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Coffs CoastWelcometo

CCoffs Coast is a 90 kilometre stretch of surf boasting golden beaches and awe-inspiring marine life. For visitors to the region, there’s never a dull moment in this picturesque getaway.Coffs Harbour is the regional hub of Coffs Coast and a great base to explore the area from. Make sure you check out the Jetty, which offers great views of the water and alfresco dining. Great shopping is plentiful here, whether you’re after something unique from one of the boutique stores or local produce from one of the markets. For art enthusiasts, the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery has an exciting rotating calendar of exhibitions.

The coastline boasts everything from bushwalking, swimming, surfing, fishing, cycling and much more.

Solitary Islands Marine Park, extending 75kms along the coastline from Coffs Harbour to the Sanden River mouth, is home to a mixture of tropical and temperate marine life. The islands provide fantastic above-water scenery of rugged and bare landscapes, arches, gorges and sheer precipices, whilst intensely coloured soft corals luminate the extensive underwater reef here. A unique blend of warm and cool water currents offer divers a diverse range of ocean life to marvel at.

Enjoy your time exploring Coffs Coast.

Coffs CoastWelcome

to

Coffs Coast

For more information on Coffs Coast, visit www.coffscoast.com.au. Alternatively, drop into the Coffs Coast Visitor Information Centre at 351 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour.

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Dining OutCoffs Coast offers an array of sumptuous dining options.C.ex Coffs Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour • Ph: 6652 3888

Club Coffs 61A West High Street, Coffs Harbour • Ph: 6652 1477

Coffs Lane Bistro Nautilus Beach Resort 78/746 Pacific Highway, Sapphire Beach • Ph: 0421 781 231

Guru’s 10 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour • Ph: 6613 0600

Mana Chita Moonee Street, Coffs Harbour • Ph: 6699 2559

Park Beach Bowls Club Ocean Parade, Coffs Harbour • Ph: 6652 3622

Shearwater Restaurant 321 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour • Ph: 6651 6053

The Happy Frog Cafe 16 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour • Ph: 6651 6581

Urban Espresso Lounge 384a Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour • Ph: 6651 1989

For more information on dining out in Coffs Coast, please visit www.coffscoast.com.au/dining-0.

See and DoThingstoDOLPHIN MARINE MAGICLoved the world over, Dolphin Marine Magic is one of Coffs Harbour’s premiere attractions. Where else does every guest get the chance to be kissed by a dolphin and seal for free? Dolphin Marine Magic has been “edutaining” its guests for over 45 years! All visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with beautiful marine animals - pat and play with the dolphins, feed a fish to a seal, and enjoy a penguin talk and feeding. For more details, please visit www.dolphinmarinemagic.com.au.

GO BIRD WATCHINGGrab some binoculars to admire some of the 300 avian species on Coffs Coast. Rainforest bird watching spots include Dorrigo National Park, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Woolgoolga Creek. Red Rock, Coffs Creek, Boambee Creek, Urunga or Bongil Bongil are good for viewing water and sea birds.

DINE ALFRESCO STYLEAlong Coffs Coast, look out for beachside and hinterland dining precincts such as Sawtell, Bellingen, Coffs Jetty Strip and The Promenade.

HIT A ROUND OF GOLFWith 10 different golf courses to choose from you will never be short of a tee. For a full list including hole and par details, visit www.coffscoast.com.au/golf.

GO CYCLINGCruise around the Harbour, ride the Coffs Creek Cycleway or explore further into the endless network of trails winding through the hinterland. Discover over 15 cycling routes with maps and description details available at www.coffscoast.com.au/trails.

GALLERIES AND MUSEUMSYou will love the creative works at the Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, and other studios and galleries in the region. Free entry or a small donation is required for most galleries and museums in the region.

STROLL THE BOTANIC GARDENSShowcasing rare and endangered Australian species, a variety of native habitats and rainforests as well as exotic species that thrive in this climate and a picturesque Japanese Garden. Open 9am-5pm.

WALK OR RIDE ON A BOARDWALKBoardwalks are a great way to access some beautiful mangrove areas, an estuary or a pocket of rainforest. Explore some of these Coffs Coast boardwalks:

• Cabins Beach, Arrawarra• Carrall’s Creek Boardwalk, Coffs Creek• Coffs Harbour Marina & Coffs Creek• Corindi• North Coast Botanic Gardens• Urunga• Woolgoolga Falls

SHOPPINGFor the boutique and unique or high street main stores visit the following shopping precincts:

• Bellingen• Coffs Harbour City Centre• Dorrigo• Park Beach Plaza, Coffs Harbour• Sawtell• The Promenade, Coffs Harbour• Toormina• Woolgoolga

SCENIC DRIVESEnjoy the countryside with some of these touring routes: Waterfall Way, Northern Forests Drive, Southern Beaches, touring route 19, World Heritage Wanderings and more.

