Here is a quick overview of all the upcoming Coffs Coast events that are featured on this page. Scroll down for a full description and details of each event.
Coffs Open Air Cinema – 4 to 18 January 2009
firstFOCUS at Bunker Gallery – 12 Dec 2008 to 10 Jan 2009
Lighthouse Exhibition – 25 November to 30 January
National Parks Discovery Walks, Talks & Tours – January 2009
From 4 to 18 January 2009, you can enjoy your favourite movies under the stars at the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores every night from sundown at about 8.15pm.
For 15 nights, Coastal Cinemas will be transforming the Jetty Foreshores into an Open Air Cinema. This is a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors to the Coffs Coast to watch recent releases and great blockbusters in a beautiful outdoor setting by the sea.
The program will have something for everyone. It starts with a screening of The Dark Knight on Sunday 4 January and concludes with two chances to see Baz Luhrmann’s grand movie Australia on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 January.
Other popular films that will be shown, which have only recently ended their run at the regular cinemas, include RocknRolla, Quantum of Solace, Burn After Reading, Wall-E, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, Mama Mia! and Sex and the City.
Gather a group of friends, book your tickets (or just get them at the gate) and relax in the park as the sun sets and the screen lights up. Bring something comfortable to sit on such as a beanbag, deck chair, rug or cushions.
Coffee and ice cream will be for sale and you can bring your own picnic or snacks, or stop off at one of the restaurants at the Jetty restaurant strips on Harbour Drive for early dinner or a takeaway. Please note that alcohol is prohibited at the Jetty Foreshores from 9pm.
Gates will open at 7pm each night and screenings start at approximately 8.15pm when the sun has gone down.
Tickets will be available from 5.30pm each night at the gate and are $12 for adults and $8 for children (credit card, cash and Eftpos accepted).
In the event that a session has to be cancelled due to adverse weather, tickets will automatically be converted to a voucher redeemable for a future session.
For further information and to see a complete list of films on each night, visit the Coastal Cinemas website.
firstFOCUS at Bunker Gallery – 12 Dec 2008 to 10 Jan 2009
These summer holidays, you can go and see a wide range of works by the Coffs Coast’s finest established and emerging artists at an exhibition now showing at the Bunker Cartoon Gallery in Coffs Harbour.
Called firstFOCUS, it is the third annual exhibition of its kind initiated by the FOCUS group of volunteers. FOCUS aims to raise the profile of the Visual Arts in the broader community through the development of exhibition opportunities for artists on the Coffs Coast.
The exhibition consist a diverse range or arts including drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures and ceramics.
The works cross all genres and reflect the diversity and talent of Coffs Coast artists, including such names as Robin Simon, Mike Riley, Colin South, Helen Minogue and Elisa Hall, plus many others.
All works are for sale, so you could just pick up that perfect gift or start the new year off by treating yourself to a wonderful work of art. Prices range from just $110 to $4,800 and plenty of unique, beautiful pieces can be yours for just a few hundred dollars.
The Bunker Gallery, located on John Champion Way in Coffs Harbour, is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and entry is just $2 (children $1).
The exhibition runs until 10 January, and the Bunker Gallery will be closed from 25-27 December and on 1 January.
For more information, call the Bunker Cartoon Gallery on 6651 7343.
The fascinating story of family life at South Solitary Island Lighthouse is the subject of an exhibition titled ‘To the Lighthouse’ now on display at the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum.
The Lighthouse is still standing proud on South Solitary Island, 18km off Coffs Harbour.
Lighthouse Keepers, who lived on the island with their families, used kerosene to operate the Lighthouse from its establishment in 1880 until 1975. Since then, the Lighthouse has been automatically operated using solar power, generating a white flash every five seconds.
The South Solitary Lighthouse was considered the most isolated lighthouse on the New South Wales coast and family life on the island was harsh.
‘To the Lighthouse' will showcase the large collection of artefacts, photographs, film and information that the Museum holds on the lives of the Lighthouse Keepers and their families who spent years at a time living a solitary existence on the island.
The collection includes many of the families' personal belongings such as clothing and toys, architectural plans of the Lighthouse and photographs and early images going right back to the 1900s.
There is also a 1950s film of the families unloading and loading the boat that was their lifeline to the mainland, plus photographs of the Lighthouse and the Keepers cottages as they are today.
The centrepiece of the exhibition will be the original Lighthouse lamp, which is permanently on display at the Museum. The lamp is the original four-metre, internal working light from the South Solitary Lighthouse.
The exhibition will remain on display throughout the summer holidays, ending on 30 January 2009. Other temporary exhibitions and the museum's permanent collection will also be on show at the same time, making a visit at any time worth everyone's while.
The Coffs Harbour Regional Museum is open from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday and entry is by gold coin donation.
For further information about the Museum or the exhibition, contact the Museum on (02) 6652 5794.
National Parks Discovery Walks, Talks & Tours – January 2009
These summer holidays, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is again offering lots of fun and educational activities in Coffs Coast’s beautiful parks and reserves. Its Summer Discovery Program has something for everyone, from nature strolls to canoe paddles, rainforest walks, bird watching and night stalks. See below for details.
All are easy grade activities except the Moonee Creek and Corindi River canoe tours, which are medium grade.
What Tree is That? - Dorrigo National Park
NPWS Discovery Ranger Ross Stephens will lead you on a stroll through the tracks of Dorrigo National Park to uncover the identity and habits of some of the rainforest trees and shrubs of this World Heritage Listed park. No previous botanical knowledge or Latin fluency required, just an appreciation of beauty and an enquiring mind!
When: Mon 5 + Mon 19 January 2009, 10.30am-12noon
Cost: $2 children, $5 adults, $12 family
Bookings not required (phone 02 6657 2309 for more details)
The Roving Ranger - Dorrigo National Park
Keep your eye out for the roving Discovery Ranger! A Discovery Ranger will be on the Skywalk or somewhere along the track between the Rainforest Centre and ‘The Walk with The Birds’ during the times indicated below to answer any questions you may have about the rainforest and its denizens.
Booking not required (phone 02 6657 2309 for more details)
Bongil Bongil Bushtucker & Medicine Walk - Bongil Bongil National Park
For Aboriginal NPWS Discovery Ranger Mark Flanders the local bush is a supermarket, chemist and hardware shop all in one. Join Mark in a morning stroll through Bongil Bongil National park and learn the traditional uses of common local plants. This is a truly unique and engaging experience suitable for all ages.
When: Mon 5 + Mon 19 January 2009, 10.00-11.30am
Cost: $3 children, $5 adults, $15 family
Limited numbers. Bookings essential (phone 02 6652 0900 to book)
Muttonbird Island Bonanza - Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
As well as being a seabird rookery and an important cultural site for the local Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people, Muttonbird Island marks the southern end of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. This free activity offers visitors to the island a chance to meet both a Marine Parks educator and an Aboriginal NPWS Discovery Ranger to learn about the diverse values of this special island.
Bookings not required (phone 02 6652 0900 for more details)
Birds of the rainforest - Dorrigo National Park
In the World Heritage Rainforests of Dorrigo National Park spectacular birds such as the Paradise Riflebird, Regent Bowerbird and Spectacled Monarch can be seen at their best…if you know where to look. Join a local Discovery Ranger with birding expertise to show you the sights and explain the sounds.
When: Thu 8 + Thu 15 January 2009, 10.30am-12noon
Cost: $2 children, $5 adults, $12 family
Bookings not required (phone 02 6657 2309 for details)
Muttonbirds by Moonlight - Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
Enjoy an enthralling night walk as we discover the significance and beauty of this wedge-tailed shearwater (‘muttonbird’) rookery. At this time of the year the adult birds return to the island each night to feed young hatchlings in their burrows. Local Aboriginal Discovery Ranger Mark Flanders will welcome the group to Giidayn Miirral and interpret this cultural significance of the island to the Gumbaynggirr people. Bring a small torch and a jumper.
When: Sat 10 January + Sat 7 February 2009, 8.00-9.30pm
Cost: $5 children, $10 adults, $25 family
Limited numbers. Bookings essential (phone 02 6652 0900 to book)
Thungutti night stalk - New England National Park
The tall moist forest along Cliffs Trail in New England National Park contains many ancient eucalypt trees, providing ideal habitat for old-growth dependant mammals and birds such as the Greater Glider and Powerful Owl. Walking in this majestic forest at night is always a magical experience. Bring warm clothes, good walking shoes and a small torch.
When: Sat 10 + Sat 17 January 2009, 8.00-9.30pm
Cost: Free
Bookings recommended (phone 02 6657 2309 to book)
Birds of the Coffs Coast – Sherwood Nature Reserve & Yuraygir National Park
Join two highly experienced Discovery Rangers in a morning of fascinating bird watching through a range of forest types along the Coffs Coast. Guaranteed to improve your practical knowledge of local birds. Bring binoculars, field bird book, hat, snack and water.
