Karen's Local Guidebook - Korora
Cafe / coffee
Whether it's breakfast, brunch, lunch or coffee you're after, we have a great selection of cafes in the area. Here are a few recommendations to get you started - the list is by no means exhaustive!
Literally a few minutes drive, this is a great pit stop for coffee when at Diggers Beach for a surf or swim. Snacks available also. Open 7 days a week from 7am-11am.
Coffee truck
41 Diggers Beach RdLiterally a few minutes drive, this is a great pit stop for coffee when at Diggers Beach for a surf or swim. Snacks available also. Open 7 days a week from 7am-11am.
If you’re a coffee connoisseur then you’ll love the gourmet coffee served up here, locally sourced from the Byron Bay Coffee Company! At the entrance of Park Beach Plaza. Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu also available.
Brooklyn's Burger Bar Espresso Park beach plaza
253 Pacific HighwayIf you’re a coffee connoisseur then you’ll love the gourmet coffee served up here, locally sourced from the Byron Bay Coffee Company! At the entrance of Park Beach Plaza. Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu also available.
Fresh baked muffins, bagels, croissants and pastries to begin the day. Lunch menu also available. If you like chai, they brew a great pot here!
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Supply Speciality Coffee and Bar
15 Orlando StFresh baked muffins, bagels, croissants and pastries to begin the day. Lunch menu also available. If you like chai, they brew a great pot here!
All day breakfast and lunch menu. Dedicated vegan menu also available.
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Urban Espresso Lounge
382 Harbour DrAll day breakfast and lunch menu. Dedicated vegan menu also available.
Great breakfast and friendly staff. Kid friendly options and drawing pencils provided to keep them occupied. Open 7 days a week, offering an extensive breakfast and lunch menu.
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Twenty46
394 Harbour DrGreat breakfast and friendly staff. Kid friendly options and drawing pencils provided to keep them occupied. Open 7 days a week, offering an extensive breakfast and lunch menu.
Great vegetarian & vegan cafe menu - includes all day breakfast, lunch & takeaway dinners. Smoothies, juices and sugar free treats.
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The Happy Frog
16 Park AveGreat vegetarian & vegan cafe menu - includes all day breakfast, lunch & takeaway dinners. Smoothies, juices and sugar free treats.
Moo Moos focuses on fresh clean food - great Açai bowls and smoothies for the super health conscious.
Moo Moos
100 Harbour DrMoo Moos focuses on fresh clean food - great Açai bowls and smoothies for the super health conscious.
At Moonee Beach, the Black Apple menu is made up of hearty, healthy food with a tasty twist. Enjoy a coffee made with Bailey Coffee beans.
The Black Apple
2B Moonee Beach RdAt Moonee Beach, the Black Apple menu is made up of hearty, healthy food with a tasty twist. Enjoy a coffee made with Bailey Coffee beans.
Just a few lazy metres from Emerald beach, you can sit on the deck under cover and watch the surf while enjoying breakfast or lunch. They are open for dinner as well, but as with quite a few places in the area, do book ahead, as they get busy.
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Surf St Cafe
104 Fiddaman RdJust a few lazy metres from Emerald beach, you can sit on the deck under cover and watch the surf while enjoying breakfast or lunch. They are open for dinner as well, but as with quite a few places in the area, do book ahead, as they get busy.
Chilled beachside cafe in Sapphire Beach next to a childrens play area and park, so great for families. Lovely staff and comfortable set up both in and outdoors.
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Beachstone Cafe
2 Beach WayChilled beachside cafe in Sapphire Beach next to a childrens play area and park, so great for families. Lovely staff and comfortable set up both in and outdoors.
Wholesome, delicious, balanced food. Ground Earth Cafe in Woolgoolga offers gluten-free and vegan-friendly options.
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Ground Earth
18 Market StWholesome, delicious, balanced food. Ground Earth Cafe in Woolgoolga offers gluten-free and vegan-friendly options.
