Eco MONTH photo competition winners

The Coffs Coast has recently been certified as NSW’s first ECO Destination by Ecotourism Australia. To celebrate, we put a call out to our local photographers. The challenge was to showcase the diversity of flora, fauna and natural beauty we have across our place of plenty.

AND JUST LOOK AT WHAT THEY DELIVERED!

Our Judges selected these as the 12 winNers

Beautiful Sawtell, Sawtell
Capturing beautiful Sawtell under the makeup of the setting sun.
Joshua Woods
Emu Rising Boambee Headland
The Milky Way is visible in the night sky all over the world at certain times. In Australia the Milky Way movement across the sky through the season plays an important role in First Nation astronomy.
Frank Falkenstein
St Therese’s, Coramba
The fog rolls in early on an autumn morning in Coramba.
Rebekah Sanders
Light Seekers, North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
A walk through the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour is filled will beautiful views which ever way you look. Remember to also look up!
Halford Virginia
Reflections, Coffs Harbour Marina
End of day. Incredible vivid cloudy sunset with beautiful water reflections taken from our boat “Lotus bird” in Coffs Harbour international marina.
Kathy Brown
Iconic Coffs Jetty, Coffs Harbour Jetty
Awe-inspiring sunrise over the iconic Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore and the beautiful Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. No better place than to grab an early morning coffee, walk along the breakwall and soak in that warm sun. On the horizon to the far left you can see the incredible, South Solitary Island, home to an abundance of marine life this is one stunning place for a snorkel or a sucba dive. This shot was captured on top of the Beacon Hill Lookout.
Sean McMahon
The Beauty Of Buster, Woolgoolga
Young local Matilda enjoying the Beauty of Buster in all his glory. Take only photos, leave only footprints.
Ali Stewart
Sawtell sunrise, Sawtell beach
Surfers catching sunrise over sawtell beach in February
Brendan Deane
Ashore, Woolgoolga
“The shipwreck “”The Buster”” was driven ashore and became a total wreck at the mouth of Woolgoolga Lake on March 8, 1893. It is regularly uncovered with high seas, and draws quite the crowd to engage with and explore with the wreck. Such an important historical artifact is an important tourism drawcard for the Coffs Coast, but obviously with popularity comes the possibility of damage. By protecting the natural shoreline from erosion, and by helping to educate people about the importance of the historical significance of the wreck, we can ensure it will remain preserved for future generations to learn from.
Liz McGinnes
Gumbaynggirr Country, Look at Me Now Headland – Moonee Beach Reserve
Look At Me Now Headland is an important Aboriginal site of deep significance to the Gumbaynggirr people. We are so fortunate to walk on this ancient land, where surfers can share the beach with kangaroos.
Blyde Neser
Sunrise buddies, Sawtell Beach
In the midst of one of the most spectacular sunrises I’ve ever photographed, these two unlikely sunrise buddies wandered through my shot. Even the ducks in Coffs Harbour love spending time on our beautiful beaches and experiencing the best that Mother Nature has to offer.
Michelle Gapes
When that afternoon light hits the blissful scene,Sandy Beach
The photo is taken from the Sandy Beach headland last month in between all the heavy rain. This beautiful afternoon light appeared out of nowhere between the clouds.
Maikel Stoffelen

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

**Marina magical Sunset, Coffs Harbour Jetty**
This beautiful Marina sunset photo was taken with Sumsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G on 22nd of Mar 2022 at Coffs Harbour Jetty.
Swe Dawng

**The Universe Awaits, Boambee Headland**
There’s a misconception that the stars aren’t particularly visible along the east coast. Turns out you barely need to leave home to see them. Go to any headland on a clear winter’s night, look up and you’ll see the majestic Milky Way core arching across the sky. Here, you really can have it all. Sun, surf, sand and stars. The whole universe awaits you on the edge of the Coffs Coast.
Mandy Atkinson

