Coffs Coast and surrounds

Must do

• Waterfall Way
• Coffs Coast Visitor Information Centre
• Pet Porpoise Pool
• Big Banana
• National Marine Science Centre Aquarium
• Dorrigo Skywalk

Fast facts

• A string of unspoilt beaches backed by an escarpment covered in lush rainforest
• Famous for its World Heritage-listed rainforest and Solitary Islands Marine Park
• Six hours’ drive north of Sydney. Fly from Sydney and Melbourne with Virgin Blue and QantasLink. 
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Why go there

The Great Dividing Range meets the sea on the Coffs Coast, forming a stunning backdrop to the area’s white beaches. An outstanding holiday destination, Coffs Harbour and its neighbouring towns offer a range of attractions, from adventure sports and world-class golf courses to art galleries and alfresco cafés.

Scattered along the Coffs Coast are a number of delightful seaside towns, such as Sawtell, Nambucca Heads and Macksville.

Things to do

• Kayak through Bongil Bongil National Park.
• Tee off at one of the region’s 12 golf courses.
• Sample the local produce, including Nambucca River oysters, Dorrigo potatoes and Coffs Coast bananas.
• Go fishing or scuba diving in the Solitary Islands Marine Park, off the coast at Coffs Harbour.
• Browse in quirky stores in Bellingen, renowned as a centre for arts and crafts.

Don’t miss

• The rare and endangered species at Coffs Harbour’s North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.
• The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour, an iconic tourist attraction with new interactive displays.
• Skywalk, a 70-m suspended walkway over the upper storey of rainforest at Dorrigo National Park.
• Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve and Pet Porpoise Pool, Coffs Harbour.
• Doing the Dorrigo Freefall, an adventurous mountain-bike tour downhill from Dorrigo National Park.
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Events

• Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race and Festival of Sails in January.
• Celtic Thunder, Coffs Harbour, in June.
• Bellingen Jazz Festival, Bellingen, in August.
• Rusty Iron Rally, Macksville, in September.
• Coffs Coast International Buskers and Comedy Festival, Coffs Harbour, in September.
• Coffs Coast Food and Wine Festival, Coffs Harbour, in October.

Kingscliff beach

Fast facts

• Emerging lifestyle capital of the North Coast where sensational beaches come with a touch of style
• Just south of the Queensland border, and 840 km north of Sydney 
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Why go there

If you like your beaches served with spas, glamorous resorts, metro-style cafes and guaranteed warm weather, the New Tweed Coast is just the place to visit. 

The region between Kingscliff in the north and Cabarita in the south, this is emerging as a lifestyle and leisure resort area, with slick resorts, seafront cafes and a taste for the good life. The beaches in this part of the world all bear the “Made in Heaven” brand name – a series of long, golden sweeps cradled between headlands with world-class surf breaks and a reef break on the southern edge of Kingscliff. 

The New Tweed Coast is barely a 15-minute drive from the Gold Coast Airport – perfect if you’re looking for a short break from one of our capital cities.

Don’t miss

• The sophisticated accommodation options – including luxury villas, holiday resorts and Salt, a billion-dollar lifestyle development that sprawls across 16.5 hectares of beachfront parkland.
• The walk to Fingal Lighthouse. Park just past the Fingal Trading Post and follow the sand tracks up to the lighthouse, with impressive views of the waves pounding the basalt stacks of the Giants Causeway and across to Cook Island.
• The sublime seafood at Fins at Salt, created by acclaimed chef Steven Snow, whose previous restaurant, Fins at Byron, won two coveted chef’s hats in the Sydney Morning Herald's Good Food Guide.
• The Golden Door Spa at Salt Village, one of the largest day spas in the country and the perfect place to bring a touch of silk to your beach experience. Among its 21 treatment areas are double treatment suites and Vichy showers. The spa menu features a huge array of facial treatments, body massages and treatments, and hand and feet therapies.
• The right-hand break at Kingscliff, which starts working at less than a metre and holds up for all tides. 

Pebbly beach

Fast facts

• This coastline was created by Mother Nature in a moment of wild extravagance.
• 279 km south of Sydney
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Why go there

Between Ulladulla and Batemans Bay on the State’s South Coast, the sandy beaches with sparkling water are backed by forests where eastern grey kangaroos appear silently from among the banksias.

Pebbly, famous for its kangaroos, is the best known of all these beaches, but there are several others including Depot and South Durras, where the Pacific rollers swell as they rise from the sea and flex into creamy white breakers.

