Taking one of the many walks through the eco-certified North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, it is easy to forget that you are smack-bang in the middle of Coffs Harbour. This breathtaking oasis spans over 20 hectares and is home to some very special flora and fauna. As a living, ever-evolving ecosystem, it promises visitors a discovery every visit.
In this ultimate garden guide, Graham Tupper, President of ‘The Friends of the Botanic Garden’, shares how this very special Garden came to be and gives clues to unlock its unique treasures.
From waste dump to wonder – history of North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour
The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour owes its existence to the vision and dedication of botanist Alex Floyd OAM, along with members of a local conservation group, ‘The Ulitarra Society.’
When embarking on a canoe trip along Coffs Creek in 1972, the group identified a neglected waste dump surrounded by magnificent old-growth forest that would eventually become the Garden’s site. Seven years later, plans began taking shape, and by September 1988, the Garden officially opened. From the start, it inspired visitors with its mix of natural coastal forests, carefully planted gardens, and winding discovery trails.
‘Friends of the Botanic Garden’ – helping nature thrive together
Floyd’s deep knowledge of rainforest botany and passion for conservation helped shape the green heart of Coffs Harbour. Still, the Garden wouldn’t be what it is today without the dedication of the Friends of the Botanic Garden. Founded in 1981, this volunteer group was a massive part of its creation. To this day, it continues to thrive through hands-on work and fundraising efforts.
From front-desk service to guided tours, the Friends provide everything, Without their efforts, the Garden would lose its educational and welcoming spirit.
Graham Tupper, President of ‘The Friends of the Botanic Garden’
Unique features of the eco-certified North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
A few natural features make the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden one of a kind.
Winding around the perimeter as a natural buffer, the tidal Coffs Creek is fringed by an expansive mangrove forest that pulses with life and sustains the ecosystem. This salt-loving vegetation protects the banks from erosion and is a safe habitat for many birds and fish.
Beyond the Garden’s verdant walls, rare and endangered planted sections feature species from Australia and worldwide. These plantings add to the Garden’s biodiversity and ecological magnificence. However, its key defining feature is that over half of the Garden comprises old-growth forest, representing plant types common along the Coffs Coast and NSW north coast regions
Birdwatchers, beware of a very Powerful Owl when birdwatching at Coffs Botanic Garden
The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is a highly-rated eBird birdwatching hub visited by birdwatchers worldwide. But one feathered resident, in particular, provides a lens into the Garden’s significance, the iconic Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua).
If you’re wondering where to find this bird, look no further than the old-growth forest in the heart of the Botanic Garden. During the cooler months, trees with a lack of canopy and an abundance of hollows, provide the perfect habitat for these birds to nest in. And just nearby, the Garden’s rainforest area offers plenty of places for the owls to roost discreetly during the day.
Did you know the Powerful Owl has a healthy appetite for tree-dwelling mammals such as possums, gliders and bats? And the abundance of planted sections surrounding the old-growth forest, many of which are natives or fruit-producing, means the Powerful Owl never goes hungry!
Fauna surveys highlight ecological importance of Coffs Harbour Regional Botanic Garden
Since 2022, fauna surveys have captured and promoted the Garden’s rich biodiversity. Utilising the latest imaging technology, researchers are documenting a growing number of local mammals, reptiles, frogs, and invertebrates that call the garden home.
The survey project is also part of an ongoing plan to help position the Coffs Harbour Regional Botanic Garden as a key conservation hub and a place of ecological importance.
Not only is the garden’s natural environment rare in an urban setting, but it is part of a 100-hectare wildlife corridor, safely connecting the mountains to the coast
Graham Tupper, President of ‘The Friends of the Botanic Garden’
Coffs Botanic Gardens Seed Bank part of large-scale reforestation project
In collaboration with Landcare and Local Land Services, the Coffs Botanic Garden plays a key role in large-scale reforestation and habitat restoration. The goal is to collect, process, and store seeds from over 100 regional native species crucial to ecosystem resilience. The Garden’s Seed Bank has already collected 160 seed lots across 70 species of native flora, with plans to scale further.
Native seedlings from the project will help restore degraded lands and contribute to carbon reduction goals. DNA research allows for “blended” seed lots from different valleys, ensuring diverse genetic traits that may bolster resilience against climate shifts, pests, and disease.<h3> The eco-certified North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is a win for
The eco-certified North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is a win for nature
The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour has earned ECO Certification through Ecotourism Australia, a distinction recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
This certification reflects the Garden’s dedication to sustainability, ensuring it protects the environment, preserves cultural heritage, and is committed to engaging and educating the community.
Want to support the eco-certified wonderland? Stick to designated paths, dispose of waste responsibly, and join tours or educational programs. You can also make a difference by volunteering, donating, purchasing plants, or sharing your experience to support this natural treasure.
