Welcome to Coffs Coast

COFFS COAST

Coffs Coast

Coffs Coast is a nature lovers’ paradise with pristine beaches, nature parks, rivers, waterfalls, wildlife, and hinterland villages to explore. There is so much to discover on the Coffs Coast from uncrowded beaches to award-winning food and drink, great shopping and many activities and attractions, there is something for everyone on the Coffs Coast.

Coffs Coast boasts everything from bushwalking to swimming, surfing, fishing, cycling, and much more.

Embrace your adventurous side and take advantage of the exciting activities in the region from mountain biking, horse riding and skydiving, scuba diving, flying through the treetops and even swimming with whales.

Coffs Harbour is the regional hub of Coffs Coast and a great base from which to explore the area. Make sure you check out the Jetty, which offers great views of the water as well as

alfresco dining. Shopping is plentiful, whether you’re after something unique from one of the boutique stores or local produce from one of the markets. For art enthusiasts, the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery has an exciting calendar of exhibitions.

Solitary Islands Marine Park, extending 75kms along the coastline from Coffs Harbour to the Sanden River mouth, is home to a mixture of tropical and temperate marine life. The islands provide fantastic above-water scenery of rugged and bare landscapes, arches, gorges and sheer precipices, whilst intensely coloured soft corals luminate the extensive underwater reef. A unique blend of warm and cool water currents offer divers an array of ocean life to marvel at.

Enjoy your time exploring Coffs Coast.

Coffs Coast is a 90 kilometre stretch of surf boasting golden beaches and aweinspiring marine life. For visitors to the region, there’s never a dull moment at this picturesque getaway.

Coffs Harbour from Muttonbird Island

THINGS TO See & Do

DOLPHIN MARINE CONSERVATION PARK

Dolphin Marine Conservation Park has been rescuing, rehabilitating, releasing and caring for marine animals for over 50 years. Discover the conservation and education programs and get up close and personal with the dolphins, seals and penguins. Book one of the special experiences and grab something to eat at the Creekside Café while you are there.

COFFS HARBOUR BUTTERFLY HOUSE

Visit the award winning Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, and stroll through the world of butterflies as they fly, court, mate, sip nectar or rest in the light, showing off their fascinating colours and patterns. In addition to the amazing butterflies, see live dinosaurs in thrilling daily shows sure to take your breath away. There is also a maze, gift shop and cafe.

OTHER FAMILY FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT

There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy:

• Bellingen Canoe Adventures

• BCC Cinemas

• The Big Banana Fun Park

• Treetops Adventure

BIRDWATCHING

Grab a pair of binoculars to admire some of the 300 avian species on Coffs Coast. Rainforest birdwatching spots include Dorrigo National Park, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Woolgoolga Creek. Red Rock, Coffs Creek, Boambee Creek, Urunga or Bongil Bongil are good for viewing water and sea birds.

MOUNTAIN BIKING & CYCLING

Cruise around the harbour, ride the Coffs Creek Cycleway or explore further into the endless network of trails winding through the hinterland and get the adrenalin pumping on fast downhill adventures like Wedding Bells Trail, Mt Coramba Down Hill, The Sawmill and Cows with Guns.

ART & CULTURE

The work of local artists, artisans and crafters are on display at galleries across the region. You will love the creative works at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, National Cartoon Gallery, and other studios and galleries in the region. Be sure to check out Jetty Memorial Theatre which is a thriving hub for arts, culture and entertainment in the region. There are many trails to explore including art, sculpture, local Indigenous culture and history.

BOTANIC GARDENS

The North Coast Regional Garden in Coffs Harbour showcases rare and endangered Australian species, a variety of native habitats and rainforests as well as exotic species that thrive in this climate and a picturesque Japanese Garden.

WALK OR RIDE ON A BOARDWALK

Explore some of these Coffs Coast boardwalks:

• Cabins Beach, Arrawarra

• Carrall’s Creek Boardwalk, Coffs Creek

• Coffs Harbour Marina & Coffs Creek

• Corindi

• North Coast Botanic Gardens

• Urunga

• Woolgoolga Falls

Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, Credit: Destination NSW

The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour, Credit: Destination NSW

Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggir Adventure Tours, Red Rock, Credit: Tourism Australia

Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, Credit: Tourism Australia

SWIMMING

With 90kms of golden sandy beaches, rivers, creeks, pools, estuaries and waterfalls, there is always a swimming spot to cool down. Outside of the stunning natural settings for swimming, don’t forget the public swimming pools available in the region.

