Coffs Harbour

A true gem of the northern New South Wales coast, Coffs Harbour is one of the bigger towns in the region known for its beautiful beaches. Built on the back of banana plantations and famous for its Big Banana monument, Coffs now buzzes with markets, cafes, and yachts bobbing in the marina.

After breakfast on board, arrive into Coffs Harbour Station and travel by coach to the Great Dividing Range. At 3,500kms, this is the third-longest mountain range in the world. Poised on the edge of the rainforest, Sealy Lookout is home to Forest Sky Pier, a viewing platform soaring dramatically out from the hillside offering magnificent coastal views over the city of Coffs Harbour and up and down the coastline.

Back down in the town, explore the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, the green oasis at the heart of Coffs, which sits on 20 hectares. Meander through exotic plants from sub-tropical regions of the world as you learn about the history of the garden or leisurely set off at your own pace and enjoy the 5 kilometres of paths and boardwalks.

Tour duration (including travel time) is approximately 3 hours.

Recommended Fitness Level: Low – guests are required to climb coach stairs with walking and standing for short periods.

PLEASE NOTE: It is highly recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. In Coffs Harbour, the summers are warm, humid, and sometimes wet which can bring mosquitoes.

About 30kms south of Coffs Harbour is the little seaside town at Urunga, where a coastal boardwalk offers a fascinating insight into the local Indigenous culture and environment. After breakfast, the Great Southern pulls into the tiny station of Urunga. From here, it’s a short coach ride to Urunga Boardwalk, where a local Indigenous guide will meet you.

Stroll the boardwalk where the Kalang and Bellinger rivers meet the sea. Look for stingrays and herons wading in the mangroves as your guide interprets this unique ecosystem, highlighting local wildlife and bush tucker. After the boardwalk, immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of the Gumbaynggirr people, experience a demonstration of traditional tools and weaponry, and see, taste and savour bush tucker, all local to the area.

Tour duration is approximately 3.5 hours.

Recommended Fitness level: Moderate – walking tour, approximately 2 kilometres of walking required.

PLEASE NOTE: It is highly recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent. In Coffs Harbour, the summers are warm, humid, and sometimes wet which can bring mosquitoes.

Tailor made for Great Southern guests, take to the skies and get a birds eye view of all that Coffs Harbour has to offer – from the mountains to the sea – on a scenic 20 minute flight. Depart from Pacific Bay Resort and head north, offering stunning views of Sapphire Beach and Moonee Beach, where dolphins are often spotted frolicking in the ocean.

As we continue west, we’ll climb in altitude to provide a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Coffs Harbour Hinterland, including the hills and valleys, and fly over Nana Glen and Coramba townships. We’ll then return to the coast, passing the impressive Karangi Dam before landing back at Pacific Bay Resort.

Tour duration (including travel time) is approximately 3 hours.

Recommended Fitness Level: Low – guests must be able to board coaches and helicopter without assistance. Weight restrictions of 130kg per person apply.

PLEASE NOTE: It is highly recommended guests bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen.