Head to the hinterland to explore the Orara Valley tourist trail. Escape for a relaxed nature adventure with short bush walks, lush green countryside with quaint villages, TASTY LOCAL FOOD and friendly locals.
Surround yourself with nature – kayak the Orara River, bushwalk through or swim in the waterholes of the National Parks, 4WD tour along the escarpment, mountain bike on Mt Coramba downhill trail, horse ride along the Urumbilum River and enjoy bird watching in the Coramba Nature Reserve.
Rolling Green Pastures & Country Hospitality
Drive West on Coramba Road out of Coffs Harbour to start your journey on the Orara Valley Tourist trail. Take the Upper Orara loop at Mount Browne Road and you will soon be surrounded by tall trees and luscious rainforest. Continue around the picturesque loop and soak up the scenery past the many farms at Dairyville, joining back up to the Orara Way just past Karangi dam.
Visit the village of Coramba, for a counter lunch at the Coramba Hotel, taking in the magnificent landscape from the beer garden. Take the self-guided history walk and discover buildings and stories of the past. Explore the sub tropical rainforest on the Coramba Nature Reserve walk and photograph the delicate flora and fauna on the way.
Continue your drive to Nana Glen. The changing country views include plenty of blueberry and dairy farms. Some even offer their produce at roadside stalls along the Orara Valley Way. Stop at the Idle In cafe for some tasty treats and coffee and be sure to get a pic of the Nana two tails timber sculpture of the famous legendary lizard, crafted by local artist Ian Watson. Ask the friendly staff for visitor information, they would love to tell you about their amazing backyard that is the Orara Valley.
The next stop along the way is Glenreagh. Pose for a selfie at the Golden Dog Hotel with the tall standing statue over a mosaic representation of the landscape and enjoy a delicious pub lunch with a frothy beer or two! Visit the Glenreagh memorial museum and discover the stories of the heritage railway line and the heady days of goldmining as you explore the oldest village of the Orara Valley.
Backtrack along the Orara Valley way towards Coramba and turnoff onto the Eastern Dorrigo Way. Your next stop is the small village of Lowanna with a General store and cafe with fuel, and the beautiful Eco-friendly Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat where you can kick back and relax in the tranquil surroundings. Make a visit to the Lowanna railway station where you will find the heritage passenger station, restored to it’s former glory with colour and love.
On to Ulong and the welcoming Cafe in the Valley, where you can talk to the very knowledgeable locals, they have visitor information, maps of the Coffs Coast and you can talk to a knowledgeable local on the best on fishing spots, 4×4 trails, swimming holes and waterfalls at nearby Bindarri National Park.