In recognition of its unique character, much of this coastline has been preserved as national park. Camping comes naturally here, and there’s nothing like a night under the stars, falling asleep to the sound of waves.

South of Batemans Bay the beaches are typically smaller and sheltered, cupped between headlands where the waves crash laying white icing across splintered fingers of dark rocks.

Don’t miss

• The drive south from Batemans Bay along Beach Road, which winds past a string of gorgeous coves and beaches.
• Batemans Bay’s 27-hole Catalina Country Club, rated one of the finest coastal courses in the country.
• A cruise along the Clyde River from Batemans Bay to Nelligen, 11 km upriver.
• Murramarang National Park, with its friendly eastern grey kangaroos and cabins by the beach.
• Fishing – and with a choice of river, estuary, beaches and big game fishing, Batemans Bay is a fisherman’s dream.
• Clyde River oysters fresh from the estuary

Sydney and Canberra

After Bali, arriving in the slick, ordered, affluent and surprisingly chilly world of Sydney's CBD was quite a contrast.  I stayed in a rickety old pub/hotel right in the middle of the business district, just a few minutes from the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge (locally aka The Coathanger!)

My flight arrived early in the morning, so I'd already had a look around before I was able to check in.  Straight away, it was pretty clear that Sydney has tonnes going for it, most strikingly the sparkling blue waters of the huge harbour itself.

A few days later I went out on a whale watching boat, and - hardly any distance outside the busy harbour - we saw a couple of humpback whales, happy to frolic about near to the boat for ages.

Billy Elliot's had a long run in Sydney.  Went to see that, and it was quite good, but the best bit was hearing the actors and dancers doing their best to pronounce words like 'frustrated' in a grim Northern miner accent!  

Being a victim of all the hype over here (since it was Heath Ledger's last film), I also went to see 'Dark Knight', but didn't think much of that... can't see what makes it any different from all the other superhero films, not sure why it got such high reviews.



I left Sydney on the day that Team GBR overtook the Aussies in the Olympic medal tally, which didn't go down very well at all here.  The media was full of references to the 'whinging pommies' somehow 'not doing as crap as we've come to expect'.  The wisdom of the pundits all put it down to 'Money, money, money mate - they're so worried about 2012 that they've been throwing heaps of cash at sports development.  And good on 'em I say.'  The Aussies are a sporting lot to be fair.

But that doesn't stop their papers suddenly starting to publish new medal tables which show medals per capita of population, where Australia currently comes 4th in the world compared to GB at 20th.  The article kept quiet about the fact that NZ come in ahead of them, but pointed out that 'The UK would be a gold medal certainty if gloating about beating Australia was an Olympic sport'.  Ouch!



But despite their bravado, I reckon they're really a bunch of jessies.  In their 'winter', all the New South Welshmen (yes, that's really what they're called) wrap themselves up in thick jackets and scarves, while the sun blazes down from a clear blue sky.  Fair enough, it's not warm at the moment, but it's not that cold!

Anyway, after just over a week in Sydney, I ignored advice from 'Sydneysiders'... 'Seriously, mate, don't go there, it's shithouse.  Nothing but massive roundabouts and bloody politicians' and headed to Australia's capital, Canberra.  

Still a bit of a national joke, the site of Canberra - at that time a sheep station - was selected in 1908 as a good place for Australia's capital city, being between Sydney and Melbourne.

At first it seems a bit like a Simpsons episode, with massive public buildings and statues dotted everywhere, a hands-on science place called 'Questacon' and a village of miniature buildings from all over the world.



It's also a bit like Beijing in it's massive layout and the fact that it takes absolutely ages to walk from one place to anywhere else, which seems a little over the top for Canberra's 325,000 people, compared to Beijing's 16 million plus.

Canberra seems to have a 'national' everything, including this National Carillon.  I didn't even know what a carillon was (turns out it's a bell tower)

Anyway, though Sydney was only quite cold, Canberra really was baltic, below freezing and windy at night.  

After a few days there I could see why it got it's dull reputation, and lots of boring looking offices for companies like EDS, Ernst & Young and SAP, presumably working on endless government contracts, didn't help.  But apart from that, there were some top notch art galleries and exhibitions, and apparently there's quality skiing and boarding not far away in the snowy mountains, so it's not that bad!