TOP LOOKOUT SPOTSFor whale watching, a place to walk, mesmerising views or a peaceful picnic spot, head to one of these popular headland and lookout spots:

• Boambee Headland• Dorrigo Skywalk• Griffiths Lookout, Dorrigo• Look At Me Now Headland• Muttonbird Island• Point Island• Korora & Sealy Lookout• Woolgoolga Headland

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THE JETTYStroll the iconic Jetty in Coffs Harbour offering wonderful views out to the Pacific Ocean, Muttonbird Island, the Marina and mainland. This historical icon is the perfect place to stroll along with a loved one, friend or even to enjoy the tranquility on your own.

ARTS & CRAFT MARKETSPick up some great products at:

• Coffs Harbour Jetty Market, Sundays• Coffs City Uptown Market, Sundays• Harbourside Community Markets, Sundays• Bellingen Market, 3rd Saturday of the month• Dorrigo Country Markets, 1st Saturday of the month• Woolgoolga Beach Market, 2nd Saturday of the month• Sawtell Market, 4th Saturday of the month• Glenreagh Market, 1st Saturday of the month

VISIT A GROWERS MARKETGrowers and produce markets are available at:

• Bellingen Market, 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month• Bellopy Organic Market, 1st, 3rd & 5th Friday• Coffs Coast Growers Market, Thursdays• Coffs Harbourside Market, Sundays• Coffs Twilight Market, Friday nights in summer

ENJOY A BUSHWALKSome popular walks include:

• Rainforest Walk, Bruxner Park Flora Reserve• Coachwood Walk, Numboi-Binderay National Park• Crystal Shower Falls & Wonga Walk, Dorrigo• Bundagaree Walk, Bongil Bongil National Park• Sherwood Nature Reserve, Woolgoolga• The Syndicate Ridge, Dorrigo• Wonga Walk, Dorrigo• The Mobong Walking Track, Cascade

WATERFALLSWith over 15 waterfalls dotted throughout the region including Dangar Falls, Crystal Shower Falls, Newell Falls and Ebor Falls, you will never be disappointed. You might even like to drive Waterfall Way to New England, which includes over 10 waterfalls.

OUTDOOR PLAYGROUNDSIf your kids are looking for some safe play equipment, make sure you visit:

• Boambee Reserve• Breslford Park Playground• Coffs Creek, Park Beach• Coffs Jetty Foreshore• Diggers Beach

• Jarrett Skatepark, Bellingen• Homebase Playground• North Sapphire Beach• Regional Botanic Gardens• Woolgoolga Reserve

GO SWIMMINGWith 90kms of golden sandy beaches, rivers, creeks, pools, estuaries and waterfalls there is always a swimming spot to cool down in. Outside of the stunning natural settings for swimming, don’t forget the public swimming pools available in the region.

COASTAL WALKSThe Solitary Island Coastal Walk is a 67km experience from Sawtell to Red Rock. It takes 3.5 days to complete in one stretch or you can break it up into smaller sections. It’s a world-class experience with sweeping ocean views, headlands and forested areas, wildlife encounters, remote beaches and both Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultural experiences.

GO 4X4 DRIVINGA few 4x4 spots to be explored:

• Boambee Beach• Hearnes Lake Beach, Woolgoolga• McCanns Fire Trail, Upper Orara• Mount Coramba• Peak Trail, Boambee – Friday Creek• Rover Fire Trail, Bruxner Park• Widow Maker, Woolgoolga

THE SOLITARY ISLANDS MARINE PARKIf you love scuba diving, then a visit to the Solitary Islands Marine Park is a must. You will witness a unique blend of corals, tropical fish and mangroves mixed with giant cuttlefish and kelp that can also be found in Tasmania. The Solitary Islands Marine Park is also a brilliant destination for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic helicopter f light over the islands, or try some skydiving, sailing or kayaking. From June to November you can join a whale watching charter cruise to the spectacular headlands.

For more information on things to see and do in the region, visit www.coffscoast.com.au/coffs-coast-app to download the Coffs Coast APP.

