The cooler season in Coffs Harbour is a great time of year to explore all the coastal tracks and towns we miss while we’re busy at the beach. And if you’re itching for a change of scenery while still staying in your favourite beachside cottage, you won’t want to miss the hidden gems of the Coffs Harbour Hinterland. Get ready for a day trip inland to explore forest covered hills and misty mornings. This month we’ve picked out one of our favourite excursions from the coast to the country through towns full of charm and gourmet eateries to forests full of jaw dropping beauty.
From your cosy beachside cottage at Diggers Beach, take to the road for a short 15 minute drive to begin your hinterland exploration. Start off with a jaw dropping view of the coastline, high in the treetops on the Forest Sky Pier. The pier is located within the Bruxner Park Flora Reserve, where you can enjoy more sky high views at the Treetops Adventure Park as well as, guided bush walks, monthly award winning cultural shows and even some bush food nibbles at the Nyanggan Gapi Cafe. After you fill up on culture and views, head west out of Bruxner Park through Bucca and onto a quaint little town rich with country charm.
This tiny town is big on community and home to a few of our favourite eateries in the Orara Valley. As you arrive in the centre of town be sure to stop in at the Idle In Cafe for a coffee or one of their delicious treats. Mingle with the locals and enjoy a slower style of life away from the hustle of the city. Just down the road is one of our absolute favourite restaurants in the Coffs Harbour region, Velvets at Two Tails Winery. Enjoy a gourmet experience starting with tastings of Two Tails delectable wines at their cellar door. After you find your favourite beverage, take a seat on the verandah to enjoy sweeping views of grapevines and countryside. Then be prepared to be wowed by the chef’s modern tapas style menu.
After being wined and dined at Two Tails, journey (with a designated driver) down the Orara Way for a peak at one of the valley’s popular organic farms. Synchronicity Farm, aka RAW Food Hub, is a family run organic farm churning out fresh fruit and veg for the Coffs Harbour community. They are usually open, but give them a call before driving up, as they are always working!
Heading South on the Orara Way, meet the lovely historic town of Coramba. Enjoy a chance to explore the artistic side of this community, at Artspace on 45. Lovingly curated by artists Meg Vicary and Matthew Begg (and family), this small gallery is open every weekend 10 – 4:30pm. Act like a local by venturing down to the Orara River for a dip in the refreshing waters or head over to the Coramba Hotel for a tipple and some grub at the Coramba Store.
Now its probably about time to get those legs stretched out again and explore more of the majestic Orara Valley hills by foot. Drive through the tiny village of Karangi and turn onto Upper Orara Road towards Dairyville and into the tranquil tropical forests of Bindarri National Park. We highly recommend the short Bangalore Falls Track for a gorgeous glimpse of one of the many cascades in this lush park. Be sure to check the weather before venturing out as the road to the carpark can get boggy when it rains.
After you’ve taken in the diverse flora and fauna while making lasting memories with your travel companions, finish the trip via Coramba Road through Coffs Harbour with a short 20 minute drive back to Diggers Beach Cottage. Where you will surely be ready for a relaxing evening (and maybe a bottle of that Two Tails wine you picked up).