{"id":5033,"date":"2024-02-26T02:30:21","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T02:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/?p=5033"},"modified":"2024-09-25T00:44:20","modified_gmt":"2024-09-25T00:44:20","slug":"coffs-harbour-is-nsws-first-official-eco-destination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/travel\/coffs-harbour-is-nsws-first-official-eco-destination\/","title":{"rendered":"Coffs Harbour Is NSW\u2019s First Official Eco Destination: Here\u2019s Why (and How To Make the Most of It)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you think of Coffs Harbour<\/a>, you no doubt think of the Big Banana. But now, Coffs is on the map for another reason \u2013 it\u2019s NSW\u2019s first official eco destination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This comes as no surprise to locals. The Coffs Coast is the only spot in the state where the majestic mountains of the Great Dividing Range meet the spectacular coastline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consequently, the region is home to, not only more than 30 beaches, but also 84,000 hectares of World Heritage-listed wilderness, as well as NSW\u2019s oldest marine park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, it\u2019s more than Coffs Harbour\u2019s dreamy natural beauty that has won it the title of official eco destination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also the people who live here. They work hard to protect their beautiful places, support environmentally-friendly businesses and preserve their cultural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ready to learn more? Do your bit to help the environment by jumping into a SIXT electric car hire<\/a> and hit the road \u2013 without worrying about sending any emissions into the atmosphere.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Coffs
Image credit: Paul Lakin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EXPLORING THE COFFS COAST'S 30 BEACHES<\/code><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Coffs Coast is 80 kilometres long, stretching from Sawtell in the south to Red Rock in the north. Along it are more than 30 beaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best known \u2013 and most photographed \u2013 is Jetty Beach, in central Coffs, where you can wander along a 100-year-old timber jetty, swim in calm waters and picnic in shady shelters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For great surf and dramatic scenery, head to Gallows Beach. Meanwhile, Sawtell Beach, which lies 15 minutes\u2019 drive south of Coffs, offers both patrolled swimming and beautiful walks.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These three beaches are just the start \u2013 there are at least another 27 to explore, and you can get to them all with an electric car hire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

180-MILLION-YEAR-OLD WILDERNESS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the Coffs Coast\u2019s beaches are 11 national parks, 37 state parks and nature reserves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drive an hour west to reach Dorrigo National Park, part of Australia\u2019s 180-million-year-old, World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. See it from a bird\u2019s eye view on the Skywalk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closer to town is Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, a short stroll along the seaside from Coffs Marina. Along the way, spot Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, which breed here every year \u2013 and, from the island\u2019s eastern lookout, enjoy breathtaking views of Solitary Islands, home to NSW\u2019s oldest marine park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Coffs
Image credit: Graham Cook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SUPPORTING ECO-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of the reason Coffs has earned eco destination certification is that its community is dedicated to caring for the area\u2019s natural assets. You can help by supporting local, eco-friendly businesses \u2013 in between exploring in your electric car hire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every Sunday, the Harbourside Markets hosts stalls from local growers, producers, makers, artists and designers. Buy honey made locally, oysters from nearby Macksville, homewares made from recycled timber, hand-poured candles, and much, much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To delve even deeper into Coffs\u2019 scenery, consider travelling by water. C-Change Adventures runs tours by kayak and stand-up paddle board along the area\u2019s hidden rivers. There\u2019s even a white water option for adrenaline junkies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all that paddling, you\u2019ll be ready to regain some energy at one of Coffs\u2019 many local eateries. Visit Dark Arts for locally roasted coffee, Ground Earth in Woolgoolga for healthy dishes made with local produce and King Tide for house-brewed beer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More lovely cafes, pretty scenery and friendly locals are to be found in the Orara Valley in the Coffs hinterland. Take a spin through a collection of rustic villages, discovering waterfalls and swimming spots on the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eco certification isn\u2019t only about looking after nature. It\u2019s also about nurturing cultural heritage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the richest adventures to be had on the Coffs Coast is the Giingan Gumbaynggirr Cultural Experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll spend two-and-a-half hours at magnificent Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) immersed in the songs and stories of the Gumbaynggirr people, who are the traditional custodians of the Coffs Harbour region. Plus, you\u2019ll discover native plants and feast on freshly baked damper. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about First Nations people, go to the Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Red Rock, where you can wander through the Wadjar Art Gallery and eat at the Bush Tucker Caf\u00e9. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back in town, follow the Gumbaynggirr art trail at the Yarrila Arts Museum, and, come evening, catch a show at the heritage-listed Jetty Memorial Theatre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Coffs
Image credit: Tim<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to get to Coffs Harbour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re taking the Sydney<\/a> to Coffs Harbour drive, you\u2019ll find the town around six hours\u2019 drive north of the big smoke. From Brisbane<\/a>, it\u2019s four-and-a-half hours\u2019 drive south. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Short on time? Consider flying to Coffs Harbour Airport<\/a>, where SIXT\u2019s electric vehicles will be waiting for you. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When you think of Coffs Harbour, you no doubt think of the Big Banana. But now, Coffs is on the map for another reason \u2013 it\u2019s NSW\u2019s first official eco destination.  This comes as no surprise to locals. The Coffs Coast is the only spot in the state where the majestic mountains of the Great…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":108,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[95,122],"class_list":{"0":"post-5033","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-travel","7":"tag-coffs-harbour","8":"tag-roadtrips-nsw","9":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\nCoffs Harbour Is NSW\u2019s First Official Eco Destination<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When you think of Coffs Harbour, you think of the Big Banana, Coffs is now on the map for another reason \u2013 it\u2019s NSW\u2019s first official 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