When: Mon 12 January 2009, 8.30am-1.00pm
Cost: $4 children, $10 adults, $25 family
Limited numbers. Booking essential (phone 02 6652 0900 to book)
Why World Heritage? - Dorrigo National Park
Dorrigo National Park is the jewel in the crown of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. These reserves contain magnificent ancient rainforest of world conservation significance which date their biological ancestry back over 80 million years to a time before the birth of the Tasman Sea and when once mighty rivers flowed westwards from New Zealand into an inland sea west of NSW. Don’t believe it? Find out more on this short walk suitable for all ages. Bring walking shoes.
When: Mon 12 + Thu 22 January 2009, 10.30am-12noon
Cost: $2 children, $5 adults, $12 family
Bookings not required (phone 02 6657 2309 for details)
Starry Starry Night - Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve
2009 is the International Year of Astronomy and where better to tour the stars than in your local National Park. You are invited to join NPWS Discovery Ranger and knowledgeable star gazer Tim Thorncraft to explore the stars, planets, dust clouds and of course the rising full moon. Tim will point out constellations of the local night sky and set his powerful telescope to prominent stars for your viewing joy. In addition, Aboriginal Discovery Ranger Mark Flanders will welcome you to the island and share cultural stories of the night sky. Bring binoculars (if available) and a small torch.
When: Mon 12 January 2009, 8.00-9.30pm
Cost: $5 children, $10 adults, $25 family
Limited numbers. Bookings essential (phone 02 6652 0900 to book)
Activity is weather dependent and may be cancelled at short notice.
Moonee Creek Magic – Solitary Islands Marine Park
Enjoy a quiet paddle up Moonee Creek with expert interpretative guides from NPWS and Marine Parks Authority. Explore the lower reaches of the estuary and absorb its unspoilt natural beauty. Learn about the fascinating wildlife and vegetation which occur in the estuary, and hear about the serious threats posed by rising sea levels and ocean acidification as part of projected climate change.
Limited numbers. Bookings essential (phone 02 6652 0900 to book)
Participants must be competent swimmers and 6 years and over. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Rainforest night stalk - Dorrigo National Park
Join Discovery Rangers on a guided nocturnal walk along rainforest tracks in this World Heritage Area to spotlight for possums, bats, weird insects and other unique creatures on nightshift. Bring small personal torch, walking shoes and warm clothing.
When: Tue 13 January 2009, 8.00-9.30pm
Cost: $4 children, $10 adults, $25 family
Limited numbers. Booking essential (phone 02 6657 2309 to book)
Corindi River Paddle – Yuraygir National Park / Solitary Islands Marine Park
Patches of sea-grass in the lower reaches of Saltwater Creek provide important nurseries for marine fish whilst the mudflats of the Corindi River estuary are feeding zones for internationally significant migratory seabirds. This canoeing adventure will explore the estuarine Sanctuary Zone of Solitary Island Marine Park and the southernmost section of Yuraygir National Park.
Limited numbers. Bookings essential (phone the NPWS Grafton office on 02 6641 1500 to book)
Participants must be competent swimmers and 6 years and over. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Starry Starry Night – Dorrigo National Park
2009 is the International Year of Astronomy and where better to tour the stars than in your local National Park. You are invited to join NPWS Discovery Ranger and knowledgeable star gazer Tim Thorncraft to explore the stars, planets, dust clouds and of course the rising full moon. Tim will point out constellations of the local night sky and set his powerful telescope to prominent stars for your viewing joy. In addition, Aboriginal Discovery Ranger Mark Flanders will share cultural stories of the night sky. Bring binoculars (if available) and a small torch.
When: Wed 14 January 2009, 8.30-10.00pm
Cost: $5 children, $10 adults, $25 family
Limited numbers. Bookings essential (phone 02 6657 2309 to book)
Activity is weather dependent and may be cancelled at short notice.
Valla Beach spotlight - Valla Nature Reserve
Join a night-time adventure through Valla Nature Reserve in this small but highly significant old growth coastal forest. With powerful spotlights we search for arboreal mammals like the Greater Glider and other nocturnal creatures with NPWS Discovery Rangers. Bring a small torch, enclosed shoes and long trousers.
When: Sat 17 January 2009, 8.00-9.30pm
Cost: $4 children, $10 adults, $25 family.
Limited numbers. Bookings essential (phone 02 6652 0900 to book)
For more information about the Discovery Program or National Parks on Coffs Coast, contact National Parks and Wildlife Service Coffs Coast office on (02) 6652 0900 or Dorrigo Rainforest Centre on (02) 6657 2309.
This February, The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour will once again provide the spectacular backdrop for four delightful open-air jazz concerts.
Presented by the Friends of the Botanic Garden and the Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium, the four concerts are held every Sunday in February and will feature a number of much-loved jazz musicians.