EXPLORE ALL THE FABULOUS ENTRIES

**Discover and Preserve. Dorrigo National Park**
Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest Dorrigo National Park on the Coffs Coast is wonderful area to explore in any conditions,precious biodiversity and needs to be preserved for the future.This is one of my photos of many visits .Enjoy.
Darren Heelis

**Sunrise buddies, Sawtell Beach**
In the midst of one of the most spectacular sunrises I’ve ever photographed, these two unlikely sunrise buddies wandered through my shot. Even the ducks in Coffs Harbour love spending time on our beautiful beaches and experiencing the best that Mother Nature has to offer.
Michelle Gapes

**Emu Rising Boambee Headland**
The Milky Way is visible in the night sky all over the world at certain times. In Australia the Milky Way movement across the sky through the season plays an important role in First Nation astronomy.
Frank Falkenstein

**Messing about in Boats Hinterland, Coffs Harbour**
As Water Rat said to Mole in Wind in the Willows, ” Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”.
Matthew Sparrius

**Human Frog, Boambee Creek**
Rope Swing fun on the beautiful Boambee Creek
Isabel Sparrius

**Buster at Dawn, Woolgoolga Beach**
An early morning walk along Woolgoolga Beach was rewarded with a sighting of the iconic Buster shipwreck, well exposed after heavy seas. I was excited to capture the sunrise over the Buster.
Colette Shelley

**When that afternoon light hits the blissful scene, Sandy Beach**
The photo is taken from the Sandy Beach headland last month in between all the heavy rain. This beautiful afternoon light appeared out of nowhere between the clouds.
Maikel Stoffelen

**Gumbaynggirr Country, Look at Me Now Headland – Moonee Beach Reserve**
Look At Me Now Headland is an important Aboriginal site of deep significance to the Gumbaynggirr people. We are so fortunate to walk on this ancient land, where surfers can share the beach with kangaroos.
Blyde Neser

**Boambee Headland**
Strolling along the cobblestone path after walking up the steps from Murray’s beach Sawtell that leads upon Boambee Headland which is part of the ‘Solitary Islands Coastal Walk’ is a formation below one of the seated outlooks Amazing Views for Sun and Moonrises this image is after a unique hailstorm that covered Sawtell/Toormina Oct 21 The central rock formation surround by hail reminds me of a Tawny Frogmouth perched in awe of the unnatural surrounds of the usual sunny afternoons it is accustomed to, is a highlight of this rocky seascape.
Colin Sawtell

**Nature’s serenity Bundageree Head, Bongil Bongil National Park**
Walkers exploring Bundageree Head and the small lagoon after completing the first half of the Bundageree Rainforest Walk, south of Coffs Harbour. Walking back to Valla along the beach gives a different perspective from the mixed plant communities on the northward trail.
Rod Nazer

**St Therese’s, Coramba**
The fog rolls in early on an autumn morning in Coramba.
Rebekah Sanders

**The Boambee Breeze, Boambee Beach**
Sitting on the beach, eyes closed with the sun on your face, turquoise clear water at your back, and the wind ruffling your fur. I know my dog is not a native species, but she fell in love with Coffs Harbour as much as I did. When I look at this photo, I think of the wind tugging the strings of adventure in my heart, pulling me along on more treks and escapades than ever before. The best thing is that Coffs had enough spaces to bring my best friend with me, so no paws were left behind.
Susannah Lyes

**Golden glow, Sawtell Beach**
Sunrise over Sawtell Beach is a cracking way to start the day,I’m alway looking for that different shot!
Tony Burn

**Sunrise, Urunga**
The Lido/Boardwalk Urunga NSW.
Sharmain Williams

**Good morning from Hearnes, Hearnes Lake**
Flat Top Dawn patrol at Hearnes Lake / Flat Top.
Michael Lamont

**A fatal leaf attraction, Bike path between gym and road bridge on the Link Road Toormina**
Most days I walk the Link Road bike track listening to a podcast . I regularly stop to observe nature and the wonders of the light at different times of the day and the year . It is so good for my mental health . I often wander off the path to the Ngaliwal walk track, which wanders near mangrove trees on the banks of the Boambee Creek. You can stop at different vantage points , sit on logs , meditate and really feel at one with the environment .
Julie Smith

