Coffs Harbour - Bananas, Clogs And The Creek

Today we began with tacky and touristy at The Big Banana. We enjoyed the theatre presentation where we learnt all about the history of bananas and how they are grown. After that it was the obligatory frozen, chocolate coated banana on a stick. To finish we took some toboggan rides down the plantation hillside.

Continuing with touristy we visited the nearby Clogg Barn for a look around their model village and to see a demonstration of clog making using both traditional and modern tools.

The afternoon we spent relaxing and picnicking at Boambee Nature Reserve. Here the creek flows out towards the ocean and the water is warm and shallow with a sandy beach.

Coffs Harbour - Dorrigo National Park

Today we travelled about an hour from Coffs Harbour to visit Dorrigo National Park, World Heritage Rainforest. We took 2 of the walks through the forest, The Wonga Walk and the  Casuarina Falls Walk. The children managed about 11.5 km altogether. We saw lots of fabulous rainforest plans and trees, lots of birds and some goannas. There were several waterfalls; the children enjoyed going into the cave behind Crystal Shower Falls.

Kids in the cave behind Crystal Shower Falls

Coffs Harbour - Camels And Fish

Today we had a new experience: camel riding along the beach. It was quite a scary ride! My camel was in the lead but kept going the wrong way and the kids camel kept sitting down all the time throwing the riders forward in their seats. Still it was enjoyable and something different.

Of course Dad spotted the sign on the beach that said 4WD vehicles could enter and couldn't resist a quick spin up and down.

After a picnic stop we headed along to Solitary Islands Marine Aquarium. Here their informative guide told us all about the different creatures and the children watched the different fish being fed.

Afterwards we drove up to the nearby Sealy Lookout for views over Coffs Harbour.

We drove back to our cabin and there was just enough time for a play on the beach behind the holiday park before it got dark.

Coffs Harbour - Flora And Fauna

Today we began with an trip to Dolphin Marine Magic at Coffs Harbour. Although pricey, and very touristy, this attraction was a lot of fun. We got to have seal and dolphin kisses, watch the sea-life show, feed the fish, seals and penguins.

After a quick stop to find another geocache we headed off to the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens for a picnic and walk. Lots of different habitats are displayed here including rainforest and mangrove swamp. We walked through the glass-houses and along the boardwalks spotting birds and interesting plants. There was even a maze to explore.

Later in the afternoon we drove down to Mutton Bird Island.

We didn't see any mutton birds but we did spot this heron.

After that it was time for freshly caught and cooked, fish n chips by the marina before heading back to camp.