Take a peaceful drive inland from
Coffs Harbour and explore the rural communities in the picturesque Orara Valley. The villages of Coramba and Nana Glen, which are surrounded by farmlands, forests and mountains, are the valley’s main destinations.
Coramba
Coramba is only a 20-minute drive from Coffs Harbour along Orara Way. Just before you reach the town, a colourful cottage on a bend in the road houses Mountain Ash Pottery and Gallery, a family-run studio featuring original handmade pottery and other artworks.
Upon entering Coramba, a sign shows this historic village was established in 1880. Go for a wander along Gale Street and take a close look at the wooden bollards alongside the main road: they are marked with historic cattle-branding irons owned or used by local families.
Coramba is home to a bakery, a gift shop, general store and the Coramba Hotel, which has a beer garden at the rear with breathtaking views over the paddocks and rolling hills.
Nana Glen
Drive another 10km through the countryside and you’ll reach the village of Nana Glen. Its name is derived from the Aboriginal name for the two-tailed lizard, a rare and mysterious reptile once sighted there.
The Orara Vale Vineyard in Nana Glen has aptly named its drop ‘Two Tails’ wine. The winery offers free tastings and sells a dozen different wines plus homemade jams and jellies. Across the road is Kafe Kookaburra, a lovely café with outdoor seating. Enjoy a coffee or lunch while listening to the birds or browse the shop with locally made gifts.
Nana Glen has a public swimming pool, which was officially opened in 2007 by Hollywood actor Russell Crowe, who owns a sprawling property in the village and helped fund the pool.
The Orara Valley and Upper Orara Valley are home to a variety of guesthouses and bed & breakfasts for a quiet and relaxing country getaway just minutes from Coffs Harbour.
Area map of Coramba and Nana Glen...
