Looking for the perfect way to see the New Year in? Check out the action Coffs Harbour has instore this New Year with our guide to all local events. COFFS HARBOUR JETTY FESTIVAL The Coffs Jetty Carnival will kick off at 6.30pm with fireworks at 9.30pm. A reminder that...
Capture that special moment in your child's life sitting on Santa's knee before he or she is all grown up. Here is your guide on where to find Santa in Coffs Harbour this season. Coffs Central Santa Photos Don’t queue, book in your private Santa Photos and enjoy the...
Nothing says Christmas like the joyous sounds of carols sung together with family and friends by candlelight. If you love singing your heart out to Christmas Carols, there are some great free community events to attend throughout December. Here is the Coffs Coast...
Here in Coffs Harbour, we are blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches on the Coast. The beaches suit everyone from surfing and adventure seekers, to families with small children. I know when I swim at the beach and take the children I prefer a more patrolled...
As mums we don’t take time out for ourselves and pampering is usually sacrificed. As much as we love our little ones ‘me time’ could be just what the doctor ordered. So why don’t you spoil yourself and indulge in some pampering, enjoy the peace and quiet, even better...
From the time you find out you are pregnant, you start to realise that there is a lot in your life that is going to change. You also become aware that your priorities will become very different than what they were pre-kids. But sometimes it is the little signs that...
This week’s lovely local mum is Celeste Lord. Having only recently moved to the area she fills us in on what she loves best about raising a family on the Coffs Coast. Where and how long have you lived in the area and what do you love about it? I have lived in Coffs...
So you’re a mum now. And the second that baby was born this deep seeded emotion you can’t control suddenly entered your life. Guilt. It hits you like a cold day in numerous ways. It haunts you on a range of topics – feeding, sleep, play, education… It hits you when...
The 1st of September is Father’s Day in Australia, the perfect time for honoring fathers or the important male figure in your life. We often forget the sacrifices and contributions they have made in our lives. This Father’s Day, show him how much you appreciate all...
Kids love finding surprises in their lunchbox and with the Easter countdown, it is an especially fun time to add a little bit of seasonable love into the lunchboxes. With so many fun Easter cutters, food picks and moulds its easy to get creative in the kitchen. We...
Finding a new GP and or bulk billed surgery can be time-consuming. Taken from recommendations of our local mums we have collated a list of some of the bulk-billed GP’s and surgeries around Coffs Harbour. We have also included a couple of private practices which have...
Have you heard of the Active Kids Rebate and Creative Kids Rebate? From January 2018, the NSW Government initiated the rebates to assist parents, guardians and caregivers to contribute towards the cost of their child’s fees and assisting with getting them more...
Summer is here, it’s getting hot and the kids are gearing up for school holidays. While the Coast has so much to offer with its stunning beaches, reserves, coastal walks, waterfalls and parks the kids do like a bit of variety. If you are wondering how to keep the kids...
If you plan on hanging up the apron this year and want to get in to the holiday spirit what better way than starting with a perfect meal. Sharing the Christmas meal with family, friends and loved ones is the best way to celebrate the festive season, which is all about...
Keep on giving this Christmas by supporting Coffs small businesses and “shop it local” these holidays. Finding the perfect Christmas gift is easy with our Christmas ideas guide. We have pulled together a list of some of our favourites, buy local this Christmas! Gifts...
Capture that special moment in your child's life sitting on Santa's knee before he or she is all grown up. Here is your guide on where to find Santa in Coffs Harbour this season. Coffs Central Santa Photos Don’t queue, book in your private Santa Photos and enjoy the...
Nothing says Christmas like the joyous sounds of carols sung together with family and friends by candlelight. If you love singing your heart out to Christmas Carols, there are some great free community events to attend throughout December. Here is the Coffs Coast...
We are nearing the start of the school year and back to thinking about the dreaded school lunches. For those that have children starting Kindy or returning back to school it can be overwhelming coming up with new ideas to ensure that the kids get some variety. Did you...
Deciding on an area to live and building a life with your family can be a tough choice to make. Many factors come into that process, and deciding on what your family's priorities are, will not be the same for everyone. So, let's think about Coffs Harbour as a...
Did you know that Mother's Day is celebrated in Australia thanks to Mrs Janet Heyden, who helped pioneer it after she started a campaign in Sydney to raise money to buy gifts for lonely or forgotten mothers? The original meaning of Mother's Day was to acknowledge and...
Regardless of how you celebrate Easter, one thing is certain it doesn't have to be all about chocolate. If you are looking for something a little different this year or just wanting to cut down on the sugar intake there are plenty of alternatives to ensure that your...
Kids love finding surprises in their lunchbox and with the Easter countdown, it is an especially fun time to add a little bit of seasonable love into the lunchboxes. With so many fun Easter cutters, food picks and moulds its easy to get creative in the kitchen. We...
