It’s easy to imagine yourself poolside or lazing upon a beach when you think about a holiday to the famous Coffs Coast. While that does sound relaxing, as Winter sets in, it’s a great chance to explore the area a little further. Staying at Pacific Bay Resort means you’re in the perfect spot to day trip the area. So we’ve profiled our 3 Essential Coffs Coast day trips. Just grab a take-away coffee and jump in the car – here we go…
DAY TRIP 1: Nana Glen and Glenreagh
This quaint little country drive is just the ticket to re-connect with some real Aussie towns and some real Aussie people. Head North from Pacific Bay and turn off at the Moonee Beach exit, following the Solitary Islands Way. Turn left at Bucca Road and head toward Nana Glen. It’s approximately 15 minutes to this quaint little town boasting a population of just over 1000.
Grab a coffee from the idle Inn Café located on the main drag. It’s hard to miss… keep an eye out for a Hollywood celeb or two… wink wink
Head North on the Orara Way and head toward Glenreagh. Just 15 minutes drive will land you at Glenreagh. Turn right onto Sherwood road and head into the Sherwood Nature Reserve. Park the car and follow the creek up to Scouts Falls – A little local secret perfect for a family adventure!
Back in the car and its time for lunch. Glenreagh’s Golden Dog Hotel makes for a great instagram snap and a burger or schnitty. This quiet little spot is a charmer! Check out the Glenreagh Mountain Railway for an afternoon history lesson. Their hours might vary as it’s run by volunteers but they have some amazing old restored locomotives to see.
Wind your way back to Nana Glen and look out for Two Tails winery on the Right Hand Side. Great food and wine tastings will set up your afternoon among the vines. Grab something from the cellar door and head back to the coast. A great little day out!
DAY TRIP 2: Orara State Forest and Sealy Lookout
Your destination is just 10 minutes drive from Pacific Bay but pack a water bottle, some snacks and some lunch – You’re going to need it!
Turn north from Pacific Bay and move into the left lane, then turn left up Bruxner Park road, just a few hundred metres from the entrance to the resort. Take care as you wind your way upward about 5km, through the banana plantations. Don’t forget to take in the incredible view of the ocean and look out for a bag of roadside locally grown bananas – simply delicious.
When you reach the forest take a hard left and follow the signs to Sealy lookout – Your first stop. Take some time to soak up the view on the skywalk and don’t forget to grab a coffee from the locally run Ngapi Café before getting set for your Gumbayngiir experience…
For bookings go to https://bmnac.org.au/giingan-tourism-experience/make-a-booking/
Enjoy a picnic lunch with the goannas and take some time to relax amongst the shady surrounds of the gum trees. Hone your shakras and prepare yourself for an afternoon at Treetops Adventure Park. Sure to get the blood flowing, here you can swing and zipline your way through the trees. They have 4 Adult courses from beginner to expert so you can work your way through them all. There are also a couple of dedicated kids courses – you’ll have a hard time getting them off !
Havn’t had enough? Why not take the rainforest walk – a 1.6km loop trail with some interpretive signage and labelled trees. Park your car at the Gap and look for the signs.
Day Trip 3: North Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Here’s a simply incredible and relaxing day out in a place so unsung, you could drive around it 100 times and never even know it’s there.
Coffs Harbour is home to the largest botanical garden in regional NSW and it’s SMACK BANG in the centre of the township. With just a single entry and exit point, this place is as diverse as it is hidden. Boasting over 20 hectares of manicured gardens, forests and walking tracks, the gardens wind their way along Coffs Creek which means there’s everything from a mangrove walk with bird viewing platforms, fish and mud crabs, to a Japanese garden and a Eucalypt forest that’s actually full of koalas. Keep a keen eye out as they can often be seen both on the ground and in the trees, all throughout the gardens.
Here’s the perfect spot for a cuppa and a good book. There are private spots to curl up on a blanket, kick a ball or unpack a picnic lunch. Make sure you take the long way and breathe in all the good smells along the way. A very special day out indeed!
TIP – When you’ve done your day in the gardens, make your way toward the Coffs Harbour Marina and stop along the jetty strip. Try Element Bar for a craft ale before making your way back to Pacific Bay for your dinner booking at Bayside Bar and Grill!
