6 unique ways to experience the Coffs Coast

Between two humble beachside hamlets on NSW’s Mid North Coast – Red Rock in the north and Urunga in the south – lies 70 kilometres of coastline that was once little more than a thoroughfare between Sydney and Brisbane, with a giant roadside banana its most famous attraction.

Fast-forward to 2020 and the Coffs Coast is much more than that, laying claim to Wotif’s Aussie Town of the Year (Coffs Harbour) and some incredible nature-based experiences that you can’t have anywhere else in NSW.

1. Fly to one of the state’s most remote lighthouses

The ultra-exclusive South Solitary Island Lighthouse Tour is only on offer for a few weekends each year. Eighteen kilometres off the coast of Coffs Harbour, South Solitary Island is home to one of the state’s most isolated lighthouses, which is rarely open to the public. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight to the island and take a walking guided tour of the historic lighthouse and keepers’ quarters, which were built in 1880.

The lighthouse has been automated since 1975. The tour operates in winter, so you may also spot humpback whales as well as dolphins, turtles and birdlife. Join the waiting list for priority booking when tours dates are finalised and get in touch to enquire about bespoke tours.

2. Take a four-day trek along the coast

The Coffs Coast is home to an epic 60-kilometre coastal walking track that traces the coast from Red Rock to Sawtell. Taking around four days, it’s considered one of the state’s most scenic walking tracks with sandy beaches, rainforests, hulking headlands and crystal-clear creeks providing a diverse backdrop. Shipwrecks and Aboriginal sites, quaint villages and cosmopolitan towns, historic landmarks and local wildlife add to the adventure. There are about 200 markers to lead the way, with ample accommodation options if you’re tackling the entire track.

Coffs Coast walk — Home to the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, an epic 60-kilometre walking track that traces the coast from Red Rock to Sawtell.

3. Swim with humpback whales

Spotting whales from a boat is a thrilling experience in itself, but swimming with them? Out of this world. This unforgettable tour operates from Coffs Harbour in August and September and, when whales are spotted, which is highly likely, participants are invited to swim with these graceful giants at a distance – if whales seem curious and conditions are right, that is. An experience very few can say they’ve had in their lifetime.

Whale Coffs Coast — Swimming with whales is an unforgettable experience.

4. Walk among 600-year-old-trees

Just an hour’s drive from Coffs Harbour, the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest is part of the world’s largest area of subtropical rainforest. Visitors to Dorrigo National Park can join a number of walking tracks from the Rainforest Centre . One of the best is the 6.6-kilometre Wonga Walk, which takes you through lush rainforest, among 600-year-old trees, to cascading waterfalls, and – with more than 128 species of birds – twitchers will love it. Also don’t miss the 70-metre skywalk, which is suspended 21 metres above the rainforest.

The 6.6-kilometre Wonga Walk takes you through lush rainforest to Crystal Shower Falls.

5. Learn about local indigenous culture

Connect to land and sea and listen to traditional stories from local Indigenous guides, all while gliding along a picturesque estuary onboard a stand-up paddleboard. Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours offers this totally unique 2.5-hour SUP tour that teaches about the local Gumbaynggirr culture and includes a taste of native bush tucker in the beautiful Solitary Islands Marine Park .

While over in the Orana State Forest, the Giingan Cultural Experience takes place at Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) and immerses you in local Indigenous culture through song, stories, language and a demonstration of native plant use with panoramic views of the Coffs Coast from the mountains to the sea. Both these experiences contribute directly to the local Indigenous community.

SUP Coffs Coast — Learn about the local Gumbaynggirr culture whilst on a 2.5-hour SUP tour.

6. Brave NSW’s highest beach-landing skydive

One for the adrenaline junkies! Not only does Coffs Skydivers fly over 300 kilometres of breathtaking coastline with the Great Dividing Range in the background, its skydives are also the highest free-fall possible in NSW and end with a beach landing in the pristine Solitary Islands Marine Park. The scenic flight climbs up to 4.57 kilometres above the beautiful coastline before divers take the 70-second plunge back down to Earth, landing at beautiful Park Beach in Coffs Harbour. Talk about a trifecta.

Skydive Coffs Coast — Coffs Skydivers are the highest free-fall possible in NSW.

A Traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Situated in the vibrant jetty area, The Observatory Holiday Apartments comprise one- to three-bedroom modern self-contained apartments, with views of the foreshore or the ocean.

With sweeping ocean views of Solitary Islands Marine Park, Barellen Beach House is an exquisite five-bedroom holiday home that offers a beachside
luxury experience for groups and large families.

The recently refurbished Diggers Beach Cottage is a bright and airy three-bedroom stay located in the quiet suburb of Diggers Beach, just minutes from Coffs Harbour.

Eating there

A coastal getaway calls for fish and chips by the sea and Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op makes one of the best versions on the coast.

Coffee and creativity go hand-in-hand at Old Johns Cafe in Coffs Harbour, which hosts regular exhibitions and events alongside its casual but tasty brunch menu.
Located on the Jetty Strip, buzzy Element Bar is the place to go for a drink and to enjoy some live music, with a great range of craft beer and wine, as well as pub-style food.

Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op offers the best fish & chips in town.

For more information about these unforgettable experiences on the Coffs Coast, head to coffscoast.com.au .

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.