Sherwood Nature Reserve

Sherwood Nature Reserve provides opportunities for picnicking, birdwatching, car touring and bushwalking in a peaceful setting. Discover the spectacular biodiversity and natural beauty of Sherwood Nature Reserve. Just a short drive from Coffs Harbour near Woolgoolga, you can explore striking landscapes ranging from rugged sandstone escarpments and coastal ridges to dry open forests, heaths and vibrant subtropical rainforests. There’s an abundance of wildlife to see, with old-growth forests and other habitats providing refuge for over 50 native animals including the brush-tailed rock wallaby, long-nosed potoroo, powerful owl, giant barred frog and leaf-tailed gecko. Not to mention the incredible birdlife that makes Sherwood a birdwatching mecca. Go forest driving on Sherwood Forest drive and admire panoramic views of the coastline and Orara Valley. Enjoy peaceful bushwalking and outstanding birdwatching in the rainforest on Falls walking track. Or just sit back and relax at Woolgoolga Creek picnic area and immerse yourself in the tranquillity.

Coffs Harbour is the southern gateway to the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a very unique mix of tropical and temperate fish life; the waters of the Solitary Islands are just like the southern Great Barrier Reef with a mix of Fish from the south. Jetty Dive Centre pride themselves in their high level of PADI training, from PADI open water Scuba courses all the way through to PADI Instructor. Jetty Dive Centre love scuba diving at the Solitary Islands on their daily dive charters for snorkelers or scuba divers, and their large and comfortable dive boats offer the best diving available. Passionate dive crew have the knowledge and experience to show you the best of the Solitary Islands. Jetty Dive Centre offers Whale Watching from their fast Adventure boats. Get to the Humpback Whales fast and spend all your time watching these magnificent giants! Whale Watching trips run three times daily from June to October and are dependent on the weather. Jetty Dive also has the first Whale Swims in NSW. After years of watching the Humpback Whales, they have developed a trip of a lifetime. Swim with Humpback Whales trips are an experience you will never forget.!

The Coffs Harbour Butterfly House is home to hundreds of Australian butterflies. Take a stroll in their walk-through enclosure and marvel at the brilliant colours as the butterflies flutter around, sometimes landing on you for a closer look. Learn about their fascinating life cycle from expert staff. Enjoy refreshments in the café and you can purchase a memento of your visit in the gift shop.

Nambucca Heads is one of Australia's most beautiful camping destinations. Named after an Aboriginal word that means 'entrance to the waters', Nambucca Heads is on the Coffs Coast and is known for gorgeous weather and a tranquil atmosphere. Caravan park guests can enjoy expansive water views, and wake up to breathtaking sunrises. Take a river cruise, or head to the Rotary Lookout or Captain Cook Lookout for superb views of the river mouth and ocean, with seasonal whale watching a bonus.

Rafting is a thrilling way to appreciate the river's stunning beauty. Located within the Nymboi-Binderay National Park, the rapids of the scenic Nymboida River offer white-knuckle fun. Dramatic granite gorges and rugged rainforest-lined banks produce rapids renowned among whitewater enthusiasts.

An international go-kart facility with fun for all the family, Raleigh International Raceway is 15 minutes south of Coffs Harbour. Single and double karts are available for laps around the challenging 1.1 km forest track. Open daily, the park also has the Big Foot tractor ride, as well as two waterslides, sheltered barbecue areas, and Putt Putt Mini Golf. You'll enjoy hours of family fun.