penguin feeding, a turtle talk, fish feeding and even seal hugs How can people get in touch? and dolphin kisses.

Phone us on 1300 302 776 or (02) 6650 0462.

Every Sunday on the foreshores is the Harbour Markets, which Bookings via our website - www.theobservatory.com.au have an array of food, produce and handmade goods.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for special deals and What is "Observatory Cash"? upcoming events in Coffs Harbour. We also offer gift vouchers.

ON THE COFFS COAST

Questacon's

BY T E

FREE IS

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These school holidays, Park Beach Plaza, Coffs Harbour will be hosting the Questacon’s "Byte Wise" Exhibition from 29th June to 21st July.

he Questacon's travelling strives to bring regional kids opportunities exhibition Byte Wise engages they may not otherwise be able to visit or see. visitors with challenges Following the success of our last Questacon drawn from mathematics and exhibition, Science On The Move, we hope computer science. The Byte Byte Wise will be equally as popular with the Wise young and young at heart, exhibition can be enjoyed by because you’re never visitors of all ages. too old for the magic of Byte Wise contains 24 Questacon.”

'Byte Wise' contains exhibits that offer a range To ensure everyone has 24 exhibits that offer of experiences to challenge the opportunity to enjoy a range of experiences and intrigue visitors, from Questacon, Park Beach to challenge and logic puzzles and code Plaza are also hosting intrigue visitors, from breaking to geometry. Play Sensory Sensitive Sessions logic puzzles and code noughts-and-crosses against for children/people with breaking to geometry. nothing but cards, challenge additional or special a non-electric computer to needs. These sessions are a game, and discover how scheduled from 9am to images are represented on digital displays.

10am on July 8 and 16. Bookings for these The Questacon travelling exhibition Byte Wise sessions are essential and can be made by calling is targeted at visitors aged 10 to 15 years, but is 6652 4366 during business hours. also accessible to the broader public.

The exhibition is open to the public daily in Park Beach Plaza’s Group Marketing Manager, the Promotions Court, and guess what - it’s Caroline Bleechmore said, “Park Beach Plaza FREE, thanks to Park Beach Plaza.

NE U J 29 O T LY U J 21 MON - WED THURS FRI - SAT SUNDAY

FREE

Interact ive Exhibiti on

10AM - 4PM 10AM - 7PM 10AM - 4PM 10AM - 3PM

LOCATED IN THE PROMOTIONS COURT

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ON THE COFFS COAST

S H O P

is coming!

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VA S T

FOCUS had a chat with Heidi Brett, owner of Vast Interior Coffs Harbour, to find out more about style trends for winter …

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inter is coming, and it can’t come quick enough for me! I love the switch to the cooler months and the chance to indulge in some cozy textures,from warm woollen throws to faux fur cushions. So instead of turning on the heater this year, why not visit Vast and let us help you create your perfect cosy winter home? Here are my tips for taking the chill out of this winter and for enjoying those wintery days and nights; whether it’s curling up in that cozy chair reading a good book, or making a love nest and binging on Netflix, it’s time to start shopping.

GORGEOUS RUGS FOR THE FLOORS Those cool tiles, bare floor boards and polished concrete floors are great through the summer months for keeping us cool, but in winter they can be a bit chilly.

Adding a lovely new rug to your living areas won’t only keep your feet warm, but is an easy and affordable way to change your home or office décor to reflect the change in seasons and to bring in some colour and texture in the cooler months.

We have a huge range of rugs in store, from

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beautiful natural jute, original Indian dhurries in cotton and wool blends and soft viscose chenilles.

If we don’t have what you’re after, we are more than happy to try and source the perfect rug for you.

THE BEAUTY OF NATURAL TIMBER Wood has an undeniable natural warmth, and adding some wooden accessories to your interior will create an inviting look this winter. Maybe a new stylish dining table, or one of our gorgeous coffee tables in our natural hardwood ranges could do the trick to add some warmth to your home this year.