SHOPPING

For both boutique and major brand stores visit the following shopping precincts:

• Bellingen Village

• Coffs Harbour City Centre

• Coffs Central

TOP LOOKOUT SPOTS

• Park Beach Plaza

• Sawtell Village

• The Promenade

The region offers great vantage points to whale watch and enjoy beautiful vistas. Sealy Lookout has a new sky walk that provides amazing views of Coffs Harbour and the surrounding hinterland. Be sure to check out these other lookout spots:

• Danger Falls

• Dorrigo Skywalk

• Ebor Falls

• Griffiths Lookout

• L ook At Me Now Headland

• Muttonbird Island

• Point Island

• Woolgoolga Headland

• The Jetty

Stroll the iconic Jetty in Coffs Harbour offering wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, Muttonbird Island, the Marina and mainland.

WATERFALLS

With over 15 waterfalls dotted throughout the region including Dangar Falls, Crystal Shower Falls, Newell Falls and Ebor Falls, you will never be disappointed. You might even like to drive Waterfall Way to New England, which includes over 10 waterfalls.

ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TOURS

The Gumbaynggirr people are the original inhabitants of Coffs Coast and have a special connection to the land and water here. Learn more about their culture and stories with Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours and Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience. bmnac.org.au and wajaanayaam.com.au

4X4 DRIVING

A few 4x4 spots to be explored:

• Boambee Beach

• Hearnes Lake Beach, Woolgoolga

• McCanns Fire Trail, Upper Orara

• Mount Coramba

• Peak Trail, Boambee – Friday Creek

• Rover Fire Trail, Bruxner Park

• W idow Maker, Woolgoolga

ENJOY A BUSHWALK

Some popular walks include:

• Bundagaree Walk, Bongil Bongil National Park

• Coachwood Walk, Numboi-Binderay National Park

• Crystal Shower Falls & Wonga Walk, Dorrigo

• R ainforest Walk, Bruxner Park Flora Reserve

• The Mobong Walking Track, Cascade

• The Syndicate Ridge, Dorrigo

• Wonga Walk, Dorrigo

OUTDOOR PLAYGROUNDS

If your kids are looking for some outdoor activities, try Boambee Reserve, Coffs Creek, Park Beach, Coffs Jetty Foreshore, Jarrett Skatepark, Bellingen, North Sapphire Beach and Woolgoolga Reserve.

Family shopping at the local markets in Bellingen, Credit: Destination NSW

Crystal Shower Falls, Dorrigo, Credit: Destination NSW

Dangar Falls, Dorrigo, Credit: Destination NSW

Crystal Shower Falls, Dorrigo, Credit: Destination NSW

COFFS CREEK WALK

A creek-side circuit track which takes you from the city centre to the mouth of the creek at Park Beach, and back along the other side of the water in about two and a half hours.

This flat, easy grade track makes for a pleasurable walk but it can also be an enjoyable bike ride. The track takes you mostly through swamp forests of mangrove, casuarina and paperbark trees. A 500m raised boardwalk lets you peer into the tidal waters at the creek’s estuary and other sections lead you through tall heaths which display stunning wildflowers at various times of the year.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Historic Cemetery, which is worth a stroll through. Next to the cemetery is the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, which is a half-day destination in itself. Among its attractions are various rainforest and nature trails, a sensory garden, greenhouses, a mangrove boardwalk, display areas and an information centre.

Shorter sections of the track can also be undertaken and enjoyed.

SOLITARY

ISLANDS MARINE PARK

Spanning 75 kilometres of stunning coastline, the Solitary Islands Marine Park encompasses estuaries, headlands, beaches, submerged reefs and five offshore islands. Here the warm waters of the East Australian current meet cooler waters from the south, resulting in a rich diversity of fish and coral species, with over 850 fish species alone.

If you love scuba diving, then a visit to the Solitary Islands Marine Park is a must. Witness a unique blend of corals, tropical fish and mangroves mixed with giant cuttlefish and kelp. The Solitary Islands Marine Park is also a brilliant destination for diving and snorkelling.

The Solitary Islands Coastal Walk is a 67km experience from Sawtell to Red Rock. It takes 3.5 days to complete in one stretch or you can break it up into smaller sections. It’s a world-class experience with sweeping ocean views, headlands and forested areas, wildlife encounters, remote beaches, and both Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural experiences.

MUTTONBIRD ISLAND NATURE RESERVE WALK

For nature lovers this walk is the perfect way to appreciate the local bird and marine life. Stop at the Muttonbird Island outdoor learning space to learn more about the region’s Indigenous culture. Keep an eye out for dolphins, dugongs and whales (in season).

BELLINGEN

The charming village of Bellingen is located just a short drive from Coffs Harbour. Known for its bohemian character, you could easily spend a few hours exploring its boutique shopping while enjoying the heritage streetscapes. Close by, the Bellinger River is great for swimming, canoeing and kayaking. If you’re around in July, check out the BELLO Winter Music Festival.