North Coast Regional Botanic Garden Coffs Harbour Map, walking trails & nature paths
The beautifully illustrated North Coast Regional Botanic Garden Map offers a birds-eye view of the Garden and highlights its attractions and key zones. Explore planted sections featuring international plants from seven regions, forest and swamp areas, and visit the Sensory Garden, the Tropical Glasshouse, the Shade House, ponds and lakes.
The user-friendly map includes a key to help you quickly identify and locate different areas, primary circuits, trails, and points of interest.
Looking for a map? The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden Map is available digitally on the Garden’s website. You can also grab a Garden map at the entrance.
Discovery Walks, nature trails and paths at Coffs Botanic Garden
The Garden features various themed discovery walks along well-maintained paths with informative signage. Key areas are also accessible by a wheelchair or pre-booked buggy rides. Guided tours can also accommodate visitors of all abilities.
Garlambirla Walk – Immerse yourself in this culturally rich 900m trail that educates visitors about the Gumbaynggirr people’s use of native “bush tucker” plants. Labelled as ① on the Garden Map, start at the pond and follow a shaded pergola path to the creek.
Our Habitat Our Home Trail – This scenic 900-metre circuit allows visitors to experience six distinct habitats in a short walk, offering a snapshot of the Garden’s ecological diversity. Weaving together the Garlambirla Walk along the creek, a boardwalk through the forest, and the Nature Trail, this iconic trail begins just north of the picnic area, where the mangrove forest meets Coffs Creek, and loops back to the main path.
Rainforests of the North Coast + Paperbark Swamp Forest (Labelled ③ on Garden Map) – This journey through a lush environment allows visitors to experience five unique rainforest ecosystems that provide a snapshot into the diversity of rainforests on the North Coast NSW. Start at the ‘Rainforest Walks’ sign and map, located to the right of the Glasshouse on the main path, 750m from the entrance.
Best of the Botanic Garden Interactive Trail – From endangered plants to Australia’s most giant owl, discover the Garden’s hidden gems on one of Coffs’ most accessible nature walks. Download the Coffs Coast Explorer App to access the trail to interact with the Garden!
Tip from a Garden Friend: For more information and additional walks such as the ‘Botanists Walk’ and ‘Early Settlers Walk’, visit the Coffs Harbour Regional Botanic Garden websited-growth forest, many of which are natives or fruit-producing, means the Powerful Owl never goes hungry!
North Coast Regional Botanic Garden – Coffs Harbour’s hidden gem that promises something for everyone
Things to do for kids: Coffs Botanic Garden educational programs and interactive experiences
The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour offers a variety of educational programs tailored for school children, emphasising hands-on learning and environmental awareness. Teacher-friendly resources and interactive lesson kits cover local habitats, art in nature, and rainforest ecosystems.
Educators can collaborate with the Garden’s Education Officer to design programs that meet specific learning objectives, And our upcoming ‘Nature Discovery Center’ will further support these efforts by offering new resources and interactive lesson plans
Graham Tupper, President of ‘The Friends of the Botanic Garden’
Things to do for the whole family: Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden Monthly Nocturnal Tours
Don’t miss the Monthly Nocturnal Tour for an unforgettable nighttime adventure in the Garden.
Hosted by volunteers, this guided 2km walk winds through natural forests and planted gardens. Search for creatures who wake after the sun goes down—possums, gliders, bats, maybe even a koala—along with other fascinating creatures whose eyes glow in the dark (thanks to the magic of fluorescence under UV light).
Come prepared! Don’t forget to bring a torch and insect repellent (or umbrella, in case of rain), and wear closed-in shoes. Nocturnal tours get booked out well in advance. To secure your spot, head to the Garden’s website.
For arts and culture lovers: events galore at the Coffs Botanic Garden!
Weddings, community events, and even larger-scale arts or cultural festivals, including the 2024 ‘All Under One Sun Festival’, are commonplace at the Coffs Harbour Regional Botanic Garden. Be sure to check out the ‘What’s On‘ page of the Garden’s website to find out what is happening this month!
Planning Your Visit to the Coffs Harbour Botanic Garden
Opening times and entry fees: The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is open daily, 9 am-5 pm. Entry is free.
Where to find the Garden: The entrance to the Garden is on the corner of Coffs St and Hardacre Street, Coffs Harbour.
Parking: Free, all-day parking is available at the entrance to the Garden.
Special facilities or services: The Garden features an on-site cafe, shop, and information centre. Many walking trails are wheelchair-accessible, and a pre-booked garden buggy is also available.
Restrictions: Do not bring pets, bicycles, vehicles, electric scooters and skateboards into the Garden.
For more information, visit the Garden website or call the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden Information Centre & Shop on (02) 6648 4188.