Out & About

Jump in, buckle up, unfold the map and head off into the wild green, gold and blue yonder – our region is made for touring.

The smooth stretch of the Pacific Highway whisks you along the coast in comfort, but unless you take a few turn-offs and explore, you’ll miss some of the most beautiful and interesting spots. You’ll be surprised how many quiet bays and beaches there are, tucked away at the end of the roads that lead to the sea.

Inland too, there are surprises to discover – roads through green dairylands to friendly country towns, roads that wind up through rainforest to the rim of the Great Divide, roads that bring you to milestones in our rich heritage.

Coffs Harbour – Moonee Beach – Lower Bucca – Nana Glen – Glenreagh – Coramba – Coffs Harbour (see detailed description below)

Head north from Coffs Harbour and explore the beautiful mangrove-fringed estuary and wide beaches of Moonee Beach Nature Reserve before turning inland on the Nana Glen Road through State Forests and farmland.

Continue to the historic Tableland town of Glenreagh on the broad Orara River, and follow the river valley back through the scenic country towns of Coramba and Karangi to reach the coast again at Coffs.

Below is a detailed description of this route and things to see and do along the way.
More Info...

Beaches and villages between Coffs Harbour and Nambucca

This touring route, starting at Sawtell just south of Coffs Harbour, offers a relaxed exploration of Coffs Coast’s wonderful southern beaches and coastline. The Pacific Highway runs close to the coast between Coffs and Nambucca, but you’ll need to look out for the turn-off signs that take you to the hidden beaches, coves and bays.

Start early and give yourself plenty of time to stop, take a walk on the beach, soak up the sun, have a picnic, enjoy a swim or crack a wave.

This route takes in the beaches and seaside towns and villages of Sawtell, Mylestom, Urunga, Valla Beach, Nambucca Heads and Scotts Head, and the Bongil Bongil and Hungry Head nature reserves.

Below is a detailed description of this route and things to see and do along the way.
More Info...

Coffs Harbour – Bellingen – Dorrigo – return.

Head south from Coffs, cross that calm Bellingen River just north of Urunga, then follow the river valley inland to the creative town of Bellingen, with its wide tree-lined streets, art & craft galleries and heritage shopfronts. Take time to stop and explore before climbing onward through rainforest towards the edge of the Tableland – don’t miss Griffiths Lookout, with its superb views over the Bellinger Valley to the sea.

At the nearby Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, learn why these World Heritage forests are globally significant, step out above the trees on the remarkable Skywalk and experience nature on a short walk from the Centre. Retrace your route to return.

A detailed description of this route and things to see and do along the way will be added soon.

Discover the Nambucca area’s rich maritime heritage at the Headland Historical Museum, then head south, leaving the Pacific Highway where it crosses the broad Nambucca River at Macksville, with its old hotels and riverside parks.
Continue inland to the Taylors Arm region and enjoy a beer at the original Pub With No Beer!

Follow winding country roads through farmland to the picturesque township of Bowraville – call in to the Bowraville Folk Museum in High Street, and spend an hour or two browsing through it astonishing collection of memorabilia. Next door, see the colourful artwork at the Phoenix studio and gallery. Return to Nambucca Heads on the scenic Bowra Road.

A detailed description of this route and things to see and do along the way will be added soon.

Coffs Harbour – Bellingen – Dorrigo – Meldrum – Ebor – Cathedral Rock – Dorrigo – Platypus Flat – Ulong – Lowanna – Coramba – Coffs Harbour

This is a fascinating and scenic long day’s discover of the New England Tableland. For a shorter alternative, see the spectacular Dangar Falls near Dorrigo then return to Coffs via Cascade and Coramba.

Better still, stay a night in Dorrigo and explore further afield. Take the highway south from Coffs and turn inland to Bellingen. Take a break in this fun and funky country town. Between Bellingen and Dorrigo, pause at the first of the waterfalls – the Newell and Sherrard Falls – then visit the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre with its visitor information centre, forest walks and breathtaking Skywalk.

From Dorrigo township, take the longer route to the Ebor Falls and Cathedral Rock – or choose the shorter return route, passing the lofty Dangar Falls then driving through the dense forests of the Cascade National Park. An interesting side-route runs from Cascade to Platypus Flat on the Nymboida, site of adventurous river rafting expeditions. Return to Coffs Harbour via Ulong and Coramba.

A detailed description of this route and things to see and do along the way will be added soon.

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SAFE JOURNEY!

Some of the routes described follow sections of unsealed roads.

Take care where the road is narrow and winding – slow down and enjoy the scenery.

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