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.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

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