Cairns Australia to Magnetic Island via Mission Beach [road trip]

Cairns Australia to Magnetic Island via Mission Beach (235km)
Mission Beach is a great beach and is 115km south of Cairns Australia. Stop off here for a couple of hours before traveling a further 235km to Magnetic Island. To get here you need to head to Townsville and then catch a ferry over to the island. Ferry times are fairly regular but only once every hour so agree a time and aim to get there to avoid waiting around.

Not that well known but perfect for island getaways.
This island has everything and despite being in the Tropical north of Queensland, it boasts to have 320 days of sunshine. The rain doesn't seem to hit here although I'd still skip January through to March if you want to guarantee yourself no rain.
Once on the island you can either enjoy the beaches, snorkel, water sports, tennis or horse riding. Swimming is safe and it's warm enough to swim all year round.
Places to stay include
Mantra One Bright Point - modern, clean and very near the ferry terminal. Make sure you ask for a room with an ocean view.
Sails on Horseshoe This is getting a little tired now BUT it has probably the best location, only moments from the beach. It's also a bit quieter here as its away from the pub.

Magnetic Island to Arlie Beach (280km)This is the gateway to the magical Whitsundays islands.
The Whitsundays Australia are probably the most stunning part of Australia but equally one of the most expensive too. Airlie beach itself is a cheap option for visiting the islands. Follow this link to find out what to do on Whitsundays Australia
If you are planning on taking a campervan,You can camp in a variety of places including
Arilie Cove Van Parkhttp://www.hotelscombined.com/Hotel/Airlie_Cove_Resort_and_Van_Park_Airlie_Beach.htm?a_aid=13911
or Aspen Parks http://www.aspenparks.com.au/holiday-destinations/queensland/airlie-beach/island-gateway-holiday-park/welcome.aspx
But see the Whitsundays Australia for more accommodation ideas.

Airlie Beach to Rockhampton – 481kmThere is now not much to see until you get to the Sunshine Coast (in my opinion) so its up to you how hard core you want to be. It would take you 14 hours to drive to Noosa from here so you still need to break up the journey a bit more!
I’d try to get to Rockhampton which is approx 481km. Rockhampton isn’t too bad. It’s the place to get a great steak as it’s the capital of Australia’s beef farming industry. But if you are vegetarian, you should find some good Barrumundi as the local Fitzroy river has an abundance of these fish.
This is a chance to get to know the real Australia outside of the fancy cities and tourist routes like Ayers Rock and Cairns Australia. Don't expect anything too exciting and you won't be disappointed!
Places to stay in Rockhampton:
The Edge Luxury Apartments - luxury might be over promising but its probably the best place to stay in Rockhampton. The apartments are big and clean. Location is just outside the main town
Best Western Cattle City Motor Inn - not a bad little stop over place. It has broadband and a restaurant and is right on the main highway (can be a little noisy as a result) But very affordable.

Rockhampton to Hervey Bay (Gateway to Fraser Island) 390km
You need a full day really to drive to Hervey Bay and then a further day or two to do Fraser Island Australia This is one of my favourite places. An island made entirely of sand and a chance to get back to nature. One not to be missed!
Remember, you can’t take your campervan onto the island – 4 wd vehicles only. You'll find plenty of companies willing to hire you a 4WD and camping gear. Or you can take an organised tour. Try to stay overnight and camp on the beach though - it really is a wonderful experience.

Hervey Bay to Noosa 180km Noosa or Noosa Heads is a fantastic seaside town with fabulous beaches, forest walks, boutique shopping, gourmet restaurants and some nightlife. This is a great place to relax for a few days and enjoy the sunshine. A classic destination for the Sydneysiders to get away from city life.
Find out more by clicking Noosa Australia

Noosa to Brisbane 160km
A chance to get back to civilization and city life! Brisbane Travel experiences are not to be missed. Did you know that Brisbane is now becoming THE centre for the arts? Click on the link above to find out what you should do and where to stay in Brisbane
You should also consider partying in the Gold Coast which is an area about an hour outside of Brisbane. It has fantastic beaches and is a total party town - think an Australian version of Vegas! Infact the locals call it Brisvegas! More details at the link above.

Batemans Bay

Fast facts

• Bustling coastal town with majestic seascapes
• Located on the estuary of the Clyde River
• 279 km south of Sydney, population 10,200

Why go there

From watercolour artists and rock fishermen to sandcastle builders, there’s something for everyone both in Batemans Bay and along its sublime stretch of coast.
Extensive shell middens in the national parks to the north and south are evidence of Aboriginal habitation in the area. These parks also boast abundant animal life.
The 27-hole Catalina Country Club is rated one of the finest courses on the South Coast.

