Summer may have drawn to a close but there seems no end of interest in The Coffs Coast as an incredible destination to visit. Pacific Bay Resort’s strong relationship with Journey Beyond’s Great Southern Rail continued to deliver outstanding experiences for guests across a 3 month period this Summer, bringing with it a huge boost to our local visitor economy.
From humble beginnings back in 2019, The Great Southern has grown to become an iconic rail adventure along the East Coast of NSW beginning in Brisbane and making its way south to Adelaide before turning around for its return leg. The journey has grown to become incredibly popular for rail enthusiasts, many who have completed Journey Beyond’s Indian Pacific and The Ghan journeys.
Overwhelming demand for the route saw a record 12 round trips and over 5000 guests depart their carriages to experience a little of the incredible Coffs Coast this season. Guests on the south bound journey once again enjoyed the hospitality of Pacific Bay Resort where they were greeted by canapés and beverages, on the sand at Charlesworth Bay Beach, accompanied by Matt Flanders Gumbaynggirr dreaming stories overlooking the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Guests were then seated for a 3 course luxury dining experience featuring The Coffs Coast’s freshest flavours.
Fresh caught Coffs Harbour Snapper, Kingfish and prawns, Nambucca rock oysters, Dorrigo potatoes and local blueberries and bananas set the palette for delighted guests.
Making the most of the resorts immediate natural surrounds has been key to delivering the events each year for the team at Pacific Bay Resort.
“It’s with the support of the City of Coffs Harbour and the Regional Parks Trust Board that we have been able host these events in this incredible location for a fourth consecutive year. The Great Southern Rail beachside dinners are a great activation of one of our many often under-utilised coastal parkland spaces. We hope to continue to deliver these incredible events through many more seasons.” Says Group Marketing Manager at Pacific Bay Resort Christopher Winn
Guests aboard the North bound journey departed Coffs Harbour train station each Sunday, spending time at the Harbourside markets and Jetty foreshores with some even boarding helicopter joy flights from Pacific Bay Resort for a birds eye view of the coastline in partnership with Precision Helicopters.
“The Great Southern beachside dining events at Pacific Bay Resort are a great boost for our local visitor economy each year. They encourage return visitation and drive $ into Coffs Harbour. The intrinsic value created by word of mouth and the flow on effect of some of the imagery that is shared right across Australia and the World is hard to measure.” Adds Christopher