Coffs Creek

WalkCoffs Creek Walk is a 9 kilometre creek-side circuit track. It takes you from the city centre to the mouth of the creek at Park Beach, and back along the other side of the water in about two and a half hours.This f lat, easy grade track makes for a pleasurable walk but it can also be an enjoyable bike ride. The track takes you mostly through swamp forests of mangrove, casuarina and paperbark trees. A 500m raised boardwalk lets you peer into the tidal waters at the creek’s estuary and other sections lead you through tall heaths which display stunning wildflowers at various times of the year.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Historic Cemetery, which is worth a stroll. Next to the cemetery is the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, which is a half-day destination in itself. Among its attractions are various rainforest and nature trails, a sensory garden, greenhouses, a mangrove boardwalk, display areas and an information centre/kiosk.

Shorter sections of the track can also be undertaken and enjoyed.

Whale

WatchingVoted the number one experience on Coffs Coast, we little people have taken a great interest in the giant creatures of the sea for a long time. It’s hard to pinpoint what is at the root of our endless fascination with whales. It isn’t just scientific, nor the fact that they have such large brains and appear to have a complex system of communication which we can’t manage to decode. At the heart of it is something that goes beyond rational explanation, and the only way to find out is to go and see them for yourself.

At Coffs Harbour the whale season begins in late May when humpback whales begin to migrate north, and lasts until early November as they move south down the coast back to Antarctica. Research over the past few years has shown that the shallow waters around the harbour create a natural haven for the whales. This means that they swim a lot closer to the coast than in other areas, sometimes within metres of the harbour.

Great viewing spots are Woolgoolga Whale Watch Headland, Muttonbird Island at the harbour, and Sawtell Headland. Alternatively, take a professional Whale Watch cruise from the harbour.

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Coffs Coast

DIGGERS BEACHRenowned for its waves by the local surfers, Diggers Beach is patrolled during school holidays (except for winter) and is a popular spot with both locals and visitors. If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf, Diggers Beach is a great place for the whole family to get the skills with the help of expert instructors. Diggers Beach Reserve offers a playground, electric barbeques, picnic shelters, two viewing platforms and beach showers.

PARK BEACHCoffs Harbour’s main surf beach is patrolled all year round as Park Beach is home to the Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club. Park Beach is a popular area for water sports, fishing and surfing. Swimmers should be aware Park Beach can be prone to strong rips particularly at the creek mouth. Adjacent to the beach carpark is Park Beach Reserve, which is on the banks of Coffs Creek. Park Beach Reserve boasts facilities such as barbeques, picnic tables, children’s play areas, shady trees and toilet facilities.

SAWTELL BEACHAlong side the village of Sawtell, Sawtell Beach is patrolled daily during most of the summer, and is a popular surf, swimming and fishing beach. The headlands are popular for watching the migrating whales and taking in the incredible coastline views. At the southern end of Sawtell Beach you will find Sailors Bay, an area sheltered by a small island which can be reached at low tide. Here you will find a boat launching ramp, nearby parking and tidal rock pools.

SAPPHIRE BEACHJust north of Coffs Harbour, Sapphire Beach is patrolled at its southern end and patrols run throughout the school summer holidays. Access to the beach is through the village of Sapphire, via Crystal Waters Drive, which offers playground facilities, parking, beach showers and shops.

EMERALD BEACHEmerald Beach boasts a range of facilities including a children’s playground, electric barbeques, picnic shelters, toilets, beach showers, a boat ramp and is close to the shops. The beach is patrolled in the summer holidays. Emerald’s main shopping area runs down towards the beach.

WOOLGOOLGA BEACHThe sweeping bay of Woolgoolga Beach stretches from the picturesque picnic spot of Woolgoolga Lake to the headland above the town. Immediately behind the patrolled southern end is the reserve with a playground, electric barbeques, picnic shelters, toilets/changeroom, beach shower and a boat ramp. A mere surfboard’s length away are Woolgoolga’s shops, cafés and restaurants.

CORINDI AND ARRAWARRA BEACHESAt the northern-most edge of the Coffs Coast are Corindi and Arrawarra Beaches. Both beaches have summer lifeguard patrols in the areas nearest the caravan parks. At Arrawarra Headland Reserve there are picnic tables, toilets, a beach shower and gravel boat ramps. Corindi Beach is great for surfing, swimming and snorkelling, but there are plenty of rockpools for young children to explore. A boardwalk accessible from the northern end of Corindi Beach takes you through rare, coastal rainforest.

RED ROCK Coffs Coast’s most northern break is patrolled during the summer school holidays. Little Beach is popular for swimming and fishing with the adjoining Corindi River being a great spot for various watersports. Beware as the current becomes quite strong around high and low tides. Little Beach is accessed via the Red Rock North Coast Holiday Park.

URUNGA BEACHESSouth of Coffs Harbour, at the mouth of the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers, is the classic Aussie beachside village of Urunga. Urunga sports several remote stretches of sand for surfing, fishing and escaping the crowds. Hungry Head Beach, on the south side of Urunga Lagoon, is the main patrolled beach. It is wide and long, with several rocky outcrops which generate good surf breaks. The beach is patrolled during school holidays except for the winter period. Follow Tourist Drive 18 off the highway to Hungry Head. Further south is the beautiful isolated Schnapper Beach in amongst the coastal reserve below Wenonah Headland. The beach is a wonderful quiet spot for a picnic or romantic stroll - you’ll likely have it all to yourself. There’s more rocky outcrops here which make for good fishing, surfing and having a quick dip. Four-wheel drive access here enables boat launching straight into the ocean.

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FROM COFFS HARBOUR TO:

DistancesTravel

Bellingen 34.8kms 30minsDorrigo 63.6kms 52mins

Nambucca Heads 47.4kms 40minsUrunga 27.6kms 24minsSawtell 12kms 15minsWoolgoolga 25.8kms 26mins

NOTE: Times are a guide only using main roads and may be longer during peak holiday times or when the region is experiencing extreme weather conditions.

ROAD SAFETY: You are permitted to drive on a current out of state or overseas licence for a period of one year. If you hold an out of state or overseas driver’s licence it must be carried with you when you are driving and produced on demand to a police officer if requested.

Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory for all passengers. It is illegal to talk on your mobile phone while driving.

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REGIONAL AREA

John Batman Group

Solitary Islands Marine Park

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JANUARY• Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race• Festival of Sail• Carnival at the Jetty• Saltwater Freshwater Festival

MARCH• Coffs Coast Ocean Swim & Triathlon• Multicultural Harmony Festival• bcu Coffs Tri

APRIL• Easter Fishing Classic• Billabong Oz Grom Cup

MAY• Coffs Harbour Show• Bellingen Agricultural Show

JUNE• Belligen Readers & Writers Festival

JULY• Bello Winter Music• Sawtell Chilli Festival• Orara Valley Fair• Festival of Cycling

AUGUST• Bellingen Jazz & Blues Festival• Gold Cup Race Carnival • NAB Coffs Cycle Challenge• Australian Surf Festival

SEPTEMBER• Coffs Coast International Buskers Festival• Toast Urunga Food & Wine Festival• Woolgoolga Curry Festival• Belligen Music Festival

OCTOBER• Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival• Coast Out Festival• Adventurethon

NOVEMBER• Sustainable Living Festival

DECEMBER• Coffs Jetty Carnival• Carnival at the Jetty

For more monthly event listings, please visit www.coffscoast.com.au/festivalsandevents.

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EMERGENCY SERVICESEmergencies only 000Fire – Police – Ambulance

Coffs Harbour Police Station 6691 07992 Beryl St, Coffs HarbourOpen 24 hours

LOCAL TRANSPORTTaxisCoffs Harbour 13 10 08Bellingen Taxis 6658 8881Urunga Radio Taxis 6655 6206

BusesRegular daily services are run throughout the region. For more details on bus services, please visit www.coffscoast.com.au/gettingaround.

Busways 6652 2744www.busways.com.au

Sawtell Coaches 6653 3344www.sawtellcoaches.com.au

Ryans Bus Service 6652 3201www.ryansbusservice.com.au

MEDICAL SERVICESCoffs Harbour Base Hospital 6656 7000345 Pacific Hwy, Coffs Harbour

Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26

Coffs Central Medical Centre 6652 8699113 West High St, Coffs Harbour

Arthur Street Dental Surgery 6652 1677Suite 3/14 Arthur St, Coffs Harbour

The Dental Centre 6652 334414 Market St, Coffs Harbour

ServicesEssential

The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.

This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines. John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Binders Compendiums Menu Covers Pty Ltd. © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–P John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket.

PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia 3134.Tel: (03) 9879 8588 Fax: (03) 9879 8688Email: info@johnbatman.com.auWeb: www.johnbatman.com.au

Compiled with the assistance of Coffs Coast Marketing.

Images courtesy of Coffs Coast Marketing.

Managing DirectorJarrod La Canna

Advertising SalesLucas Rotteveel

Graphic DesignCarolyn Tellus

Design Assistance Teresa Prowse Leeanne Lisle

Studio EditorKarla Dondio

Operations ManagerEleanor White

Accounts & AdministrationRebecca Zalavary

DistributionMichael McDonaldDeborah Harris

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