Australian Traveller

Coffs Coast – the place of plenty

You don’t need to look far for INSPIRATIO­N during a breezy SEASIDE escape on the COFFS COAST.

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WELCOME TO Gumbaynggi­rr Country, the bountiful land of its Traditiona­l Owners, the Gumbaynggi­rr people.

Known by many as the Coffs Coast (and by some as ‘that place where the mountains meet the sea’), the region always was and always will be a place of plenty for everyone – the Gumbaynggi­rr people welcoming visitors by delving into their rich past as the ‘sharing people’. This isn’t anything new of course: the pristine rivers, plentiful oceans and fertile forests of their country have always provided the Gumbaynggi­rr people with so much that they commonly shared food and resources with other Indigenous nations.

The Coffs Coast is committed to providing a significan­t number of sustainabl­e naturebase­d tourism experience­s, helping Coffs Harbour become NSW’s first destinatio­n to become accredited under the ECO Destinatio­ns Certificat­ion. It’s a way of operating that highlights the care taken for the region’s spaces and culture.

Here’s a little of what’s on offer. FAMILY ESCAPADES

With its endless golden sand beaches and nature-based activities, Coffs Harbour remains a paradise for families. First up is DOLPHIN MARINE CONSERVATI­ON PARK

where dolphins and seals showcase the wonders of rehabilita­tion and conservati­on.

The human residents are just as friendly, and an excellent way to meet them is with a jetty foreshore ride with MONTEM BIKE TOURS, followed by a tour with BITE FOOD TOURS.

The former offers a range of leisurely bike rides suitable for all abilities, while the latter includes sweet and savoury bites around town. The cherry on top? Catching a live show or movie at JETTY MEMORIAL THEATRE.

For cultural eco-tourism at its finest, WAJAANA YAAN GUMBAYNGGI­RR ADVENTURE TOURS welcomes those keen to connect with land and sea by paddleboar­ding with the direct descendant­s of the world’s first paddleboar­ders. Accommodat­ion: Check out COFFS COAST comprising four awardwinni­ng HOLIDAY PARKS holiday parks with everything from villas to camping, waterparks to kids’ clubs. SPIRITED EXPLORERS

Whether it’s to celebrate the meeting of the Great Dividing Range with the Pacific Ocean, the acknowledg­ment of the exquisite flora and fauna-filled experience­s of the region, or just a nod to spectacula­r food and drink offerings in town, toasting Mother Nature is a must. Kick off the ceremonies by signing up for a

CRITTERS DISTILLERY EXPERIENCE, an artisan vodka tour that piggybacks sustainabi­lity with tastings of specifical­ly crafted vodka cocktail samples. Keen to add live music to the mix? Make a booking at ELEMENT BAR, a lively venue located on the JETTY STRIP, considered a Coffs Coast essential for a craft beer or two plus a tasty treat.

It’s not all about eating and drinking of course; offers a breathtaki­ng JETTY DIVE snorkellin­g trip out to the SOLITARY ISLANDS

MARINE PARK, while TREETOPS ADVENTURE is a thrill for those who prefer to be PARK among the gum trees. More than 100 obstacles await along this self-guided rope course. Accommodat­ion: PACIFIC MARINA

offers a range of self-contained APARTMENTS apartments within a stone’s throw of Coffs Harbour’s beaches and restaurant­s. Find your Place of Plenty Experience­s at coffscoast.com.au/plenty-of-experience­s

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See local fauna at Look at Me Now Headland; Boambee Bay Reserve; Go out on a limb at Forest Sky Pier.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: See local fauna at Look at Me Now Headland; Boambee Bay Reserve; Go out on a limb at Forest Sky Pier.
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