**A different view, Coffs Jetty**
Taken in the Infrared spectrum a different view of Coffs Jetty
David Ford

**Ashore, Woolgoolga**
“The shipwreck “”The Buster”” was driven ashore and became a total wreck at the mouth of Woolgoolga Lake on March 8, 1893. It is regularly uncovered with high seas, and draws quite the crowd to engage with and explore with the wreck. Such an important historical artifact is an important tourism drawcard for the Coffs Coast, but obviously with popularity comes the possibility of damage. By protecting the natural shoreline from erosion, and by helping to educate people about the importance of the historical significance of the wreck, we can ensure it will remain preserved for future generations to learn from.
Liz McGinnes

**Magic pools waterfall, Friday creek**
After a long trek the falls are a welcome rest point.
Murray Gayden

**Surfing the curl, Woolgoolga**
A surfer catches a wave at Woolgoolga
Angela Moore

**Coastal Air, Coffs Coast**
Taken from a Sydney bound flight shortly after leaving Coffs Harbour. The advantage of a window seat is that you get the best views of this magnificent region. From Mylestom in the south, the coastline stretches north as far as the eye can see.
Martene Stokes

**Why wouldn’t you visit here? Coffs Jetty**
These are a few images of the Jetty area that make us proud to liver here.
Daniel Ford

**Fishing Boats, Coffs Harbour at the Jetty**
This picture has alot of my heart and memories of Coffs. So earthy and my mind wonders tothe effort and stories of the captain and crew. After a great meal of whiting fillets from the Jetty Co-Op. I wandered around absorbing the happiness and peace I feel at Coffs, I saw the fishing ships and had to take a picture. I feel it incaptures 1 part of the wonderment of everything this beautiful place has to offer. It makes me smile and reminisce about times past. Over 20 years of camping with family, then visiting as an adult with my fur kids. Best place on earth.
Vicki Birch

**Serenity on the beach, Boambee beach**
Early morning horse ride on Boambee beach before any car tracks.
Katelyn Behmer

**Reflections, Coffs Harbour Marina**
End of day. Incredible vivid cloudy sunset with beautiful water reflections taken from our boat “Lotus bird” in Coffs Harbour international marina.
Kathy Brown

**Stranger Things, Muttonbird Island and Harbour**
I was blown away by this awe inspiring scene on Monday the 13th of March 2017 @ 6:41am. I have been taking amateur photos from my balcony most mornings since 2001 – capturing the sunrises over many seasons. These photos represent the start of my day, which among other things includes my personal Mindful Practice of Curiosity, Gratitude and Non-Judgement.
Michael Bourne

Harbour Moon, Coffs Jetty
Full moon over the harbour from the jetty.
Betina Lucey-Burfoot

**A swim in the Bellingen River, Bellingen**
There are incredible spots along the Bellingen River to have a swim, enjoy nature and just be at peace. The scenery and colours are magical – mother nature at her best.
Vera Pajovic

**Pure, Gleniffer**
The clear waters of the never never
Paul Cox

**Sawtell sunrise, Sawtell beach**
Surfers catching sunrise over sawtell beach in February
Brendan Deane

**The Local, Northwall**
Keiran Riches taking on Mother Nature
David Wayland

**The Beauty Of Buster, Woolgoolga**
Young local Matilda enjoying the Beauty of Buster in all his glory. Take only photos, leave only footprints.
Ali Stewart

**Morning has broken, Urunga**
Urunga foreshore Sunrise
Helen Tree

**Wetlands golden hour, Urunga**
Urunga wetlands Boardwalk during the beautiful golden hour.
Trista Heilers

**First Rays, Nambucca Heads**
This image was taken at Dawn, just after the floods. I was at Bellwood park and not only did this beautiful sunrise appear but 3 inquisitive pelicans turned up as well.
Matt Campbell

