Who could visit Coffs Harbour without calling in at the iconic Big Banana, with its ski run, toboggan slope and railway through a banana plantation? Big things and days spent building sandcastles on the beach are an integral part of any Aussie childhood, but if you're visiting the Coffs Coast and would like to give the kids something a bit different, try the following ideas for size:
In and on the water
On Diggers Beach in Coffs Harbour, the expert tutors of the East Coast Surf School will have all of you standing up on a Malibu in no time at all (not at the same time, though). If you'd rather sit down, on the next-door beach you can crack a wave on a bouncy surf raft with Liquid Assets, or paddle their safe, stable sea kayaks in the surf or on the quiet waters of Bonville Creek.
When you pull on a mask and snorkel and look beneath the surface, there are amazing things to see. Join a Jetty Dive charter trip to the Solitary Islands — diving deep or snorkelling on the surface, the pristine marine environment of the Solitary Islands Marine Park opens up a whole new world.
Between June and October, thousands of migrating humpback whales cruise close to the coast on their way to and from calving grounds further north. The best way to see them is on a whale-watching charter cruise from the Coffs Harbour marina. At any time of year, dolphins and sea birds make the trip a great natural experience.
On dry land
National Parks rangers offer a range of activity programs right through the year. From rainforest discovery walks to rockpool investigations; from evening animal spotlight wanderings to birdwatching by canoe — these are interactive and educational experiences that the whole family can enjoy together.
South of Coffs Harbour is Raleigh International Raceway, home of high-octane karting action. Firmly strapped in and low to the ground, the simple sensation of speed is … well, simply sensational!
On the steep slopes of the Great Dividing Range are the World Heritage subtropical rainforests of Dorrigo National Park. A network of walking tracks extends from the Rainforest Centre — but first, venture out on the dramatic Skywalk, a boardwalk floating high above the canopy of the trees. The Pet Porpoise Pool in Coffs Harbour gives you the rare opportunity to feel the cool, smooth skin of a dolphin — and the wet, sloppy kiss of a seal. In the big new dolphin pool you can even swim with these marvellous sea creatures — it's a calming and wonderful experience you'll never forget.
Another fun idea is to paint a postcard on the rocks of the V-Wall breakwater at Nambucca — yes, it's legal!
Where to stay?
The choice is as varied as the Coffs Coast scenery — one of the very best options for great family holidays is to stay at one of the resorts, where special children's programs and kids' clubs provide fun times for the youngsters, while giving you the chance for some quality time together.
Other good accommodation choices include convenient self-contained apartments and villas; or one of the excellent beachfront holiday parks, with their on-site vans and cabins.
What if it's not so sunny?
Coffs Coast has the nation's most liveable climate — summer temperatures average around a balmy 27 degrees, while winter is a pleasant 19. But it does rain now and then, otherwise, how would the rainforests and banana plantations stay so green? So on the days when the beach isn't an option, there's still plenty to do. How about a visit to the Butterfly House? You'll see the neon-blue wings of the Ulysses butterfly and marvel at the massive birdwing, Australia's biggest butterfly. Butterfly keeper Tony Croft will explain the astonishing life cycle of these insects, describe the breeding program and tell you why they want to keep landing on your red baseball cap!
Coffs Coast Visitor Centre
1300 369 070
www.coffscoast.com.au
All kinds of fun family tours and activities can be booked around the country, using Ninemsn's activities pages.
Reproduced with permission from Holidays with Kids magazine.