The Hinterlands of the Orara Valley is tranquil, beautiful and only a short drive from Coffs Harbour.
The recent bushfires that have ravaged through the Orara Valley have destroyed and damaged properties, businesses have been disrupted and incomes reduced or lost. For the small business owners within this area, we can only imagine the stress and strain this has caused. In fact, I don’t need to imagine it because I’ve spoken with some of the business owners. Their busy period in the lead up to Christmas completely disappeared.
The reality is these businesses and communities need our help.
So how can we do that? Spend with them. Visit the community and enjoy the Orara Valley which is only a stones through away. Stay in local accommodation, eat at cafes and shop local.
Jump in the car and take the scenic drive through the Orara Valley countryside. Spend the weekend or take a day trip with the family. Make sure you stop for lunch, dinner or coffee at the many hotels and cafes and vineyards along the way in Coramba, Nana Glen, Ulong and Glenreagh. Ensure you fill-up the car, and enjoy some retail therapy at the general stores of Karangi, Lowanna and Ulong.
The historical village of Coramba has plenty of live music, events and the beautiful Artspace Gallery which runs workshops and classes, so ensure you look into what is on. Orara Valley Honey also runs workshops so make sure you visit them also and buy honey from them online!
For the kids take them horse riding with HWH Stables and take them for a visit at Synchronicity Farm. Teach the kids and adults skills about sustainable life and learning about the food cycle. Also, register your kids to become Kid Farmers!
Here are some of the local businesses in the Orara Valley that need our community to continue to support them.
Located just 25km from Coffs Harbour in the village of Nana Glen, you will find the lovely Two Tails Winery. The boutique winery offers a range of locally produced wines which can be tasted at the Cellar Door open 7 days a week. The onsite restaurant Velvets offers a modern style tapas menu from the best local produce. The Restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the vineyard making it the perfect spot to spend the day.
I went here recently for the Business Women’s Network Christmas party and the food was hands down the best I’ve tasted on the Coffs Coast. We were looked after so well and I can’t wait to go back soon.
If you also want to make the most of your country escape after a long lunch at Velvets why not spoil yourself and stay the night or weekend for a perfect getaway at the B&B.
Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday 10:30am – 4:30pm and Saturday-Sunday 8am-4:30pm
Breakfast is Saturday and Sunday from 8.00 am
963 Orara Way, Nana Glen, New South Wales
Reservations (02) 6654 3633
Website: Two Tails Winery
A little café with a lot of charm! An old fashioned country café located in Nana Glen. “Idle in” for the best coffee and home baked scones in town. Relax inside in air conditioned comfort and enjoy the character of the timber beams, rustic furniture and biker memorabilia or lounge outside in the courtyard under the umbrellas and watch the world go by.
Open Wed-Sun for breakfast, light lunch or devonshire tea. Using fresh, locally sourced produce the café has an extensive menu with all baked goods made on site.
30 Nana Street, Nana Glen
Website: Idle In Cafe
A rustic cafe nestled in Nana Glen. Kafe Kookaburra is a wonderful place to enjoy the views of the valley and a taste experience of wholesome fresh food, locally roasted coffee and beautiful homemade desserts.
940 Orara Way, Nana Glen
Synchronicity Farm is a social enterprise including a working organic farm inviting visitors to book a guided tour and see a diverse range of food growing. Have a swim in the Orara River, enjoy a private picnic or book a camping site. You can engage with Raw Food Hub to buy freshly harvested produce and order weekly seasonal food boxes. Learn a new skill with Giving Tree Education that offers workshops in sustainability, food and farming. KidFarmer runs events for schools to host excursions that offer learning opportunities in an outdoor environment.
Open 7 days 10.00am – 4.0pm
632 Orara Way, Nana Glen
Website: Synchronicity Farm
In the hub of Nana Glen you will find this handy shop for all your needs. Not just your grocery shop but also your bottle shop, petrol station and Post Office.
Enjoy a quiet country getaway.
The B & B is nestled in the beautiful Orara Valley with scenic views to Mount Coramba. Enjoy the quiet country style living on gently sloping 12 acres which backs onto the Orara River.
You will experience private accommodation incorporating a bedroom with a queen-size bed, a spacious bathroom along with a living room comprising a modern kitchenette, office work area with free Wi-Fi and TV area.
Before setting off for the day, enjoy a cooked country breakfast from the selected menu.
668 Orara Way, Nana Glen
Website: All About Me B & B
Artspace on 45 is a studio based in Coramba. Open every weekend 10-4:30 pm.
It exhibits artworks by Matthew and Meg and also features guest artists. The collection of work includes paintings, drawings and pottery. Giftware, scarves and jewellery are also available.