**Sunset surfmist, Gallows**
You can watch the most beautiful sunsets from the quarry hill near the gallows beach. We truly live in the most beautiful place on earth
Natalie Bianchi

**Iconic Coffs Jetty, Coffs Harbour Jetty**
Awe-inspiring sunrise over the iconic Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore and the beautiful Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. No better place than to grab an early morning coffee, walk along the breakwall and soak in that warm sun. On the horizon to the far left you can see the incredible, South Solitary Island, home to an abundance of marine life this is one stunning place for a snorkel or a sucba dive. This shot was captured on top of the Beacon Hill Lookout.
Sean McMahon

**Hello Mr dragonfly, Urunga**
One of the best close ups of a dragonfly I have been able to capture its almost like waited for me to get mu shots.
Nathan Stapleton

**A new dawn, Sawtell**
We all need to tread more gently as we move through the world. There is so much natural beauty that surrounds us, but often, we are too busy to stop and really see it. Our lives are consumed by work, or by our phones. When you turn 40, there have been almost 15,000 sunrises and almost 15,000 sunsets. Stop for a moment and think about how many you have observed. After reflecting on this, I realised there was less than a dozen where I actually stopped and watched them in totality. So a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to capture a sunrise timelapse at the Sawtell rockpool. I took thousands of images which I put together in a video and this is one of my favourites. I love the colours of the sky, the water and the sand as the sun just starts to appear. All of us, and everything around us, is ‘All One Under the Sun’. We just need to move gently, stop and enjoy the moment.” Joel Leske

**Light Seekers, North Coast Regional Botanic Garden**
A walk through the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden in Coffs Harbour is filled will beautiful views which ever way you look. Remember to also look up!
Halford Virginia

**Endless Summer, Valla Beach**
Shot between Nambucca and Valla Beach, this image evokes a feeling of home and invites us to connect with and encounter Gumbaynggirr Country from a different perspective.
James Lander

**My Morning Companions, Emerald Beach**
The Kangaroos are as much a part of Emerald Beach community as the people are.
Karen Newlyn

**Let there be light, Woolgoolga headland**
Early morning day break Woolgoolga headland
Stephen King

**Bonville sunset, Bonville**
The sun is setting behind the mountains in Crossmaglen, as a thunderstorm approaches the valley to bring us more rain, which has seen the forest and surrounding farmland come back to life after the bushfire disaster of 2019/2020.
Ben Smith

**Sand Trees, Jetty Beach**
Patterns in sand at Jetty Beach on outgoing tide appear to look like trees.
Ken Sedgmen

**Coffs hidden magic, Coffs Botanic Garden**
Wet tropical rainforest boardwalk in Coffs Botanic Garden
Basia Meder

**Last Rays, North Beach**
A late afternoon fish before the sun sets over the river.
Sharon Watkins

**Boambee Creek Sunrise, Boambee Creek**
Boambee Creek entrance at Boambee Beach
Kehani Hancock

**Serenity, Scouts Falls**
Scouts Falls located between Corindi and Glenreagh. A beautiful bush walk in nature to come to this stunning waterfall and pool at the end. A relaxing and peaceful hidy hole on the beautiful Coffs Coast to explore.
Kylie Gault

**The Little Foragers, Serenity Bay**
Discovering sea dragons in pyjamas. Finding and saving shells for crabs who might need an upgrade. Not knowing how good they have it. This is their playground.
Patti Andrews

**Beautiful Sawtell, Sawtell**

. Joshua Woods

**Family Fun in the Surf, Sawtell**
Dolphins playing it up in sunny Sawtell. Swimmers and surfboard riders often have to share the waves with dolphins. No-one seems to mind. They enjoy the waves together. The dolphins also provide great entertainment when watched from Sawtell Headland.
Philip Jenkin

**Hungry sunset, Hungry Head**
Border collie and sunset
Emma Hohnen

Find out more about the Coffs Coast’s ECO Destination certification, what it means and how it was achieved.