Stretching from Scotts Head in the south to Red Rock in the north and inland beyond the coastal slopes of the Great Dividing Range to the New England National Park, Coffs Coast is a region of green, pristine rainforests; relaxed, friendly towns; a rich history and heritage; a superb string of golden beaches washed by surf; and a spectacular underwater landscape beneath blue Pacific Ocean waters.

The main regional centre is the vibrant city of Coffs Harbour. Coffs Harbour is a major coastal resort town which is also famous for its bananas and fishing. The town of Coffs Harbour has a population of over 20,000 people with average summer temperatures of 26C and an average winter temperatures of 18C.

Coffs Harbour is located on the Pacific Highway, 540kms north of Sydney, about 400kms south of Brisbane or 320kms south of the Gold Coast. There is an airport in Coffs Harbour with a number of flights each day from Sydney and other cities.

Coffs Harbour sits in a unique position where the Great Dividing Range, descends from the inland plateaux to meet the Australian East Coast. Offshore, are the Solitary Islands where the warm tropical currents meet the temperate waters from the south. In-between the forested hills and sparkling blue waters lies the sub-tropical city of Coffs Harbour.

To get a feel for the ‘lie of the land’ venture one thousand feet up to the Sealy Lookout, only 12 minutes drive from the city centre. Tall Flooded Gums, tree ferns and dense foliage frame the picture – below, a country town patchwork is laid out. Beyond, the crescents of golden beaches border the sea which reaches to the horizon where turquoise hues of sky and water touch.

At the Jetty, stroll the marina boardwalk past sleek yachts and weathered fishing boats to Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve. At dawn and dusk, thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters (mutton birds) flock around the island, their home from November to April.

Between June and November board a whale-watching cruise from the marina to see mighty Humpback whales or enjoy wild dolphins which regularly accompany the cruise boats all year round.

For kids there’s plenty to do – surf and swim, waterslides, fishing from the jetty, go-karting, visit the zoo, the dolphin and seal show, taste carob ‘chocolate’ and get photographed at the Big Banana.