History

Timber and fishing were the town’s economic mainstays in the 19th century, but at the time Batemans Bay was much smaller than the nearby towns of Mogo and Nelligen. It was not until a bridge was built across the Clyde River in 1956 that Batemans Bay began to thrive as the main service centre for a popular holiday region.

Things to do

• Take a lunchtime cruise along the Clyde River from Batemans Bay as far as Nelligen, 11 km up-river. Or hire a houseboat and stay overnight. 
• Drive south from Batemans Bay along Beach Road, which winds past a string of picturesque coves and beaches.
• Drop a line off the rock wall and hook a bream.
• Explore Murramarang National Park, with its friendly eastern grey kangaroos.
• Savour Clyde River oysters fresh from the estuary.
• Browse the local art and craft galleries.
• Walk along the Durras Discovery Trail.

Events

• The George Bass Marathon, held each January in even-numbered years, is the world’s toughest surfboat race. After a thrilling, colourful send-off from Batemans Bay, crews row 170 km south to Eden.

Don’t miss

• Birdland Animal Park, which has a huge collection of Australian native birds, an animal nursery, duck ponds, waterfalls as well as rides on the Birdsville Express train through 3 hectares of parkland.
• Browsing in the local art and craft galleries. 

Nelson Bay

Fast facts

• Bustling coastal town with majestic seascapes
• Located on the estuary of the Clyde River
• 279 km south of Sydney, population 10,200

Why go there

From watercolour artists and rock fishermen to sandcastle builders, there’s something for everyone both in Batemans Bay and along its sublime stretch of coast.
Extensive shell middens in the national parks to the north and south are evidence of Aboriginal habitation in the area. These parks also boast abundant animal life.
The 27-hole Catalina Country Club is rated one of the finest courses on the South Coast.

History

Timber and fishing were the town’s economic mainstays in the 19th century, but at the time Batemans Bay was much smaller than the nearby towns of Mogo and Nelligen. It was not until a bridge was built across the Clyde River in 1956 that Batemans Bay began to thrive as the main service centre for a popular holiday region.

Things to do

• Take a lunchtime cruise along the Clyde River from Batemans Bay as far as Nelligen, 11 km up-river. Or hire a houseboat and stay overnight. 
• Drive south from Batemans Bay along Beach Road, which winds past a string of picturesque coves and beaches.
• Drop a line off the rock wall and hook a bream.
• Explore Murramarang National Park, with its friendly eastern grey kangaroos.
• Savour Clyde River oysters fresh from the estuary.
• Browse the local art and craft galleries.
• Walk along the Durras Discovery Trail.

Events

• The George Bass Marathon, held each January in even-numbered years, is the world’s toughest surfboat race. After a thrilling, colourful send-off from Batemans Bay, crews row 170 km south to Eden.

Don’t miss

• Birdland Animal Park, which has a huge collection of Australian native birds, an animal nursery, duck ponds, waterfalls as well as rides on the Birdsville Express train through 3 hectares of parkland.
• Browsing in the local art and craft galleries. 

Uluru Ayers Rock !!!

Ayers Rock/ Uluru, the world's largest monolith and an Aboriginal sacred site is Australia's most famous natural landmark. Visitors may wish to make the tough 1.6km ascent to the top or take a walking tour around the rock with an aboriginal guide , learning about its fascinating with the Uluru people and its importance in dreamtime legend.

Port Stephens !!!

Port Stephens lays claim to the title ‘Dolphin Capital of Australia’. The bay is home to around 150 bottlenose dolphins, and there are several tour operators in Nelson Bay that offer dolphin-watch trips. These playful aquatic mammals often ride the bow wave just a couple of metres from the vessel.

Thing to do

Take a dolphin-watch cruise from Nelson Bay.

Hire a catamaran, surf ski or a canoe from the beach at Shoal Bay.

Explore the beaches at Tomaree Head, at the north-eastern tip of Tomaree National Park.

Information available http://www.visitnsw.com/town/Port_Stephens.aspx

Blue Mountains !!!

The Blue Mountains offer spectacular scenery, plantlife and wildlife. The mountains reach a height of 1100m, and have been given their name due to the blue haze that hovered above the mountains produced by the oil from the plentiful Eucalyptus trees. The Blue Mountains National Park offers great walking trails and is still relatively untouched similar to the other national parks in the Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains also offers other activities such as abseiling, rock climbing and canoeing, as well as accommodation.

Infomation available - http://www.bluemts.com.au/tourist/