Following our great stay on the far north coast of NSW, we made our way south to the mid coast region. In this post we will cover the areas in between Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie. If you missed out on our last you can find it here https://www.chrisveeandtillysbiglap.com/north-coast-new-south-wales/
Coffs Harbour
Our first stop was Sapphire Beach, a beautiful coastal settlement just north of Coffs Harbour. We opted to stay at Sapphire Beach Holiday Park, and what a great find it was. Located right on the beach, it was another firm favourite for Tilly. The beach stretches for miles and the wave action there is epic. The caravan park itself is great, lots of shade from surrounding bushland so it kept our site nice and cool. There’s also a small brook that runs through the back of the park. Each evening some weird animal comes out on the other side of water, and makes the most bizarre noise. We never did find out what it was lol
For bookings http://www.sapphirebeachholidaypark.com.au
Around Coffs Harbour
Whilst in Coffs you have to visit one of Australia’s big attractions. This time it was the big banana. Any Australian knows that Australia is home to lots of big things, but I reckon the big banana is one of the most well known.
Once you’ve done the Big Banana, there’s a road just 1km north called Bruxner Park road. Head left up this road, which will climb up into Bruxner park reserve. Then take a left onto scenic drive, it’ll lead you to Forest sky pier and sealy lookout. From here you’ll have spectacular views across dense bushland back to Coffs and the ocean.
Coffs Harbour itself is a beautiful coastal town, one of our fave spots to explore in town was mutton bird island. Accessible without having to hop on a boat, it’s a short walk along the harbour wall to get on to the island.
The walk to the summit isn’t too long but it’s quite steep in parts. There are benches along the way so you can catch your breath. However once at the top you’ll be rewarded with awesome views back to the shore and the hinterlands. The path is sealed all the way and you’re recommended to keep to the pathways and viewing platforms. Nevertheless you’ll always get someone who can’t follow the rules and head off track to get the perfect instagram image….
The island is home to wedge-tailed shearwaters, named after their method of cutting through the water with their wings as they skim the water. The island offers moonlight walks to view the birds, as they return after a day hunting to feed their young fledglings.
Another great coastal walk is over the headland in Sawtell. Again not a long walk but the scenery is breathtaking with view up and down the coastline.
Mylestom
Mylestom was another great stop for us, located just 7km off the A1. It’s a small settlement, with another great caravan park, post office, cafe and a couple of restaurants / fast food places. Mylestom although a small town, is absolutely gorgeous, set on bellinger river to one side and the ocean on the other.
The caravan park is located just behind the sand dunes, so easy access straight onto the beach. It’s also a reflections caravan park so it is a high standard as parks go. We had a lovely roomy site near the entrance.
They also have an on-site dog wash which was great for giving Tilly a rinse off after the beach. For more information on this caravan park head over to http://www.reflectionsholidayparks.com.au/parks/mylestom
One of our favourite memories from this caravan park, was being able to walk out through the dunes and be welcomed to the widest and longest beaches we’d seen and there wasn’t another soul in sight. Tilly had fun here running and playing on the beach.
The river is a great spot for fishing, we saw a lot of people set up for catching a few. With jetty’s dotted along the river, it’s easy to see why any fisherman would love to stop here.
Urunga
Whilst in the area we’d definitely recommend a drive down to Urunga. A cool little town, bigger than Mylestom with more shops and so on.
Urunga is known for its long boardwalk. Which starts at the shore in Urunga and heads out along the Kalang River, then meeting the Bellinger River before heading out to the ocean. It’s wheelchair accessible all the way to the end and has plenty of rest areas along the way. At the end of the boardwalk you’re greeted by another stunning beach. This is a great walk to do for young and old, as its flat all the way to the end.
Nambucca Heads
Nambucca Heads is yet another fantastic spot, the caravan park we stayed at was awesome too. Located right on the headland behind the lagoon and breakwater coastal path. With large grassy sites offering either a concrete slab or green mat grass covering, the park is well maintained. For more information on this site head to http://www.ingeniaholidays.com.au/whitealbatross
For those with dogs, there are some great walks along here too. You have the choice of walking to end of the breakwater or along the inner harbour coastal path. At the end of the inner harbour walk there is a lovely cafe also. We actually had breaky here one morning, we can highly recommend a stop at Wharf Street Cafe.
Nambucca heads is a great spot to explore the surrounding areas. We headed inland to Taylor’s Arm. On the way out there, you pass through Macksville. Home to the late Philip Hughes, they have named the bridge that passes over the Macksville River in honour of him.
Macksville itself is quite a large town, with plenty of shops and you have to pass through this town to head inland to Taylors Arm.
The Pub With No Beer
The scenery out to Taylor’s Arm is beautiful, with rolling pastures and lush green grass. As with any rural area there’s always weird things to see along the way, we passed an old Ute secured halfway up a tree…..
Our reason to head out this way was to visit the pub with no beer, you may wonder why we’d visit a pub with no beer? We wanted to check if it actually did have beer haha.
Well it does have beer so the journey wasn’t wasted. However, it did once run out. The name of the pub comes from the song recorded by slim dusty.
Further south of Nambucca Heads you have Scott’s Head and Grassy head, both stunning coastline to explore and walk along.