COZY WINTER THROWS My favourite way to take the chill out of winter (and it’s my sneaky self indulgence) is to buy a new throw for winter. So, why not pamper yourself with a soft, cozy and oh so affordable throw this year, from gorgeous linens, chunky knits, faux fur, velour or even our gorgeous Indian cotton kantha throws. A lot of people confine their new throw to the bedroom, but adding them to your lounge or daybed with some additional cushions will ensure that your home exudes the visual warmth that we all crave through winter.

My favourite way to CUSHIONS extra bit of warmth and to create take the chill out of A girl can never have a welcoming cocoon on your winter (and it’s my too many cushions, and lounge that you won’t want to sneaky self indulgence) leave. they are an easy way to is to buy a new throw add some lux-inspired, ADD SOME GREENERY for winter. deeper coloured tones Not everyone is a green thumb to your home to bring (certainly not me) and I love a in some warmth during little bit of greenery in my home, the cooler months. Try to so I am a huge fan of the artificial inject rich tones like rust, browns and mustard, plant. Today’s artificial greenery is so much better or maybe some soft linens or faux fur for a bit than my days at Copper Art (no more silk flowers) of texture. Add these to your favourite throw to and bring on the real touch plants; you will be layer your textures and fabrics, to provide that astounded at how amazing they look.

ON THE COFFS COAST

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Opal Cove Resort, situated just north of Coffs Harbour, is the perfect winter getaway. We chatted with Tanya from the Opal Cove team, to find out more …

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hat are the top five reasons why winter is a fabulous time to escape to Opal Cove Resort?

1. The Best Value Winter Escape Package on the Coffs Coast has just been released, at only $160 per night, including accommodation, a complimentary bottle of wine and buffet breakfast for two!

2. Kids stay for free in winter when the Winter

Escape Package is booked! You only have to pay for their meals! (Max of four people per room, using existing bedding).

3. Whale Watching season is here - you can watch the whales from the comfort of your room, the Oceanview foyer or the beach, which is a short stroll through the resort gardens!

4. Perfect weather to enjoy outdoor and indoor activities, with average temperature between 8 - 20 degrees. You can relax poolside, enjoy the heated spa or sauna, be pampered at the Day

Spa, or have fun with a Segway adventure, mini Retreats? golf or a game of tennis!

We certainly do! Pamper packages with 5. Horizons Restaurant & Bar is open seven days Dreamtime Day Spa at Opal Cove, along with a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Happy accommodation and dining options are our Hour is every day from 5 - 6pm in the bar, and specialty! on Sunday nights the Winter Roast deal is back, Happy Hour is from 5 - 6pm every day and due to popular demand from locals and visitors! we can tailor a package for your needs!

Opal Cove is well known for its beautiful What makes the Coffs Coast the perfect weddings; what makes escape for our readers this place so special? from the New England Weddings at Opal Cove region? are popular with couples We love our visitors from We are finding that from around Australia. the New England region, couples are looking We are finding that who find that the Coffs for ‘Destination couples are looking for Coast is their “home away Weddings’, where their “Destination Weddings”, from home”. It is such an family where their family and easy destination to reach and friends can escape friends can escape for for a quick break! for a weekend together a weekend together, to The Coffs Coast region to celebrate their celebrate their special day. is blessed with spectacular special day.

Opal Cove is able to offer beaches, amazing multiple natural backdrops hinterland experiences and for Wedding Ceremonies, it is also become a foodie including the lagoon with ocean views, the paradise with awesome cafés, restaurants, beach, bush and the rainforest. markets and food festivals!

Featuring stunning scenery, Opal Cove is How can people get in touch? perfect for capturing lasting photographs and Call us on (02) 6651 0510 videos of your wedding day!

Email: res@opalcove.com or The passionate chefs at Opal Cove love to weddings@opalcove.com work with clients to create the perfect menu for Follow us on social media through Facebook their wedding reception. and Instagram. Check out our website: Do you offer Hens’ Weekends and www.opalcove.com.au

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ON THE COFFS COAST

focusinterview.

