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Coffs Harbour Region
Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour sits in a unique position where the Great Dividing Range, descends from the inland plateaux to meet the Australian East Coast. Offshore, are the Solitary Islands where the warm tropical currents meet the temperate waters from the south. In-between the forested hills and sparkling blue waters lies the sub-tropical city of Coffs Harbour.
To get a feel for the 'lay of the land', venture one thousand feet up to the Sealy Lookout, only 12 minutes drive from the city centre. Tall Flooded Gums, tree ferns and dense foliage frame the picture – below, a country town patchwork is laid out. Beyond, the crescents of golden beaches border the sea which reaches to the horizon where turquoise hues of sky and water touch.
At the Jetty, stroll the marina boardwalk past sleek yachts and weathered fishing boats to Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. At dawn and dusk, thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds) flock around the island, their home from September to April.
Between June and November board a whale-watching cruise from the marina to see mighty Humpback whales or enjoy wild dolphins which regularly accompany the cruise boats all year round.
For kids there’s plenty to do – surfing and swimming, fishing from the jetty, go-karting, see the dolphin and seal show, taste carob ‘chocolate’ and get photographed at the Big Banana.
Eateries and restaurants are plentiful. Clubs and pubs with counter meals and entertainment; exotic Asian, Indian, Thai and Chinese and fresh creative cuisine, coffee and cakes from cafés and restaurants especially along the Jetty Strip in Coffs and First Avenue at Sawtell.
So set your sights on Australia’s East Coast and discover the beauty of Coffs Harbour on sub-tropical Coffs Coast.
The Orara Valley
This inland valley offers peaceful drives along country roads and back lanes to the rural communities of Upper Orara, Coramba, Lowanna, Ulong, and Nana Glen. Visit country pubs, traditional general stores, welcoming folk or pan for gold at George’s Gold Mine, browse in arts and crafts studios and finally relax in quaint and comfortable farm stays and B&B’s.
Sawtell
The colourful garden dividing the main street is home to Morton Bay fig trees that protect and shelter this cosmopolitan seaside village.
Under the shopfront awnings either side of First Avenue are a dozen or so restaurants that offer dining variety – savoury Italian pasta, spicy Thai, traditional Chinese and exotic Indian, fresh local seafood and modern creative cuisine that will surprise and delight.
Or perhaps a nostalgic Aussie meal – paper wrapped fish & chips from the takeaway or a generous counter meal in the outside lounge of the corner pub.
For fun, a film, screened day or night at the renovated 1920’s First Avenue Cinema. Reminisce in the back row with a chocolate-coated ice cream in one hand and your travelling partners hand in the other! And for entertainment everyday, wander into the Sawtell RSL Club.
In between times, seawatch from Bonville Headland, swim at Sawtell Beach, stroll the shore and trails of Bongil Bongil National Park, visit nearby Coffs Harbour, tour hinterland rainforests, and farm fields or simply relax with coffee, cake and magazine under the Morton Bay figs of sunny Sawtell.
Woolgoolga (Woopi)
When you see the stunning white domes of a Sikh Temple you’re in Woolgoolga, 25 kms north of Coffs Harbour.
The Indian architecture and cuisine offered by the sizeable Sikh community adds interest to this small seaside town which forms one of Australia’s unique multicultural communities. With approval, visitors may enter the temple to experience this special and sacred place.
The Woolgoolga Headland has some of the best coastal views in NSW, where beaches and headlands stretch north and south to the horizon. A great place to stop a while.
For more on what to see and do and where to stay, visit the local Visitor Information Centre in the main street.
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