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.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

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