Two W I N E S

NANA GLEN

It’s been a flourishing couple of years for Madonna and Barry Bannerman, owners of Two Tails Winery in Nana Glen. Two years ago they opened the doors to Velvets Restaurant, producing fine quality paddock to plate dishes, as well as exceptional customer service.

FOCUS had a chat with Madonna, to find out more about their story and the success …

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ow did your Two Tails Wines story begin?

I’ve always enjoyed wine, and had toyed with the idea of opening a restaurant for years. I saw the business for sale on the internet one day and kept coming back to see if it was still there. After about 12 months, I convinced my husband, Barry, that we should come down from Ballina and have a look. After seeing the property and realising its potential, we made an offer - and haven’t looked back.

Tell us about Velvets Restaurant. Why did you decide to open a restaurant, and how has the business grown since inception?

I wanted to offer something unique to the area, and the restaurant was the obvious natural progression from the cellar door. The success of Velvets has undoubtedly been our greatest achievement since we came to the business. I couldn’t have dreamed that it would be so warmly embraced by the local community. We are just about to celebrate our second birthday, and I’m amazed that we’re still booked out almost every weekend (hint ... book in advance!) We’ve also started opening for breakfasts on weekends, which is proving very popular.

Who makes up your team, and what are

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their roles?

Our food preparation team is led by an amazing female chef in Jodie, who comes with 28 years of experience working in different kitchens throughout the world. She is a passionate local who loves to give back to the community. Jodie prides herself on creating unique dishes that are all made fresh on the premises using local ingredients from the Orara Valley and surrounding areas, some which are even grown on site.

Jodie is supported by a wonderful sous chef in Siobhan, who after completing her apprenticeship on the Coffs Coast made a move to New Zealand to further her passion for food. She creates our beautiful desserts and assists Jodie in all aspects of the kitchen operation. We consider ourselves very lucky to have snapped her up when she returned to the Valley a short time ago.

Our remaining kitchen "crew" is mostly made up of young local boys who have grown up in Nana Glen and have the opportunity to work right on their doorstep.

Tell us about the process of how you turn the grapes into wine.

Starting in about January, we begin to harvest. We employ local people to help us with the hard job of picking the grapes.

Immediately the grapes are picked, we take them to our winemaker, who begins

the process of turning them into wine. All throughout I have input into the final product, determining flavour, sweetness, depth, and colour, so despite being bottled off site, the wines that come from our grapes are very much ours. Despite the backbreaking work of picking the grapes at the beginning, it’s hugely rewarding to watch them being turned into wines that our customers can enjoy.

What style of wine can people enjoy when the visit?

We offer traditional favourites, such as Chardonnay, Sparkling White and Rosé, along with some less common varieties like Villard Blanc and Chambourcin. These last two are grapes that grow particularly well in our warm, humid climate. We also have on offer a range of fortified wines, such as our port styled Lizards Blood and our unique Blueberries in Wine.

All of our wines are designed to be light, easy drinking styles. We’re more than happy to offer a tasting of our range to not just our restaurant customers, but also to those who might just want to come for a drive on a Sunday afternoon.

How important is wine matching when it comes to dining at Velvets?

Of course there are foods which complement and are complemented by different styles of wines. Our staff are always happy to help

customers with matching specific wines with food if they choose, but I’ve always been a believer that you drink and eat what you enjoy first and foremost.

We’ve recently hosted a wine and cheese appreciation night with the help of our friends at The Provedores. When in doubt, just remember that all wine tastes better with cheese!

Tell us about some of the suppliers you use and how important it is to support local?

All of our suppliers are based right here on the Coffs Coast. We use fresh local ingredients from the Orara Valley, such as Black Standard Beef from just up the road at Nana Glen, free range organic eggs from Waterfall Produce, and fresh fruit and veg from Tutti Fruiti, who source a lot of their range from Dorrigo through to Grafton.

We believe supporting local suppliers allows us to showcase what fabulous produce and entrepreneurs we have right here in the beautiful valley.

Suppliers such as The Provedores and Artisti Coffee go above and beyond to make sure they are providing exceptional products and also delivering a range of knowledge to help us educate and train our staff and customers when it comes to particular styles of coffee and selection of food.