The first concert on Sunday 1 February will bring you the Roger Burke Quartet featuring Christie Schlenker. The Roger Burke Quartet draws material from the vast repertoire of standards by Gershwin, Kern, Ellington and others. The music, which is accessible and swinging, can be loosely described as “modern mainstream” and is brought with a sense of humour. Christie Schlenker is a fine vocalist in the style of Ella Fitzgerald, and has been a hit at the Bellingen Jazz Festival for the past few years.
The week after, on 8 February, you’ll be able to enjoy the George Washingmachine Trio. George Washingmachine is a lively and entertaining musician with a hectic national and international schedule. George himself is a multi-instrumentalist, and also provides vocals, and appears with Jim Pennell on guitar and David Seidel on Double Bass to form this excellent Trio. Be prepared for a fine evening of jazz pleasure.
The third concert on 15 February features Galapagos Duck. Galapagos Duck appears in the pages of jazz history books and has received awards both nationally and internationally. Their musical style is broad-ranging, spanning Dixieland, through swing, Cuban/Brazilian, funk, pop and more, resulting in huge popularity that reaches far beyond the customary jazz audience. This is one not to be missed!
The last in the 2009 Botanic Jazz series is a performance by Uncle Jed on Sunday 24 February. This trio is an all original funk, soul, and jazz mix group with a pumping energy. Featuring brother Shannon (keyboard) and Danny (Bass) Stitt, they are joined here by Paul Derricot on drums and Laura Stitt as vocalist. As well as performing regularly in Sydney, Uncle Jed has recently toured the North Coast with their program “The Funk Stops Here” to high acclaim.
So roll up that blanket, pack your picnic hamper and come along for a Sunday evening of fabulous live jazz in a great outdoor atmosphere and beautiful setting. Coffee, soft drinks and light snacks will be available for sale at the venue.
All concerts start at 5.30pm and continue to about 7.30pm. Wet weather venue is Cavanbah Centre on Harbour Drive, next to the Museum.
Tickets are $15 per person (children up to 12 are free) and are available at the venue on the night, or can be purchased in advance from the Botanic Garden Information Centre (tel. 6648 4188). For further information, call the Botanical Jazz information hotline on 0409 908 196.
Coffs Harbour’s historic Jetty Memorial Theatre is presenting another impressive line-up of productions in 2009.
With 18 different productions and more than 100 performances to choose from between March and December, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The Jetty Memorial Theatre is located on Harbour Drive, close to many dining and accommodation options in Coffs Harbour’s popular Jetty area.
What better way to spend a great night out than having dinner at one of the 15 or so restaurants on the Jetty Strip before crossing the road to the theatre to catch a show, have a drink back on the Strip afterwards and retire to your beautiful accommodation just a short stroll away?
The 2009 theatre season includes some exciting touring shows by nationally renowned theatre production companies (often in town for an average 4 performances) as well as longer runs of homegrown theatre talents performing well-known plays and musicals.
Besides serious theatre, there are also plenty of laughs to be had with several comedy shows and some works specifically catering for teenagers, young children and the whole family.
You can get a printed copy of the 2009 Season Program from the Jetty Theatre, the Visitor Information Centre and local cafés, galleries and libraries.
Individual shows will go on sale from 5 January, while subscriptions are on offer (with a 15% discount on ticket prices) for those purchasing tickets to 4 shows or more.
Here is a quick overview of what to expect at the Jetty Theatre in 2009:
The Simple Gift, Bootlace Productions, 4-14 March
Brilliant Monkey, Pork Chop Productions & Riverside Productions, 31 March - 2 April
Letter's End, Spoon Tree Productions, 8-11 April
Shirley Valentine, Seacrest Productions, 16-18 April
Deeply Offensive and Utterly Untrue, version 1.0, 30 April - 2 May
Camelot, Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company, 9-30 May
2009 Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow, 2-3 June
61 Circus Acts in 60 Minutes, Circa, 12-14 June
The Kursk, Critical Stages, 25-27 June
Thursday's Child, Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People, 8-10 July
Hamlet, CHATS Productions, 24 July - 2 August
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, Canute Productions, 27-28 August
Embers, Hothouse Theatre & Sydney Theatre Company, 2-4 October
The Needle and the Damage Done, Fiona Scott-Norman, 10 October
Dealer's Choice, Critical Stages, 15-17 October
Gone to Bali, CHATS Productions, 23-31 October
Steel Magnolias, Blackbird Productions, 5-7 November
Oliver!, Coffs Harbour Musical Comedy Company, 14 November - 5 December
For more information and to book tickets (available from 5 January), visit the Jetty Theatre website or call the Theatre on (02) 6652 8088 between 10am and 4pm Monday-Friday.