Just 20 mins away in Woolgolga, this is a chilled beach inspired cafe. Good vibe to relax with plenty of seating inside plus a garden out the back too.
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Beachouse Cafe
72 Beach StJust 20 mins away in Woolgolga, this is a chilled beach inspired cafe. Good vibe to relax with plenty of seating inside plus a garden out the back too.
Food scene
We have a variety of restaurants in Coffs and surrounding areas to suit all taste buds and dietary requirements. Here's just a few:
Pizza, pasta and tapas bar, offering Italian and Mediterranean style share food.
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Pizza Vino
361 Harbour DrPizza, pasta and tapas bar, offering Italian and Mediterranean style share food.
Element Bar
380 Harbour DrBar & kitchen open midday till late, 7 days for lunch & dinner.
Sit and eat the freshest of seafood, whilst watching whales and dolphins cruise on by.
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Latitude 30
1 Marina DrSit and eat the freshest of seafood, whilst watching whales and dolphins cruise on by.
From share plates to premium mains, pizza and pasta dishes in a bright, upscale locale with outdoor tables, weatherproof balcony & river views of the scenic Coffs Creek. Good options also for vegan and gluten free diet-choices. Open for breakfast & lunch also.
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Shearwater Restaurant
321 Harbour DrFrom share plates to premium mains, pizza and pasta dishes in a bright, upscale locale with outdoor tables, weatherproof balcony & river views of the scenic Coffs Creek. Good options also for vegan and gluten free diet-choices. Open for breakfast & lunch also.
The Mermaid Beach House
81 Ocean ParadeA casual Italian eating house on Park Beach.
North Indian restaurant with a casual vibe & covered patio for classic curry & tandoori dishes.
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Taste of North India
396 Harbour DrNorth Indian restaurant with a casual vibe & covered patio for classic curry & tandoori dishes.
Authentic cuisine from the Horn of Africa region, offering a range of dishes from mild stews and stir fries to super hot curries. Good atmosphere, food and Ethiopian beer.
Mana Chita
384B Harbour DrAuthentic cuisine from the Horn of Africa region, offering a range of dishes from mild stews and stir fries to super hot curries. Good atmosphere, food and Ethiopian beer.
A casual and inexpensive Japanese cafe restaurant. Also good for take-away.
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Sakura Harbour Japanese Restaurant
392 Harbour DrA casual and inexpensive Japanese cafe restaurant. Also good for take-away.
Mexican restaurant in Emerald Beach that serve great cocktails and authentic mexican food. Good portions and lively atmosphere.
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La Hacienda 101 Mexican Cantina
16 Fiddaman RdMexican restaurant in Emerald Beach that serve great cocktails and authentic mexican food. Good portions and lively atmosphere.
Modern Australian restaurant with an international twist, great ambience and food in Woolgoolga. Live music Saturday & Sundays, open Wed-Sun.
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Anchor Kitchen and Bar
16 Market StModern Australian restaurant with an international twist, great ambience and food in Woolgoolga. Live music Saturday & Sundays, open Wed-Sun.
Italian restaurant in Sawtell that has handmade pasta from Bellingen. - good service, food and a great cocktail list. Live music on Wednesdays & Sundays.
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The Spare Room
23 First AveItalian restaurant in Sawtell that has handmade pasta from Bellingen. - good service, food and a great cocktail list. Live music on Wednesdays & Sundays.
Bar Que Sera is a relaxed bar & restaurant on First Ave, Sawtell. European feel and craft beers on offer. Only open Thursday-Sunday.
Bar Que Sera
61 First AvenueBar Que Sera is a relaxed bar & restaurant on First Ave, Sawtell. European feel and craft beers on offer. Only open Thursday-Sunday.
Takeout
Fancy just chilling and listening to the sounds of the ocean from the comfort of the Airbnb? Here's a few takeaway suggestions, some will deliver but it's quicker to collect if you can.
Close to Jetty Beach, the highlight is fish and chips, but the menu features tasty gluten-free and vegetarian options too.
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Seasalt Jetty
361 Harbour DrClose to Jetty Beach, the highlight is fish and chips, but the menu features tasty gluten-free and vegetarian options too.
If you don't fancy eating in, takeaway and home delivery options are available.
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Taste of North India
396 Harbour DrIf you don't fancy eating in, takeaway and home delivery options are available.
Lalin Thai Kitchen
108-110 Harbour DriveOpen for lunch and dinner, good variety on the menu with generous portions.
Open 7 days a week, just 5 mins from Korora, Northside have a wide choice of pizza toppings with great flavours. Gluten free pizza base available.
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Northside Shopping Centre
81 Park Beach RdOpen 7 days a week, just 5 mins from Korora, Northside have a wide choice of pizza toppings with great flavours. Gluten free pizza base available.
Old Mate's Burgers
163 Orlando StDelicious burger, super fresh and always served with a smile!
Open Wed-Sun, inexpensive Chinese (cantonese style) takeaway with generous sized portions.
Peking Palace Chinese Takeaway
20 Gordon StreetOpen Wed-Sun, inexpensive Chinese (cantonese style) takeaway with generous sized portions.
Local Attractions
Come rain or shine, there is so much to do in the area! Here's some of the top listed attractions in the area, as recommended online.
The aquarium provides an intimate experience to learn and interact with marine life of the Coffs Coast through a series of aquariums, guided tours, and visual displays AND it’s all indoors so perfect for those rainy days! Only a few mins drive away.
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Solitary Islands Aquarium
2 Bay DrThe aquarium provides an intimate experience to learn and interact with marine life of the Coffs Coast through a series of aquariums, guided tours, and visual displays AND it’s all indoors so perfect for those rainy days! Only a few mins drive away.
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is a nature reserve off the shore of Coffs Harbour offering spectacular views of the Solitary Islands, and the Coffs Coast & hinterland from a unique, off-shore perspective. Perfect spot for whale watching between May-November.
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Muttonbird Island
Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve is a nature reserve off the shore of Coffs Harbour offering spectacular views of the Solitary Islands, and the Coffs Coast & hinterland from a unique, off-shore perspective. Perfect spot for whale watching between May-November.
Carobana Confectionery is Coffs Harbour's own confectionery factory based here in Korora - a stone's throw from our home! Lovely family owned business the factory produces carob, honeycomb, peanut brittle, vegan chocolate to name a few. You can watch whilst they work, another great rainy day activity.
Carobana Confectionary
125 James Small DrCarobana Confectionery is Coffs Harbour's own confectionery factory based here in Korora - a stone's throw from our home! Lovely family owned business the factory produces carob, honeycomb, peanut brittle, vegan chocolate to name a few. You can watch whilst they work, another great rainy day activity.
A boutique market by the beach held every Sunday from 8am to 2pm near our beautiful historic Jetty in Coffs Harbour.
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Harbourside Markets
Marina DriveA boutique market by the beach held every Sunday from 8am to 2pm near our beautiful historic Jetty in Coffs Harbour.
The Forest Sky Pier is a spectacular architectural feature providing panoramic views over the Coffs Coast and Hinterland. Cantilevered off the edge of Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest, the Forest Sky Pier projects 22 metres out over rainforest, 15 metres above the forest canopy. The Forest Sky Pier is a 5-10 minute drive through banana plantations and forest, taking in amazing views as you travel up the hill side.
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Forest Sky Pier
The Forest Sky Pier is a spectacular architectural feature providing panoramic views over the Coffs Coast and Hinterland. Cantilevered off the edge of Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest, the Forest Sky Pier projects 22 metres out over rainforest, 15 metres above the forest canopy. The Forest Sky Pier is a 5-10 minute drive through banana plantations and forest, taking in amazing views as you travel up the hill side.
Indoor tropical setting for hundreds of Australian butterflies, plus a maze & a dinosaur show.
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Coffs Harbour Butterfly House
5 Strouds RdIndoor tropical setting for hundreds of Australian butterflies, plus a maze & a dinosaur show.
Less than 10 minutes drive, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden offers a lush 50-acre botanic park surrounded by estuary, with native plants, forest & Japanese garden in a relaxed setting. The garden is open 9am - 5pm, 7 days a week.
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North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
Coff StreetLess than 10 minutes drive, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden offers a lush 50-acre botanic park surrounded by estuary, with native plants, forest & Japanese garden in a relaxed setting. The garden is open 9am - 5pm, 7 days a week.
The Big Banana Fun Park is the biggest water park between Sydney and the Gold Coast. A unique piece of paradise for little and big kids! Waterslides, ice skating, mini golf & laser tag are offered at this banana-themed amusement park.
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The Big Banana Fun Park
351 Pacific HwyThe Big Banana Fun Park is the biggest water park between Sydney and the Gold Coast. A unique piece of paradise for little and big kids! Waterslides, ice skating, mini golf & laser tag are offered at this banana-themed amusement park.
Educational marine animal experiences. Get up close with dolphins, Australian sea lions, little blue penguins and sea turtles.
Visit their marine animal rescue facility, learn how critical it is to protect our oceans and environment for the future. Dolphin experiences available.
Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, Orlando St
Educational marine animal experiences. Get up close with dolphins, Australian sea lions, little blue penguins and sea turtles.
Visit their marine animal rescue facility, learn how critical it is to protect our oceans and environment for the future. Dolphin experiences available.
Located in Coffs Harbour, Australia's only Cartoon Gallery is home to the most extensive collection of contemporary cartoons in the Southern Hemisphere!
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National Cartoon Gallery
1 John Champion WayLocated in Coffs Harbour, Australia's only Cartoon Gallery is home to the most extensive collection of contemporary cartoons in the Southern Hemisphere!
Neighbourhoods
Although there is plenty to do and see in the immediate vicinity, you may wish to venture a little further during your stay. All neighbourhoods suggested are within 10-20 min drive, apart from Bellingen which takes c35-40 minutes.
Sawtell is a small coastal town 15min drive south of Coffs Harbour, with a main surf beach, cool cafes and a great national park. Check out Boambee Headland Lookout, Memorial Outdoor Rockpool and the nearby Bongil Bongil National Park.
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Sawtell Beach
Sawtell is a small coastal town 15min drive south of Coffs Harbour, with a main surf beach, cool cafes and a great national park. Check out Boambee Headland Lookout, Memorial Outdoor Rockpool and the nearby Bongil Bongil National Park.
Midway along Sapphire Beach is the South Solitary Island viewing platform where you can take in panoramic views of the historic lighthouse island and neighbouring island, Split Solitary Island. You can visit South Solitary Island by helicopter for a tour of the lighthouse & island.
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Sapphire Beach
Midway along Sapphire Beach is the South Solitary Island viewing platform where you can take in panoramic views of the historic lighthouse island and neighbouring island, Split Solitary Island. You can visit South Solitary Island by helicopter for a tour of the lighthouse & island.
Positioned near Look-at-me-now Headland, Emerald Beach is a local surfing hotspot.
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Emerald Beach
Positioned near Look-at-me-now Headland, Emerald Beach is a local surfing hotspot.
20 mins north of Korora is Woolgoolga, also known as 'Woopi' - renowned for its swimming, surfing, fishing, diving and snorkelling. There’s a small park nearby with play equipment for children. Good for whale watching at the headland. High Street with plenty of cafes.
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Woolgoolga
20 mins north of Korora is Woolgoolga, also known as 'Woopi' - renowned for its swimming, surfing, fishing, diving and snorkelling. There’s a small park nearby with play equipment for children. Good for whale watching at the headland. High Street with plenty of cafes.
Arrawarra Beach is nestled on a wide golden beach off the Solitary Islands Marine Park with fabulous fishing, great surfing and wildlife.
Arrawarra
Arrawarra Beach is nestled on a wide golden beach off the Solitary Islands Marine Park with fabulous fishing, great surfing and wildlife.
Bellingen, known to the locals as "Bello", is an attractive and eccentric township in the heart of Bellinger Valley surrounded by rich pasturelands. Meander the high street around the quirky shops, visit Bellingen Brewery, community markets or take a picnic and swim / canoe in the Bellingen river.
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Bellingen
Bellingen, known to the locals as "Bello", is an attractive and eccentric township in the heart of Bellinger Valley surrounded by rich pasturelands. Meander the high street around the quirky shops, visit Bellingen Brewery, community markets or take a picnic and swim / canoe in the Bellingen river.
Local Beaches
We are blessed with many beautiful sandy beaches in the area, all with sparkling blue waters. There are more to explore than this but I've recommended some of our favourite beaches in the area - with Diggers being our No 1 (so handy it is literally 3 mins drive!)
Enjoy :)
One of the best kept secrets with locals, this wide and sheltered beautiful beach is right on our doorstep with viewing platforms, coffee cart, toilets, childs playground and plenty of parking. Perfect for a swim in warmer conditions and great waves for beginners surfing.
Diggers Beach is a 3 min drive away or can be walked from our doorstep which will take c25mins.
Enter the the footpath at the very bottom of Breakers Way and keep following the protected forest path straight. Continue through the car park at Charlesworth Beach onto Diggers Head Trail (to the left of the toilets), walk up the incline then when you come to a junction keep right and follow the footpath until you come to some steps on the left which will drop you down directly onto the beach.
Diggers Beach
One of the best kept secrets with locals, this wide and sheltered beautiful beach is right on our doorstep with viewing platforms, coffee cart, toilets, childs playground and plenty of parking. Perfect for a swim in warmer conditions and great waves for beginners surfing.
Diggers Beach is a 3 min drive away or can be walked from our doorstep which will take c25mins.
Enter the the footpath at the very bottom of Breakers Way and keep following the protected forest path straight. Continue through the car park at Charlesworth Beach onto Diggers Head Trail (to the left of the toilets), walk up the incline then when you come to a junction keep right and follow the footpath until you come to some steps on the left which will drop you down directly onto the beach.
Jetty Beach is a protected beach which is popular with both locals and tourists alike, especially families. There are new accessible facilities of a beach mat and beach wheelchairs.
Behind Jetty Beach you will find the Jetty Foreshores Park. The park has showers, toilets, barbecues, popular picnic shelter areas, pathways for roller blades and bicycles and children’s playgrounds.
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Jetty Beach
Jetty Beach is a protected beach which is popular with both locals and tourists alike, especially families. There are new accessible facilities of a beach mat and beach wheelchairs.
Behind Jetty Beach you will find the Jetty Foreshores Park. The park has showers, toilets, barbecues, popular picnic shelter areas, pathways for roller blades and bicycles and children’s playgrounds.
Park Beach is regarded as the main surfing beach in Coffs Harbour. There's a beautiful natural reserve that runs behind the beach in the form of a tree-lined foredune, and the area is popular for families with kids with amenities such as picnic and bbq's area and a kids playground.
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Park Beach
Park Beach is regarded as the main surfing beach in Coffs Harbour. There's a beautiful natural reserve that runs behind the beach in the form of a tree-lined foredune, and the area is popular for families with kids with amenities such as picnic and bbq's area and a kids playground.
Moonee Beach, with its tidal estuary and ocean access, is a popular spot for fishing and swimming especially at the entrance where Moonee Creek enters the ocean.
Much of the creek is lined with trees which provide a great cover on hot days. There are the usual amenities such as picnic and bbq areas, toilets and showers, kids playground and a takeaway shop near the caravan park.
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Moonee Beach
Moonee Beach, with its tidal estuary and ocean access, is a popular spot for fishing and swimming especially at the entrance where Moonee Creek enters the ocean.
Much of the creek is lined with trees which provide a great cover on hot days. There are the usual amenities such as picnic and bbq areas, toilets and showers, kids playground and a takeaway shop near the caravan park.
Just north of Coffs Harbour you'll find Sapphire beach, although it can be tricky to get to. Simply take Sapphire Beach exit from the highway and follow the road along Crystal Waters Drive. You'll have to drive through a residential development (North Sapphire Shores Estate) to get there. Enjoy the pristine waters and calm vibe. Usual amenities such as playground, parking, showers and toilets as well as a cafe right near the beach.
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Sapphire Beach
Just north of Coffs Harbour you'll find Sapphire beach, although it can be tricky to get to. Simply take Sapphire Beach exit from the highway and follow the road along Crystal Waters Drive. You'll have to drive through a residential development (North Sapphire Shores Estate) to get there. Enjoy the pristine waters and calm vibe. Usual amenities such as playground, parking, showers and toilets as well as a cafe right near the beach.
Around a 15min drive north lies Emerald Beach, a local surfing hotspot situated in a pristine National Park. The waves here are said to be excellent and has plenty to offer for the whole family.
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Emerald Beach
Around a 15min drive north lies Emerald Beach, a local surfing hotspot situated in a pristine National Park. The waves here are said to be excellent and has plenty to offer for the whole family.
Woolgoolga Beach is a long curved beach between steeped headlands - great for surfing, fishing, picnic areas and scenic views. Play area for children just off the beach.
Up on the headland, you'll find scenic walking tracks and jaw-dropping coastal views that stretch to Yuraygir National Park, and the dunes and rolling hills of the Coffs Coast and hinterland.
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Woolgoolga Beach
Woolgoolga Beach is a long curved beach between steeped headlands - great for surfing, fishing, picnic areas and scenic views. Play area for children just off the beach.
Up on the headland, you'll find scenic walking tracks and jaw-dropping coastal views that stretch to Yuraygir National Park, and the dunes and rolling hills of the Coffs Coast and hinterland.
The beach is 2.1km long, and extends from Bonville Headland in the south, to Boambee Headland in the north. Both headlands have a walking path and lookout to enjoy the views of the coastline.
Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool is also nearby and is the only ocean pool in the region. It offers a family friendly, protected swimming facility for the community.
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Sawtell Hotel
51-55 First AveThe beach is 2.1km long, and extends from Bonville Headland in the south, to Boambee Headland in the north. Both headlands have a walking path and lookout to enjoy the views of the coastline.
Sawtell Memorial Rock Pool is also nearby and is the only ocean pool in the region. It offers a family friendly, protected swimming facility for the community.
Walks
It is too comprehensive to try and list / detail all the beautiful walks and hikes in the area. However as a starting point, I would suggest looking online at sites such as:
All Trails
/ Coffs Trails
/ Coffs Coast: search under bush walks
/ Coffs For Kids: provides 10 walks good for little legs
Coffs Coast has dozens of bushwalks to keep you busy including the easy flat 9kms around Coffs Creek through the Botanic Garden. Try a bushtucker walk in Bongil Bongil National Park or walk beneath waterfalls at Crystal Shower Falls in Dorrigo National Park. If you fancy stretching your legs a little further, the Korora to Mutton Bird Island route is roughly 4hrs at 16.6km but considered an easy route on the muscles!
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Coffs Harbour
Coffs Coast has dozens of bushwalks to keep you busy including the easy flat 9kms around Coffs Creek through the Botanic Garden. Try a bushtucker walk in Bongil Bongil National Park or walk beneath waterfalls at Crystal Shower Falls in Dorrigo National Park. If you fancy stretching your legs a little further, the Korora to Mutton Bird Island route is roughly 4hrs at 16.6km but considered an easy route on the muscles!