Orara Valley: 8 Surprising Secrets To Discover

Swap breezy beaches for cosy countryside at the Coffs Coast’s hidden Orara Valley.

Ancient ghost gums, grassy paddocks and tiny townships aren’t the first things you think of when you hear Coffs Coast. But steer your journey just west of the northern NSW coastline and you’ll roll into its enchanting hinterland. The Orara Valley huddles a handful of scenic villages joined by the Orara River including Nana Glen, Coramba, Glenreagh, Ulong, Lowanna, Upper Orara and Karangi. Featuring breathtaking scenery, nature activities, gourmand-friendly indulgences and so much more, it flows with unexpected attractions. Allow us to point out the highlights.

1. Pub meals are exceptionally scenic around here

the dog statue at the Golden Dog Hotel — The four-metre-tall Golden Dog sculpture is one of Australia’s iconic Big Things.

Rolling green hills freckled with farm animals come part and parcel with pub sessions in the Orara Valley, home to idyllic bistros and beer gardens.

Hit Coramba Hotel , one of the best pubs in the Coffs Coast region, is around the corner from easy swimming access to the Orara River. You’ll want a table out back overlooking the farm. And if you’re tempted by a few too many, there’s overnight accommodation. Ulong Ex-Services Club is equally magical, a pub and bistro nestled deep within the valley that pops up out of nowhere to offer jaw-dropping Eastern Dorrigo Plateau vistas that form part of the Great Dividing Range.

In Glenreagh, don’t miss The Golden Dog Hotel for pub revelry flanked by pristine farmland and a four-metre-tall Golden Dog sculpture.

2. The Orara Valley is a nature lover’s playground

the Urumbilum River Plateau, Circuit Loop Trail — Picnic on the banks of the Urumbilum River. (Image: SRuming/DCCEEW)

Home to an abundance of flora and fauna, the Orara Valley is best experienced on foot through its national parks and nature reserves (although the incredible Orara West State Forest can be seen via car along Eastern Dorrigo Way).

Hunt down Coramba Nature Reserve to wander through a closed canopy forest of fascinating plant life, birds galore, giant barred frogs and more.

The Bangalore Falls walking track in Bindarri National Park will take you to a magnificent cascade and nearby shaded picnic area, and the End Peak walking track in Ulidarra National Park is thoroughly serene before winding you up to views across Coffs Harbour.

3. Orara Valley is full of sophisticated stays

the outdoor pool at Friday Creek Resort — Friday Creek Resort is an ideal place to immerse yourself in nature.

Find your ultimate hinterland escape at a handful of the Orara Valley’s best accommodation options. Coffs Coast Mountain Retreat in Lowanna offers two eco-friendly cabins fitted with hot tubs, fully equipped kitchens, fire pits, outdoor dining settings, TVs and barbecues.

Friday Creek Resort in Upper Orara is home to nine cottages and resort facilities that span an outdoor pool, outdoor dining space fitted with a wood-fire pizza oven and kitchenette, croquet, tennis court and laundry.

There’s also Mount Browne Cottage , a two-bedroom home in Upper Orara built with wooden floorboards, a wood fireplace and an outdoor fire pit and jazzed further with a TV with Netflix, claw bathtub and more.

4. Adventure-seekers can easily find their fix

a 4WD driving through Orara Escarpment — Drive through the Orara Escarpment in a 4WD. (Image: Barbara Webster/DCCEEW)

Looking for somewhere new to rip it up in your 4WD? This is the spot. The Orara Escarpment is an 80-kilometre round trip from Coffs Harbour that swings you through the Bindarri National Park to see waterfalls, lush subtropical greenery, bird life, tranquil picnic areas and more.

If kayaking’s your thing, head to Hartleys Bridge in Coramba to access the Orara River’s ideal conditions, and if you love SUP cruising, this is also a great entry point.

5. Orara Valley is home to one of Australia’s best bakeries

the Glenreagh Bakery in Orara Valley — Stock up on freshly baked sweet treats from Glenreagh Bakery.

Forget the two-day-old vanilla slices typically found in country bakeries. No exaggeration, you’ll be shocked when you spy the shelves at Glenreagh Bakery . This place brings serious imagination and global flair to every creation, surprising visitors with seasonal ingredients and all the classics nailed just right. Owner Brooke honed her skills at The Ritz and Claridge’s in London, Callebaut Chocolate factory in Singapore and Bathers’ Pavilion in Sydney, so it’s quality stuff. Expect an ever-evolving menu of savoury pastries, bread, tarts, turnovers, slices and sandwiches maxed out on mouth-watering fluffiness and flavour.

6. The cafe culture in Orara Valley is full of life

a look inside Idle In Cafe, Orara Valley — Idle In Cafe in Nana Glen delivers a hefty dose of warm hospitality.

There’s no shortage of quality cuppas and heartfelt hospitality in the Orara Valley as atmospheric cafes dot every village. Must-stops include Idle In Cafe in Nana Glen, home to delicious treats and a much-loved timber sculpture nodding to the town’s traditional name, Ngaria, which means two-tailed lizard.

Add the Lowanna General Store and Box Car Cafe to your list to explore the town’s rich history and chat with charming locals. The on-site Cafe in the Valley is also a winner for its towering Works burger and homemade treats best savoured out on the grass and enveloped in mountain views.

7. The community vibes in Orara Valley are strong

the Orara River in Coramba Nature Reserve — The community connections are stronger than the current of the Orara River. (Image: Robert Cleary/DCCEEW)

Connected by so much more than the Orara River, the Orara Valley community feels old-school local, and it’s utterly endearing. Not only are its small business owners and residents always ready to share holiday tips, but there are plenty of community initiatives to tie the villages even closer together.

From wreath-making classes at Upper Orara Hall and ‘Swap Shuffle Share’ produce exchanges in Nana Glen, to film nights at Coramba Community Hall and clothes swaps at the Nana Glen Hall, staying a little longer to get to know the locals is widely encouraged.

8. Scouts Falls is worth the visit alone

an aerial view of the Sherwood Nature Reserve — Seek out the secret swimming hole within Sherwood Nature Reserve. (Image: BWebster/DCCEEW)

Love a secret swimming hole? We’ve got you. Adding to our list of Australia’s best natural swimming spots, Scouts Falls in the Sherwood Nature Reserve off Sherwood Creek Road in Glenreagh streams softly from a drop of about 10 metres over a deep swimming hole, making for the ultimate run-your-hair-under-the-waterfall freshwater dip. It’s a 15-minute or so bushwalk from where you’ll park your car but cooling down in these blissful waters is worth every effort.

For more unexpected wonders of the Coffs Coast, read our guide to Coffs Harbour and beyond.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

8 little-known delights of the charming Orara Valley to discover