Natalie Gruzlewski has just experienced something new in Coffs Harbour. If you've never been to Coffs, there's a treat in store if you visit. It has 44km of beaches and lush rainforest. If you have already been there you should return and check out the new Beach to Bush Buggy Tours.
The tours start at Boambee Beach, a place for four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, fishermen, people walking dogs and horses, jet-skiers and joggers. If you're there in winter and spring, it's the perfect location for whale watching.
Boambee Creek Reserve at the southern end is perfect for families as it has shallow water and playground facilities. Great for picnics, the reserve has barbecues, shelters and take-away food available.
The beach buggies, not to be confused with dune buggies, are fully modified VW chassis with fibreglass bodies and reach up to 50km/h. They hold four people and are fitted with seat belts and safety requirements. Accredited drivers do the driving so you just need to enjoy the fun.
The buggy rides take you to places even locals don't visit. Once you've whizzed along Boambee Beach, you head to Bruxner Park, Sealy Point Lookout overlooking the city and then head to the rainforest which offers flora, fauna and a natural crystal clear creek.
Bruxner Park is 407 hectares of dense rainforest and eucalypt forest in Orara East State Forest. A drive to The Gap takes you through banana and avocado plantations and you'll be thankful the days of logging in the 1880s are over.
Only 2km further on is Seal Lookout. At an elevation of 310m, this is where your camera will come in handy. Views up and down the coast and over the city are pretty spectacular.
Location
Coffs Harbour on the mid-north coast of New South Wales.
Cost
Beach to Bush Buggy one-hour tours cost $50 per person. Cost included cruise along Boambee Beach and to Bruxner Park Reserve through rainforest and bushland. There are half-day tours to Nana Glen through bushland and rainforest and to Bellinger Valley through farmland and to the old Butter Factory. They operate from Jetty Foreshores every day from 10am.
Virgin Blue has flights to Coffs Harbour.
One-way fares from:
- Sydney $85
- Brisbane $139
- Melbourne $170
- Adelaide $220
- Hobart $225
- Perth $290
There are limited seats which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares quoted are one-way booked on the Internet. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one-way flight is applicable. Fares are correct at April 30, 2009 and are subject to change.
Prices correct at April 30, 2009.
For further information
Virgin Blue
Ph: 136 789
www.virginblue.com.au
Beach to Bush Buggy Tour
24 Louden Close
Coffs Harbour 2450
Ph: (02) 6651 3564
www.beachtobushbuggytours.com
info@beachtobushbuggytours.com
