Coffs Harbour

Step into a lush coastal oasis at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, where the diverse plant life of Australia unfolds across 20 hectares of gardens, rainforest and native bushland.

Join a guided walk through the collections and landscapes, from towering eucalypts and vibrant wildflowers to coastal shrubs shaped by the salt-laden sea air. Continue into the rainforest, where moss-covered trees and delicate ferns create a cool, leafy canopy, offering a striking contrast to the open coastal landscape.

For a more leisurely experience, follow the ‘Journey of the Subtropics’ self-guided trail at your own pace, taking time to pause among the gardens and soak up the peaceful surrounds. You can also settle in with a coffee at the local café and simply enjoy the garden at a slower pace.

Recommended Fitness Level: Moderate – Guests are required to walk and stand for approximately 90 minutes.

Travel south of Coffs Harbour to the seaside town of Urunga, where the Kalang and Bellinger rivers meet the sea. Here, a coastal boardwalk offers a beautiful introduction to the landscape and the culture of the Gumbaynggirr people.

Meet your Gumbaynggirr guide and follow the boardwalk through the mangroves, looking out for graceful stingrays, herons and other wildlife along the water’s edge. As you walk, hear stories and insights into the ecosystem, native plants and traditional bush tucker, gaining a deeper understanding of the connection between the Gumbaynggirr people and Country.

Continue with a hands-on demonstration of traditional tools and weaponry, learning how they were crafted and used, before experiencing the distinctive flavours of bush tucker from the region.

It’s an immersive way to discover Urunga, where the natural environment and enduring culture of the Gumbaynggirr people are deeply intertwined.

Recommended Fitness level: Moderate – Guests are required to walk up to 2 km along a boardwalk, with periods of standing.

Spend a leisurely morning beside the Pacific at Aanuka Beach House, a waterfront retreat surrounded by 15 acres of lush subtropical gardens.

Settle into a shaded spot on the terrace and take in sweeping coastal views, with the gardens providing a tranquil backdrop. From here, it’s just a short stroll across the lawns to the beach, where you can take a refreshing swim, dip your toes in the Pacific or simply settle back on the sand with a good book.

With beach towels provided, there’s nothing to organise but how you’d like to spend the morning. Sip a chilled mimosa and enjoy a platter of fresh seasonal fruit as the sound of the waves and rustling palms set the pace.

With nowhere else to be, ease into the slower side of Coffs Harbour and savour a morning of sun, sea and simple pleasures.

Recommended Fitness level: Low to Moderate – Guests have the option to walk to the beach.

Step behind the scenes at a Coffs Harbour sanctuary dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and care of marine and native wildlife.

Meet the resident dolphins and playful seals alongside dedicated keepers and guides, who share the individual stories behind the animals in their care. Discover where they came from, why they were brought to the sanctuary and what life looks like for them today.

See the care that goes into their daily routine, including feeding and health checks, as keepers explain what they look for and how these moments support the animals’ wellbeing. Rather than a performance, these encounters offer an authentic glimpse into the work involved in caring for rescued wildlife.

Beyond the marine animals, learn how the sanctuary supports the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation of native species along the Coffs Coast, and the important role this work plays in protecting Australia’s wildlife.

Recommended Fitness level: Moderate – Guests are required to climb coach stairs with walking and standing for moderate periods.

Discover a playful side of Australian culture at the National Cartoon Gallery, where humour, satire and caricature offer a witty perspective on the people, politics and moments that have shaped the nation. Explore the collection and see Australia through the eyes of some of its most celebrated cartoonists.

Upstairs, step into the Holden Museum and travel through decades of Australian motoring history. Admire classic Holden models that once filled suburban driveways, alongside later performance cars, while discovering the stories behind a marque that became an enduring part of Australian life.

After exploring the collections, take a moment to slow down at the café with a coffee, soaking up the atmosphere and reflecting on the stories, characters and icons encountered along the way.

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

Step inside King Tide Brewery on the Coffs Coast and discover the craft behind some of the region’s favourite beers. Take a guided look through the working brewery, learning how local ingredients, water and inspiration come together to create each brew, from hop-forward IPAs to rich, full-bodied stouts.

Then settle in for a guided tasting, sampling a selection of King Tide’s beers as you discover the flavours, techniques and stories behind each one. Your guide will share the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every batch, giving you a taste of the brewery’s distinctly Coffs Coast character.

Finally, choose your favourite and enjoy a schooner as you relax in the brewery. There’s no better way to round out the experience than with a cold beer in hand.

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