Cartoscope's detailed tourist map of the Coffs Coast region is perfect for exploring this area. Buy online (for a nominal postage and handling fee) by clicking the link to the right, or pick up from local visitor information centres, tourism operators, service stations, motels and caravan parks.
If you're a holiday maker, you'll find Coffs Harbour brimming with fun. On most days of the year, charter boats leave the Coffs Harbour International Marina on deep sea fishing and diving trips. Take a cruise to Solitary Islands Marine Park which protects unique aquatic flora and fauna. View the old cottages and lighthouse and watch for dolphins catching a ride on the bow wave of your vessel. From June to November, whale watching is Coffs' prime activity. Book your place on a motor cruiser or yacht to watch humpbacks on their annual migration north. On their return south with their calves, the whales come close to Coffs Harbour's port.
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, at the eastern end of the Coffs' marina, is home to the migratory Wedge-tailed Shearwater - commonly called muttonbirds. The island's paved walkway winds between the bird's fragile burrows and there is signage explaining the life cycle of the birds. The walkway ends at a lookout platform providing panoramic views of Solitary Islands Marine Park and, in season, passing Humpback whales.
Stroll along the restored Coffs Harbour jetty, browse amongst the marina's shops, play a round of golf, enjoy fresh seafood from the local fishermen's co-operative and stroll along the mangrove-lined Coffs Creek boardwalk. The North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is a significant tourist attraction offering visitors a unique blend of native and exotic flora and the relaxation of a quiet walk through a garden oasis in the middle of town.
Spend a day browsing local galleries, go back to yesteryear in fantastic museums, sky dive over the region or thrill to the action of white water rafting. Surf popular beaches, visit the zoo or a tropical plantation, get up close and personal with seals and dolphins at the Pet Porpoise Pool or just sit back and enjoy a long, cool drink by your pool. Shop till you drop at stylish stores, relax over superb coffee and a chat with friends, dine at exclusive restaurants or take in a nightclub or the latest movie.
For the art lover, the new Coffs Harbour City Gallery is open Wednesday to Saturday and entry is free. The lively program of contemporary and historical exhibitions changes about every six weeks. For the history buff, the Coffs Harbour Historical Museum is open seven days and collects and preserves items of historical significance of the Coffs Harbour region. The Bunker Cartoon Gallery, housed in an historic World War II bunker built in 1943, exhibits the largest private collection of contemporary cartoons in the Southern Hemisphere. It is open seven days and is a must-see for all holiday makers.
Coffs Harbour's hinterland provides a sensational backdrop to the city. Take a guided 4WD tour or trail ride, go white water rafting, ride a bicycle along quiet country roads, paddle a canoe down tranquil waterways or walk specifically designed tracks through the tall gums of a state forest. Explore the scenic villages of Karangi, Coramba, Nana Glen and Glenreagh before following a scenic forest drive back to the coast.
The relaxed seaside town of Sawtell, on Tourist Drive 18, is a pleasant surprise after the hustle and bustle of nearby Coffs Harbour. Dine alfresco at street-side cafes, stroll along sun-drenched beaches, shop in a tree-lined village atmosphere or picnic by the waters edge. Spend the night in a purpose-built bed and breakfast or camp amongst the trees and be lulled by the sound of waves lapping. Sawtell is a holiday maker's paradise.
Explore Bongil Bongil National Park, just south of Sawtell. Bushwalk, go boating or paddle your own canoe and experience up close the abundant birdlife that the park protects. Unspoiled beaches, sweeping coastal vistas, wetlands, littoral rainforest and pristine estuaries await you.
North of Coffs Harbour, the seaside villages of Korora, Moonee Beach, Emerald Beach and Sandy Beach will delight you with white sandy beaches just made for swimming, snorkelling, fishing, surfing and relaxing. The range of accommodation here will suit your taste and budget. Moonee Beach Nature Reserve has walking tracks leading to magnificent headland views and protects a number of rare and endangered species of birds, butterflies, bats and native flora.
Woolgoolga, known to the locals as "Woopi", is a centre for Indian culture, a feature proudly exhibited in the town's architecture and cuisine. Enjoy a picnic at the lake, surf at the beach, stroll to Woolgoolga Headland for spectacular vistas and whale watching, launch your boat to fish or dive in the clear waters of the Solitary Islands Marine Park or enjoy a game of golf with the local wildlife. Head west into the hinterland through lush green hills covered in banana plantations to the cool rainforest of the Woolgoolga Flora and Fauna Reserve or 4WD in the Wedding Bells State Forest. Head north to Mullaway and Arrawarra for a day trip.
Or if you would rather travel by foot, wander through Woolgoolga's boutique shops, stop for lunch and dine on tasty local treats. Woolgoolga and the northern beaches have everything you need for a family holiday or a relaxing escape - so stay awhile!
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