WHALE WATCHING

During whale season between June and November, thousands of whales from Humpbacks to their rarer relatives the Southern Right, Sperm and Minke whales can be spotted close to the coastline. Experience the inquisitive giants from afar, on a whale-watching vessel or up close and personal on a swim with the whales experience.

Beaches

DIGGERS BEACH

Renowned for its waves by the local surfers, Diggers Beach is patrolled during school holidays (except for winter) and is a popular spot with both locals and visitors. If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf, Diggers Beach is a great place for the whole family to get the skills with the help of expert instructors. Diggers Beach Reserve offers a playground, electric barbeques, picnic shelters, two viewing platforms and beach showers.

PARK BEACH

Coffs Harbour’s main surf beach is patrolled all year round as Park Beach is home to the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club. Park Beach is a popular area for water sports, fishing and surfing. Swimmers should be aware that Park Beach can be prone to strong rips particularly at the creek mouth. Adjacent to the beach carpark is Park Beach Reserve, which is on the banks of Coffs Creek. Park Beach Reserve boasts facilities such as barbeques, picnic tables, children’s play areas, shady trees and toilet facilities.

SAWTELL BEACH

Alongside the village of Sawtell, Sawtell Beach is patrolled daily during most of the summer, and is a popular surf, swimming and fishing beach. The headlands are popular for watching the migrating whales and taking in the incredible coastline views. At the southern end of Sawtell Beach you will find Sailors Bay, an area sheltered by a small island which can be reached at low tide. Here you will find a boat launching ramp, nearby parking and tidal rock pools.

SAPPHIRE BEACH

Just north of Coffs Harbour, Sapphire Beach is patrolled at its southern end and patrols run throughout the school summer holidays. Access to the beach is through the village of Sapphire, via Crystal Waters Drive, which offers playground facilities, parking, beach showers and shops.

EMERALD BEACH

Emerald Beach boasts a range of facilities including a children’s playground, electric barbeques, picnic shelters, toilets, beach showers, a boat ramp and is close to the shops. The beach is patrolled in the summer holidays. Emerald’s main shopping area runs down towards the beach.

WOOLGOOLGA BEACH

The sweeping bay of Woolgoolga Beach stretches from the picturesque picnic spot of Woolgoolga Lake to the headland above the town. Immediately behind the patrolled southern end is the reserve with a playground, electric barbeques, picnic shelters, toilets/changeroom, beach shower and a boat ramp. A mere surfboard’s length away are Woolgoolga’s shops, cafés and restaurants.

CORINDI AND ARRAWARRA BEACHES

At the northern-most edge of the Coffs Coast are Corindi and Arrawarra Beaches. Both beaches have summer lifeguard patrols in the areas nearest the caravan parks. At Arrawarra Headland Reserve there are picnic tables, toilets, a beach shower and gravel boat ramps. Corindi Beach is great for surfing, swimming and snorkelling, but there are plenty of rockpools for young children to explore. A boardwalk accessible from the northern end of Corindi Beach takes you through rare, coastal rainforest.

RED ROCK

Coffs Coast’s most northern break is patrolled during the summer school holidays. Little Beach is popular for swimming and fishing with the adjoining Corindi River being a great spot for various watersports. Beware as the current becomes quite strong around high and low tides. Little Beach is accessed via the Red Rock North Coast Holiday Park.

URUNGA BEACHES

South of Coffs Harbour, at the mouth of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers, is the classic Aussie beachside village of Urunga. Urunga sports several remote stretches of sand for surfing, fishing and escaping the crowds. Hungry Head Beach, on the south side of Urunga Lagoon, is the main patrolled beach. It is wide and long, with several rocky outcrops which generate good surf breaks. The beach is patrolled during school holidays except for the winter period. Follow Tourist Drive 18 off the highway to Hungry Head. Further south is the beautiful isolated Schnapper Beach in amongst the coastal reserve below Wenonah Headland. The beach is a wonderful quiet spot for a picnic or romantic stroll - you’ll likely have it all to yourself. There are more rocky outcrops here which make for good fishing, surfing and having a quick dip. Fourwheel drive access enables boat launching straight into the ocean.

COFFS COAST

Whale Watching

In Coffs Harbour the whale season begins in late May when humpback whales begin to migrate north, and lasts until early November as they move south down the coast back to Antarctica. Research over the past few years has shown that the shallow waters around the harbour create a natural haven for the whales. This means that they swim a lot closer to the coast than in other areas, sometimes within metres of the harbour.

Great viewing spots include Woolgoolga Whale Watch Headland, Muttonbird Island at the harbour, and Sawtell Headland. Alternatively, take a professional Whale Watch cruise from the harbour or for an experience of a lifetime, get up close and personal on a swim with the whales experience.