South West Rocks
Again we were being absolutely spoilt for choice with these great little coastal towns and caravan parks. The caravan park at south west rocks is a highlight of our trip, located at horseshoe bay. Literally front line to the beach, you step out of your caravan and in a matter of steps you’re on the sand….. an amazing location and town. For more information and bookings head over to http://www.macleayvalleycoastholidayparks.com.au
South West Rocks townsite is small but perfectly formed. As you enter town along south west rocks road, there’s a small shopping centre with a Coles and Liquorland. As you get into the heart of the town there’s a main street with cafes, pubs, small family owned businesses and little boutique shops.
We had a great breakfast at malt and honey which was just facing the caravan park.
The beach here is also dog friendly so Tilly ran her long legs off
Akaroon
From South West Rocks, we did some of our best walks. For more information on the local walks head over to https://www.chrisveeandtillysbiglap.com/south-west-rocks-walks/
The coastline and scenery just keeps getting better the further south you go.
First stop Akaroon, home to Trial Bay Gaol. First opened in 1886, built by the prisoners themselves like Fremantle Gaol in Western Australia. In the beginning, convicts were sent to the area to build a Gaol and also a breakwater for a safe harbour between Brisbane and Sydney.
The main Gaol was built first before the breakwater construction began. The prisoners early years under the watchful eye of Sheriff Maclean was more like an open prison. Inmates had a fairly good life given they were serving time. They were allowed to fish, swim and play sports in their free time. It was one cell per inmate, they worked a 36.5 hour week and even got a weekly wage. However when sheriff Maclean died, he was replaced by George Miller. Unfortunately things changed for the worse for the prisoners. Inmate wages were reduced, the working week hours were increased and it became 2 inmates per cell.
Construction of the breakwater began to falter. Due to stormy weather washing away part of the breakwater, silting of the harbour because of the construction, the expanding overland transport system and the mounting costs. So in 1903 work was abandoned and the prison shut.
The prison was reopened in 1915 as an internment camp for German prisoners and enemy aliens during WW1. Although a detainment camp, the internees were free to move about the Gaol. Activities permitted for detainees included fishing, swimming, social clubs and participation in work. A theatre was also set up by the detainees with weekly performances. The camp closed in 1918.
Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie, positioned on the mouth of the Hastings River is a great coastal town. With all the big shops and supermarkets you’d need, plus a great selection of cafes, bars and restaurants.
We stayed at Melaleuca Caravan Park, near settlement point and just a short walk from the river. It was a good spot for Tilly again, as there were some sports fields just across the road, so she enjoyed runs around the oval.
The caravan park isn’t a large one but the sites were lovely and spacious for us. An added bonus to this park is an Aldi right next door, so if you were ever needing anything you don’t have far to go.
For more information on this park head to http://www.melaleucacaravanpark.com.au
The waterfront area is great to explore. On the western side of town along the river there is a walkway on the breakwater. This area is known as Town Green, it is a large open paved space with trees. There are lots of bars and restaurants behind this square with amazing views over the water
As you head around the breakwater, you’ll arrive at Town Beach, there is a short walk here too, made up of a boardwalk. This has been built to wonder along through the beach and coves. Every so often there are steps down to these little beaches. The walk has great views down to the ocean and through the native trees.
South of Port Macquarie
Just south of Port Macquarie is Sea Acres National Park. Home to Tacking Point lighthouse, this offers more stunning walks and specky scenery. Starting from the lighthouse, make your way down onto the beach. You are greeted by the huge boulders scattered across the beach, scarred by a Millenia of erosion from the pounding waves. Once at the other side of the beach, clamber up a few rocks and grass edgings. From here you’ll have another fantastic view point overlooking the northern side of the headland.
Double back on yourself and as you begin to cross back on the beach there’s a pathway to the right. Follow this and you’ll be lead onto a meandering track through the bushland with lots of epic vantage points to the coastline below. The National Park isn’t a massive one, but it certainly makes up for it with the stunning scenery it has to offer.
Camden Head
Another great walk to do is about 40km south of Port Macquarie at Camden Head in Kattang Conservation Reserve.
We parked up at Charles Hamey lookout road and followed the signs for the walk. There is a lookout if you’re not up for the walk just in the parking area. However the walk gives you more elevation with better views down the coast.
The pathway is a gravel track and we did have to climb through a couple of downed tree limbs. We’re guessing that this isn’t usually the case and maybe a recent storm had brought the branches down.
Once at the Peak of the track, you’ll be amazed by the views. The waves just gently rolling through to the beach below that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Whilst in the area North Haven is also worth a look, we stopped for a tea at Beach Break cafe, located just off the beach. There’s also a pretty impressive breakwater here protecting the small towns of North Haven, Laurieton and West Haven.
Port Macquarie koala hospital
A trip to the koala hospital is a must if your visiting Port Macquarie. This little hospital has become more famous in recent times after the devastating bushfires in 2019/2020. Raising close to 8 million dollars via their go fund me page, to help injured koalas and wildlife in the region.
The hospital run an excellent tour, with factual and informative knowledge about the koala. Their daily routines, pretty much eating and sleeping….. Plus information about each koala, their injuries and healthcare plans. The tour runs for around an hour and they offer several tours throughout the day. All monies raised are ploughed straight back in to continue their great work.
In our next post we will cover from Port Macquarie to Newcastle.
Hope you enjoyed this one.