Thanks Madonna.

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ON THE COFFS COAST

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Aanuka to

B E AC H

R E S O R T

Escape to the tropical oasis of BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort in Coffs Harbour, located on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Located alongside beautiful Diggers Beach, the resort is ideal for families and couples, with a variety of accommodation styles and recreation and relaxation all rolled into one, making for a delightful sunny escape to the Coffs Coast.

he resort is situated on 15 Take time out for a relaxing beach and acres and nestled amongst headland walk along Diggers Beach; you sub-tropical gardens, ideally may even be lucky enough to spot a whale situated only a short drive breaching out in the Pacific Ocean, all just a from the major attractions short stroll from your accommodation. of the Big Banana, Dolphin When hunger strikes, relax over awardMarine Magic and the Coffs Harbour Jetty. winning food and wine at Casay on the Beach Explore the best of the Coffs Coast hinterland, resorts onsite restaurant, which offers amazing with a drive along the ocean views and is open waterfall way to World daily for lunch and dinner.

Heritage listed forests of End your day by relaxing Dorrigo National Park. into the afternoon beside Your choice of Your choice of the glowing fire pits on the accommodation ranges accommodation ranges lawns over happy from modern Hotel COFFS-hour with from modern Hotel Studio a cocktail, taking in the Studio Rooms and Rooms and Paradise Spa array of colours in the sky Paradise Spa Bures Bures perfect for couples, over Diggers Beach as the perfect for couples, through to spacious Three sun sets.

For the ultimate in through to spacious Bedroom Spa Villas that relaxation, treat yourself to Three Bedroom Spa can sleep up to six guests. a massage or facial at the Villas that can sleep up Start your day energised, Mi-Time Day Spa. to six guests. with a full buffet breakfast For those looking to in the elevated Finz venue celebrate their next event, and watch the sunrise the resort has a dedicated and waves roll in over the sand on picturesque events team, with three function venues, two Diggers Beach. with ocean views and lawns to wow your At BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort you will guests. For those tying the knot, say I do on love the endless recreation facilities, great for the beachside lawns, in the resort's onsite the kids and the big kids at heart. The choices chapel or with the sand between your toes on include an outdoor rock pool with slide, Diggers Beach. children's pool and play area, cave spas, tennis Contact the friendly reservations team courts, mini putt putt golf, beach volleyball and to start planning your weekend escape of the list goes on. relaxation on the beautiful Coffs Coast.

Need a break? Follow the sunshine to the Coffs Coast

$179

per night in a Paradise Spa Bure including buffet breakfast for two.

Complimentary bottle of wine on arrival and a $50.00 dining voucher at Casay on the Beach.

To book, call (02) 66 527 555 or email aanuka.res@breakfree.com.au *Conditions apply. Minimum 2 night stay required. Applies to all new bookings made between 1 May 2019 to 30 September 2019. Made direct when calling the resort on (02) 66 527 555 and mentioning ‘Focus Magazine’ at the time of call. Subject to availability.

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focus_tourism

WITH FIONA BARDEN

ON THE COFFS COAST

events+ UPDATE

Visitors love the Coffs Coast The spectacular nature based experiences of the Coffs Coast and the passion of our local tourism operators are paying off with increased tourism visitation numbers.