Voted the number one experience on Coffs Coast, whale watching has endless appeal. Experience these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Humpback Whale, Coffs Harbour, Credit: Destination NSW; Coffs Coast Marketing

Distances

FROM COFFS HARBOUR TO:

Bellingen34.8kms 30mins

Dorrigo 63.6kms52mins

Nambucca Heads 47.4kms40mins

Urunga 27.6kms24mins

Sawtell 12kms 15mins

Woolgoolga25.8kms 26mins

ROAD SAFETY

You are permitted to drive on a current out of state or overseas licence for a period of one year. If you hold an out of state or overseas driver’s licence it must be carried with you when you are driving and produced on demand to a police officer if requested.

Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for all passengers. It is illegal to talk on your mobile phone while driving.

Emerald Beach, Coffs Coast, Credit: Destination NSW

Calendar of Events

JANUARY

Camp Creative

MARCH

Coffs TRI

Flickerfest

Harmony Festival

Summer Beach Hop

Coffs Coast Ocean Swims

APRIL

Eat Street Woolgoolga

MAY

Bellingen Agricultural Show

Japanese Festival of Children’s Day

JUNE

Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival

JULY

Bello Winter Music Festival

Sawtell Chilli Festival

Coffs Harbour & Grafton Steam Train Rides

Coffs Harbour Super Swap Meet

AUGUST

Gold Cup Race Carnival

Coffs Cycle Classic

Australian Surf Festival

The Big Bike Film Night

Moonee Beach Hotel Coffs Cup

Rumble in the Jungle Trail Run

North Coast Open Squash Tournament

SEPTEMBER

The Coffs Coast Food & Wine Festival

Woolgoolga Curry Festival

Dream on Festival

Bellingen Spring Plant Fair

C.EX Group Running Festival

OCTOBER

Coffs Harbour International Buskers & Comedy Festival

Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival

Summer of Surf Cup

NOVEMBER

Oztag Senior Championships

Blue and Berries Festival

All Walls Street Art Festival

Coffs Coast Rally

DECEMBER

River Sounds Festival

Coffs Jetty Carnival (Dec-Jan)

For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, go to www.coffscoast.com.au

Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, Credit: Tourism Australia

Markets

Harbourside Markets

Sundays, 8am-2pm

Jetty Foreshore, Coffs Harbour

City Centre Sunday Market

Sundays, 8am-1.30pm

Castle Street, Coffs Harbour

Coffs Coast Growers Market

Thursdays, 8am-2pm

Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour

Twilight Food Markets

Friday Nights (Sept – mid April), 5pm-9pm

Park Beach Reserve, Coffs Harbour

Bellingen Community Market

8am-2.30pm Cnr Church Park & Ford Streets, Bellingen

Streetscapes, Bellingen, Credit: Destination NSW

JOHN BATMAN GROUP

We respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on this land and commit to building a brighter future together.

The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.

This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines.

John Batman Group and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Frankie119 Pty Ltd. Images courtesy of Destination NSW & Tourism Australia.

Accommodation Guide

CARIBBEAN MOTEL

353 HARBOUR DRIVE, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 (02) 6652 1500 caribbeanmotel.com.au

CHELSEA MOTOR INN

106 GRAFTON STREET, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

(02) 6652 2977 www.chelseamotorinn.com.au

COASTAL BAY MOTEL 93 PARK BEACH ROAD, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

COFFS HARBOUR HOLIDAY APARTMENTS

COFFS HARBOUR PACIFIC PALMS MOTEL

COFFS SHEARWATER MOTEL

(02) 6652 6044 www.coastalbaymotel.com.au

8 PRINCE STREET, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 (02) 6652 6304 coffsholidayapartments.com.au

29 GRAFTON STREET, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 (02) 6652 1882 pacificpalmscoffs.com.au

19 GRAFTON STREET, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

(02) 6652 2644 shearwatermotel.com.au

COMFORT INN PREMIER 44 BELLINGEN ROAD, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

COUNTRY COMFORT COFFS HARBOUR

THE PIER HOTEL COFFS HARBOUR

353 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

(02) 6652 2044 www.choicehotels.com/en-uk/new-south-wales/ coffs-harbour/comfort-inn-hotels/au915

(02) 6652 8222 www.countrycomfortcoffsharbour.top

356 HARBOUR DRIVE, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 (02) 6652 2110 pierhotelcoffs.com.au

MATADOR MOTOR INN

CORNER PACIFIC HIGHWAY &, ALBANY STREET, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

(02) 6652

215

TOREADOR

TRADEWINDS

31

77-79

TROPIC

10

THE CLOG BARN CARAVAN PARK

PACIFIC HIGHWAY, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450 (02) 6652 4633 clogbarn.com.au

MOTEL

GRAFTON STREET, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

FAMILY APARTMENTS

OCEAN PARADE, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

OASIS HOLIDAY VILLAS

TROPIC LODGE PLACE, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450

6653 6129 tropic-oasis.newsouthwaleshotels.net/en