Hidden away in an area of scenic beauty, almost completely surrounded by Coffs Creek, lies an area of diverse landscapes that hold a treasure trove of flora and fauna.
Visitors can enjoy the relaxation of a quiet walk, the beauty of native or exotic plants, or the stimulation of learning about the environment in an outstanding Regional Botanic Garden and tourist attraction.
Maybe a quiet walk, a bush picnic, or an interest in birds is your specialty. Then while you're here in this beautiful area of the Coffs Coast, make some time to let time seem of less importance. Walk through the rainforests and mangroves, keep an eye out for koalas and birds and see exotic plants and trees from many countries.
Visit the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour and absorb the relaxing peace offered by this ‘Oasis of Tranquility’.
The Garden is open 9am to 5pm every day of the year
Entry is free - a donation would be appreciated.
Getting there - where to start - where to park
The Garden is easily accessible from the Coffs Harbour CBD. About 1km east along Harbour Drive, turn left into Hardacre Street.
The entrance and parking area is at the end of Hardacre Street.
Information Centre
Staffed by members of the Friends, the Information Centre it is open 11am to 3pm weekdays, 9am to 5pm on weekends, school and public holidays. Information Officers meet and greet visitors to the Garden, and assist them with information that will ensure they enjoy a rewarding experience.
Maps and Brochures
Outside Information Centre hours, the Visitors Brochure (which includes a map), and the Mangrove Boardwalk brochure are available from a rack located beside the donation box. The entrance Display Board also provides a map and photos of various plant displays.
Garden Café
A delightful Garden Café is open at the Botanic Garden from 11am to 3pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday. Meet your friends at the Gardens for coffee and cake or a light lunch amid the trees.
Other Facilities
There are picnic areas located close to the entrance, and on the Creek bank. The Garden has an extensive wheelchair accessible well signposted pathway system, with seating every 100 metres, and toilets at both the southern (entrance), and northern ends.
Located in the Information Centre, the Garden Shop has soft drinks, ice-creams, cards, plants and souvenirs available.
What to do in the Botanic Garden
Spend half an hour, or half a day, bring the picnic basket, camera and that special someone to this special sub-tropical haven that offers unique opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Picnic Areas
The grassed areas close to the entrance are ideal for picnics. For a picnic with a difference, sit between a lily pond and fountain, or a glasshouse and sensory garden. There are open spaces for larger groups and secluded areas for that special occasion.
Short Walks
The Prime Display Area as you enter is a miniature window to the Garden with its pergolas, water feature, colourful flowering native and exotic plants is ideal for those who want to enjoy a short walk in an area of great beauty. As you enter the Garden the water feature displays a range of colourful water lilies, surrounding a Tropical African bottle palm. Several of the paths are covered by pergolas, with cascading flowers from vines from all over the world.
The Mangrove Boardwalk provides interpretive information describing the plant and animal communities, and some of their unique adaptations to the estuarine environment. The Waterwise Garden demonstrates how quality landscaping, good design, soil improvement, suitable species, correct planting and the application of mulches will ensure that the garden is functional and conserves water and protects the environment.
Recreation Walks
For those who have an hour to spend there is the opportunity to enjoy the sensory garden, the glasshouses, and beautiful plantings from areas in Africa, China, India, Japan and the Americas that have similar climates to Coffs Harbour.
Educational Walks
Interested in the environment--the Nature Trail, the Aboriginal Pants Walk and the Rainforest walk have interpretive signage.
Go Birdwatching
A variety of waders and water birds can be seen from the Mangrove Boardwalk Bird Hide, and over 150 species of birds have been recorded in the Garden.
Enjoy a concert
Regular Sunday concerts are held in the Pavilion.
Get married
The Pavilion, the small Prime Display Area lawn with its massive travellers palm, and near the Chinese Shelter and waterfall are favourite places for weddings.
Contact the Botanic Garden via
email.
Visit the Botanic Garden
website.