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fter a wonderful sun abundant array of nature based attractions drenched summer and the and experiences, prioritising these activities to whirl of the recent school markets in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and holidays, the Coffs Coast Regional NSW. can celebrate growing One of the aims of Council’s Industry tourism numbers. Recent and Destination Development section is visitation statistics have shown the Coffs to facilitate the growth of a strong and Coast welcomed almost two million visitors sustainable tourism industry into the future in 2018, a substantial increase from previous through education and support across years. As a multi gateway destination, a 16% all areas of the industry. The industry increase in overnight visitors from other parts “Champions” program fosters a collaborative of Australia and close to industry approach by 100,000 international encouraging operators visitors has driven this to engage and share success. While guests business knowledge are drawn to the region and support. These While guests are drawn to the for a variety of reasons, quarterly Champions region for a variety of reasons, it is the interaction with events provide a time it is the interaction with the the spectacular natural and cost-effective way spectacular natural assets and assets and experiential for businesses to keep experiential opportunities opportunities that their finger on the that have enamoured visitors have enamoured pulse of activities and to the Coffs Coast. visitors to the Coffs experiences available Coast. These natureon the Coffs Coast, to based experiences are share with visitors they consistently rated as a come into contact with. vital part of a destination The team have received great support visit. from businesses across the region for these Coffs Coast boasts protected National Parks, initiatives and have created a calendar of nature reserves and 71,000 ha of marine relevant business workshops to take place park which play host to a number of these over the next 12 months. The next event, experiences and provide a beautiful base for in June, focuses on business marketing in visitors and locals to enjoy. With an estimated the form of creating effective and engaging 150 different species of birds in the hinterland content as a business story. To find out and an extraordinary 550 fish species, along more about what is involved in becoming a with turtles and dolphins just off our shores, Champion or book in to the June workshop, the abundance of flora and fauna adds to the email paradise@coffscoast.com.au delight of visitors to our region.

The ultimate showcase of visitor experience Regional Tourism Organisation, Destination on the Coffs Coast is through the newly North Coast highlight the importance of created destination video produced to activities involving nature and the outdoors highlight the natural connection available on for visitor satisfaction, showcasing that the Coffs Coast - connection with family, with visitors stay on average 18% longer in the nature and with each other. Check it out on region when they participate in these types of www.coffscoast.com activities. The Coffs Coast capitalises on the #coffscoast #naturallyconnected

The Amble Inn Corindi Beach No pub crawl would be complete without a visit to the beautiful Amble Inn Hotel, nestled in the picturesque coastal plains at Corindi Beach. With sweeping ocean views and timber cathedral ceilings, The Amble Inn offers a relaxing place to dine and enjoy a refreshing drink. Catering for all seasons, you can enjoy a cold beer on the verandah in the ocean breeze.

catch the Amble Inn Courtesy Bus and discover what we have to offer. Set amongst landscaped gardens, the hotel has full TAB facilities, Keno, Foxtel and 13 beers on tap, including Matilda Bay Craft Beers. We also have raffles, a members’ draw and live music on Friday nights and trivia nights every second Wednesday.

Enjoy a warm and friendly welcome in our rustic décor, which incorporates Australian Hardwoods throughout the massive 1,100 square metre building. A wander around the hotel will reveal many other local history pieces and local crafts, such as the wagon wheels fitted to the ceiling and the impressive stained glass window.

To make your visit complete, the Top-Knotch Brasserie at the Amble Inn offers a variety of delicious pub classics, including sizzling steaks, gourmet burgers, fresh seafood, pizzas, kids’ meals and blackboard specials. A selection of $12.50 lunch specials is available seven days a week. Overlooking an expansive outdoor beer garden, there is also a jumping castle and

What better way to beat the elements than to

amusements to keep the whole family happy.

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4D ON THE COFFS COAST

big banana

AT THE BIG BAN ANA FUN PAR K!

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Triotech, market leaders in design, development and manufacturing of multi-sensory interactive attractions, have completed the installation of a new XD Theatre at The Big Banana Fun Park.

his 4D Ride Simulator is not only a great addition to the variety of attractions the Coffs Coast has to offer for tourism in the area, but it also provides a unique experience for locals, as this 4D Ride Simulator is the only one of its kind between Sydney and the Gold Coast.

The 4D Ride Simulator includes eight mechanical seats with independent movement control, lighting and wind effects, an advanced 3D projection system and the latest 4D Ride Simulator movies available, which makes it one of the most immersive 4D Ride Simulator experiences available. The intimate eight-seat theatre provides a much more realistic experience than other larger installations around the world.

Featuring four of the latest 4D Ride Simulator films in the world, including: MOON THUNDER A routine moon mission turns into crisis when a meteor shower strikes hard. Survival depends on a fast emergency evacuation!

