Mid North Coast of NSW
Experience the
The spectacular and beguiling strip of the Pacific coast known as the Mid North Coast of New South Wales stretches from Port Stephens north to the Coffs Coast. It is an area endowed with a charm and variety of scenery all its own. Its pristine beaches and sparkling lakes, its thundering surf and estuarine havens, its forests and farmland and towns and villages offer a landscape that is ever changing. Apart from its iconic beach and hinterland landscapes the region boasts some 25 national parks and reserves. Add the attractions of history and gastronomy and art and craft and you have an ever-changing repertoire of things to see and do.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side Spring is the time we all start thinking of the garden and if you are looking for inspiration then get out and enjoy the exceptional flora of the Mid North Coast of NSW. From botanical gardens to unique species in the wild there is something special in your part of the world.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, on the Pacific Highway in Port Stephens covers an area of 140 hectares, much of which has been preserved as native bushland. Easy walking trails provide access to this bushland. The gardens also feature native Australian plants arranged in a number of themed gardens to highlight not only their significance for educational and scientific purposes but also their suitability for the home gardener. There is a relaxing café and fascinating shop on site. Another fascinating “garden” in the district is the Nelson Bay Native Flora Garden. This covers 8 hectares at Fly Point with lots of walking trails to explore. Every spring there are the most magnificent displays of native wildflowers. On the coast other stunning displays of native wildflowers can be found at Green Point near Forster and at Crowdy Bay. Talk to a local at the Visitor Information Centres at Forster and Taree. However if you are looking for something truly majestic, the Grandis is reported to be the tallest tree
Explore the Mid
in New South Wales. It is 76metres high and measures 2.7 metres through at breast height and is estimated to be about 400 years old. It can easily be found about 100 metres off Stoney Creek Road in Wang Wauk State Forest, just north of Bulahdelah. In Port Macquarie there are two areas you should explore this Spring. Sea Acres Nature Reserve is 72 hectares of protected rare coastal rainforest above Shelly Beach. Today it remains virtually as it was when Captain Cook sailed Australia’s east coast. It features a 1.3 kilometre boardwalk that allows people to walk through the rainforest without disturbing the vegetation. In parts it is perched up to 7 metres high in the canopy. There is also a tremendous café on site, one of the best on the Coast. Just a short walk from the bustling commercial heart of Port Macquarie you can discover the Kooloonbung Nature Park. This 50 hectare site of natural bushland has 3 kilometres of walking trails and several platforms to pause and watch some of the 130 species of birds found in the park. There are maps available at most entry points to the park and from the local Visitors Centre just up the road in Gordon Street. Further north the perfect place to go for a walk for those with limited time is Gordon Park, right in the heart of Nambucca Heads. This small but magnificent example of
regenerating remnant rainforest provides gentle walks that are very accessible to all. Here in just 5 to 10 minutes you can experience all kinds of birdlife as well as explore the diversity of the rainforest that normally you may have to seek in more remote walks and parks. Also very accessible is the North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. This extends over 20 hectares quite close to the centre of Coffs Harbour. The Gardens feature a number of rare and endangered North Coast plants plus those of rainforests, wetlands, coastal heaths and natural forest areas. There is also a range of gardens representing the plants of various continents and countries. There are a variety of nature trails and walks the visitor can take according to their interests and mobility. The Nature Trail is a 300 metre self guided tour through original Coffs Harbour bushland. The Creek Walk follows Coffs Harbour Creek, with creek views, mangroves and wildflowers in spring. With such an abundance of gardens plus national parks and landscapes of international significance the Mid North Coast of NSW offers so much for those who want to get out and connect with nature.
North Coast of NSW at your leisure www.midnorthcoastimag.com.au
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