The Coffs Coast, NSW

Sawtell

Just south of Coffs is the suburb of Sawtell. The Big 4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park is between the main street and the creek, overlooking the ocean. The main street of Sawtell is a delight with a row of huge Moreton Bay figs and tropical plants that shade the trendy and inviting shops. The beach here is beautiful and there’s an ocean pool. For serious golfers Bonville Golf Resort is only a short drive away. For non-golfers it is a pleasant spot to enjoy a gin and admire the ‘Augusta like’ course.

Mylestom

When you swing off the Pacific Highway you are instantly lulled by the lush green cow paddocks and the country road as it winds its’ way to the coast. Tucked between the dunes and the river the little town of Mylestom has a tremendous view towards the mouth of the Bellinger River over at Urunga. Reflections Holiday Park is laid back and sheltered by the dunes. This is one of those ‘beach holiday’ places where you can just chill. There’s a general store and a terrific little Bowls Club down the road. On the night we were there, there were two cuisine choices, Italian or Chinese and you lined up on the side of the room of your preference. The town borders bushland and the Rainbow Bee Eaters are a treat to watch as they dart from the powerlines to catch their insect supper.

Urunga, NSW

Urunga is situated at the mouth of two rivers, the Bellinger and the Kalang. The town is bigger than Mylestom and has a good pub, the Ocean View which says it all really. You see this is a stunning location. The two rivers are wide and there’s a long boardwalk that takes you out across the mangroves to the river mouth. Osprey can often be seen gliding overhead; it’s a bird lovers’ paradise. Reflections Urunga Holiday Park is located at the start of the boardwalk and opposite the pub. The boardwalk can get busy, I’d suggest you choose a site on the opposite side closer to the river.

Nambucca Heads, NSW

The township of Nambucca Heads straddles a high ridge, below on the south side the Nambucca River meets the sea creating a pounding surf out on the sandbar. Ingenia White Albatross caravan park is nestled below the ridge and beside the breakwater. There’s a pub with good sea views at the entrance to the park. That’s right it’s a park with a pub! This is a very well-run caravan park, and they offer weekly specials online. Shelly Beach is the southernmost north facing beach to catch the warm currents and it is swimmable even in the winter, it can be reached from the caravan park via the Nyambaga Walking Trail which takes you over the saddle. Whether it’s walking the breakwater or watching dolphins on the river this place is very relaxing. There are several places to eat along the river and a fresh fish shop. The RSL is within walking distance of the park (though they do have a courtesy bus) and it has great views of the river. Nambucca is an ideal place to base yourself to explore the southern Coffs Coast, Taylors Arm (the Pub with No Beer), Macksville (a good butcher and pubs), and Valla Beach, as well as Bellingen and Dorrigo. I’ve lost count of the number of times that we’ve stayed here, it’s one of those special places.