Join our astronaut crew in this thrilling escape from the collapsing surroundings of the moon base. Will you reach the escape pod in time?

D I N O S A FA R I 2 Dino Safari 2 is the thrilling new ride-film from Red Star 3D and the sequel to the smash-hit DINO SAFARI. Simulator riders

50 New England focus.

return to the same dinosaur safari park from The Big Banana Fun Park General Manager the first film, but the tranquillity of the tour Michael Lockman said he had worked on is shattered when a poacher abducts a baby getting a 4D Ride Simulator attraction for five dinosaur and we race off in a high-speed years, before sourcing the right product for pursuit. Will we survive a barrage of deadly the park. dinosaur encounters to “In late 2016, we free the captive creature visited IAAPA in Orlando, and escape?

Florida, which is the CANYON largest amusement COASTER exhibition in the world; These films have been Jump on board this this is where we met the chosen to ensure we are breathtaking roller team from Triotech and catering for the different coaster adventure! This were able to experience age groups that visit the exciting travel will take the simulator first hand,” park; from our younger you in the canyons and Mr Lockman said. visitors through to the caves of the American “Triotech have young at heart, there is South West. Are you installations all over the something for everyone. ready for the ride of world, including Warner your life!?

Brothers, Lego Land, WILD Universal Studios, Heide WEST MINE RIDE Park and many more.

Get ready for an “We were very action-packed ride with a luckless Sheriff impressed with the product and their trackand his trusty steed, as they chase a ruthless record in the industry. bank robber through the Wild West. Will the “We are very excited to be able to bring bungling duo survive the runway mine cart this state-of-the-art experience to the Coffs ride and bring the bandit to justice?

Coast.”

These films have been chosen to ensure The 4D Ride Simulator is the sixth attraction we are catering for the different age groups added to the park in the last five years. that visit the park; from our younger visitors Laserforce Laser Tag Arena was introduced in through to the young at heart, there is 2013, a 36-hole Mini Golf course in 2014, the something for everyone. biggest Water Park between Sydney and the

Gold Coast in 2015, the biggest Giant Slide in the country and Go Bananas Fun Zone in 2017, and now the 4D Ride Simulator.

The Big Banana Fun Park Sales and Events Coordinator Nadia Friend said the 4D Ride Simulator is a unique addition to the park.

“Triotech’s advanced technology makes the ride so realistic, it’s an exhilarating experience like no other,” Miss Friend said. “The chair movement can be compared to that of a roller coaster, and you really do get a sense of speed. The feedback we have received since opening the 4D Ride is outstanding, and it’s a must-try!”

These great attractions complement the existing ones, including the Ice Skating Rink, Toboggan Ride and World of Bananas Theatre & Tour Experience and the existing facilities such as Going Bananas Café, our Gift and Souvenir Shop, Candy Making Kitchen, Opal Centre and Cheesemaking Workshop.

In 2019, we will welcome a whole new experience to the Fun Park, Steve McEwan’s Reptile World!

For more information on all of the exciting rides and attractions that The Big Banana Fun Park has to offer, visit www.bigbanana.com or drop in at any time to check it out for yourself.

1 LASER T AG MISSI ON PLUS 2 TOBOG GAN RID ES PLUS 2 GIANT SLIDES P 18 HOLES LUS OF MINI GOLF 1 ICE SKA PLUS TING SES SION 1 THEATR PLUS E EXPERI ENCE P L U S 1 4D RIDE SIMULAT OR

K NA FUN PAR A N A B IG B E TH

201

ONLY

29

$

.90

*Name and age required for Big Day Out pass. 10% discount applies to one transaction per specialty shop.

Must be used on the one day and tickets cannot be shared. $29.90 per person, valid from 27th April - 27th Sept 2019.

Not valid with any other discount or offer. Must be purchased from the Main Ticket Office (next to Gift Shop).

WWW.BIGBANANA.COM | PH: 02 6652 4355 | 351 PACIFIC HWY, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 New England focus. 51