Coffs Harbour Experience

Recently I had the good fortune to travel to the Coffs Harbour region for a mix of work and pleasure. Having grown up in central NSW and experienced prolonged periods of very little rainfall and parched fields (I’m talking about the town’s playing fields here, not just the farmer’s fields) it was a welcome relief to visit the Coffs Harbour area. There is more rainfall here in a few weeks than my home sees in a year! The result is a verdant, lush environment with no dust bowls to be seen. I must admit that some of the locals commented that it was the wettest they had experienced for some time and were looking forward to a ‘dry’ spell. Some people just don’t know when they have it good!

I spent my free time (little that I had) .exploring the region including the smaller townships dotting the coastline north of Coffs Harbour, where there are great beaches and lots of local fresh food to enjoy. I also journeyed to a local lookout called Sealy Lookout which is a short drive of about 20 minutes out of Coffs Harbour, up a winding and narrow road into the Bruxner State Forest. The drive is well worth it. The scenes that open up as you wind around the side of the hills are just magnificent – especially to a tired eyed country clod. Since my visit, the lookout has been closed for construction of a viewing platform which will provide a great panoramic view of the coastline from its ~300m elevation. Apparently the new platform will be ready for public use in about September. You can read about it here. I’m sure I’ll check it out next time I’m in the area. The walk to Mutton Bird Island is a refreshing experience. Once out on the island, just sit on the rocks on the ocean side, and listen to the murmurs of the sea with the fresh sea air blowing in your face. I found it very relaxing and just a little spiritual.

I can’t leave this without mentioning where I rested my weary head at night. Some friends told me of their experience (positive) when they stayed at the Country Comfort Coffs Harbour motel which is right next door to the Big Banana tourist spot on the northern edge of the town on the Pacific Highway. This location makes it very easy to find. My friends were spot on – the service was very friendly, the room more than I expected for the cost, and very importantly, the food was delicious. The chef prepared every meal with great care and attention, which enticed me to try and work my way through the menu. Alas, I was not there long enough to achieve this goal. I will however, keep it on my ‘bucket list’. My thanks to the staff for making sure my needs were met and I enjoyed my stay. fortune to travel to the Coffs Harbour region for a mix of work and pleasure. Having grown up in central NSW and experienced prolonged periods of very little rainfall and parched fields (I’m talking about the town’s playing fields here, not just the farmer’s fields) it was a welcome relief to visit the Coffs Harbour area. There is more rainfall here in a few weeks than my home sees in a year! The result is a verdant, lush environment with no dust bowls to be seen. I must admit that some of the locals commented that it was the wettest they had experienced for some time and were looking forward to a ‘dry’ spell. Some people just don’t know when they have it good! fortune to travel to the Coffs Harbour region for a mix of work and pleasure. Having grown up in central NSW and experienced prolonged periods of very little rainfall and parched fields (I’m talking about the town’s playing fields here, not just the farmer’s fields) it was a welcome relief to visit the Coffs Harbour area. There is more rainfall here in a few weeks than my home sees in a year! The result is a verdant, lush environment with no dust bowls to be seen. I must admit that some of the locals commented that it was the wettest they had experienced for some time and were looking forward to a ‘dry’ spell. Some people just don’t know when they have it good!

I spent my free time (little that I had) exploring the region including the smaller townships dotting the coastline north of Coffs Harbour, where there are great beaches and lots of local fresh food to enjoy. I also journeyed to a local lookout called Sealy Lookout which is a short drive of about 20 minutes out of Coffs Harbour, up a winding and narrow road into the Bruxner State Forest. The drive is well worth it. The scenes that open up as you wind around the side of the hills are just magnificent – especially to a tired eyed country clod. Since my visit, the lookout has been closed for construction of a viewing platform which will provide a great panoramic view of the coastline from its ~300m elevation. Apparently the new platform will be ready for public use in about September. You can read about it here. I’m sure I’ll check it out next time I’m in the area. The walk to Mutton Bird Island is a refreshing experience. Once out on the island, just sit on the rocks on the ocean side, and listen to the murmurs of the sea with the fresh sea air blowing in your face. I found it very relaxing and just a little spiritual.

I can’t leave this without mentioning where I rested my weary head at night. Some friends told me of their experience (positive) when they stayed at the Country Comfort Coffs Harbour motel which is right next door to the Big Banana tourist spot on the northern edge of the town on the Pacific Highway. This location makes it very easy to find. My friends were spot on – the service was very friendly, the room more than I expected for the cost, and very importantly, the food was delicious. The chef prepared every meal with great care and attention, which enticed me to try and work my way through the menu. Alas, I was not there long enough to achieve this goal. I will however, keep it on my ‘bucket list’. My thanks to the staff for making sure my needs were met and I enjoyed my stay. fortune to travel to the Coffs Harbour region for a mix of work and pleasure. Having grown up in central NSW and experienced prolonged periods of very little rainfall and parched fields (I’m talking about the town’s playing fields here, not just the farmer’s fields) it was a welcome relief to visit the Coffs Harbour area. There is more rainfall here in a few weeks than my home sees in a year! The result is a verdant, lush environment with no dust bowls to be seen. I must admit that some of the locals commented that it was the wettest they had experienced for some time and were looking forward to a ‘dry’ spell. Some people just don’t know when they have it good!