They also provide workshops and Classes where members can pursue their own creative journey. So if you feel like making a day of your visit or participating in a class browse through the website to get a complete list of up and coming events.
45 Gale Street, Coramba
Website: Art Space 45
Situated in the western hinterland of the Orara Valley you will find this charming country pub. Some call it a hidden gem from the roadside, as once you venture in and see the views you will not be disappointed.
The pub is family friendly and the BroadAxe Bistro is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner serving quality affordable meals and home-made pizzas all day. The Hotel also provides accommodation for those that would like to stay.
17 Gale Street, Coramba
Website: Coramba Hotel
Nesting Needles Fabric and Patchwork Shop stock a wonderful array of beautiful fabrics, including designers such as Amy Butler, Kaffe Fassett, Art Gallery, Tilda and Tula Pink also quilting patterns and accessories.
The shop also runs regular quilting, sewing lessons and workshops so ensure you check out the website and book in to a class.
Located in beautiful Coramba, just 15 minutes from Coffs Harbour CBD
25 Gale Street, Coramba
Website: Nesting Needles
The perfect spot to stop and grab a coffee and watch the world go by. Come enjoy a delicious homemade pie, one of our famous burgers, or just one of our quality coffees (and treat yourself to a slice, scone or yummy cake!). We also stock local farm-fresh produce, essentials and a range of locally made jams, chutneys and more.
Our cafe is a short stroll from the Orara River, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim after lunch, or even bring a kayak or canoe for a paddle.
31 Gale Street, Coramba
Website: Coramba General Store
Groceries, Coffee, Retail and Post Office
992 Coramba Road, Karangi
If you are looking for some good honest pub grub you can go no further than the Bistro at the Golden Dog Hotel. The Golden Dog Café is a great place to take the family for a Sunday drive and enjoy lunch.
Being a core part of the community, they always have activities running so make sure you check out the website. Some of the events run include Darts Competitions, Pool Competitions, Footy Tipping Comp, Meat Raffles and regular live music from local talent.
The Bistro is open every day for lunch from 12.00pm to 2.00pm. Dinner is available Wednesday – Sunday 6.00pm – 9.00pm
Happy Hour 4-6pm every Wednesday and Live Music every second Friday from 6pm
57-29 Coramba Street, Glenreagh
Website: The Golden Dog
Fresh fruit, coffee, takeaway, petrol and ice… Come down for a great meal!
Website: Glenreagh General Store
40 minutes’ drive West from Coffs Harbour and sitting at the top of the beautiful Eastern Dorrigo Plateau and the Great Dividing Range you will find the Ulong General Store. Known as the ‘Village in the Valley’ it is a must stop in Café while exploring the hinterland of the Coffs Coast.
Sit amongst the peaceful court yard while enjoying a cappuccino or one of our tasty burgers. If you prefer some retail therapy, the general store is bursting with local and imported goods, ladies fashion, gift lines, grocery items, fresh fruit & vegetables. Ulong General Store is open 7 days a week.
Come in & experience what true country dining & service is all about
Pine Avenue, Ulong
Website: Ulong General Store & Cafe in the Valley
If you’re interested in a lovely drive in the mountains and wanting to grab refreshment then this is the place for you. Just a short drive from Coffs Harbour is this lovely Ex-Servicemen and Women’s Club situated at Ulong. Take the drive to Coramba and head up the mountain via the Eastern Dorrigo Way, where you will find a great place for a drink and feed and really friendly people.
60 Pine Avenue, Ulong
Website: Ulong Ex Services Club
Orara Valley Honey is local, raw and real.
Our bees have had a tough time as well with poor conditions and not a lot of nectar to harvest. We’re still here though and our local, raw honey is available all year round.
When you buy our honey you help local businesses that need your continued support.
Orara Valley Honey can be ordered online by following the link below or at any of our amazing retailers in the Coffs Harbour area including:
Courses and Workshops are also offered with Orara Honey. Beekeeping courses and workshops for beginners to advanced.
Do you want to learn basic beekeeping skills? Consider our half day and one-day beekeeping workshops for new beekeepers. Our workshops focus on core skills such as lighting a beekeepers smoker and working bees. Our beekeeping methods are non-adversarial which means happy bees and fewer stings.
Book in for a course now!
Website: Orara Valley Honey
HWH Stables, an award winning Horse Riding School & Trail Riding business operating within the beautiful Orara Valley and along the pristine Boambee Beach of Coffs Harbour NSW, Australia.
Spend the afternoon taking a two hour horse trek through the picturesque Orara Valley with either a bush ride or a river ride.
HWH Stables also offer riding tours throughout Coffs Harbour Foreshores.
267 Dairyvill Road, Upper Orara
Website: HWH Stables
