Australia's Holiday Coast
Features the areas of Bellingen, Boambee, Bulahdelah, Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo, Forster, Hawkes Nest, Kempsey, Macksville, Monkerai Valley, Nambucca Heads, Port Macquarie, South West Rocks, Taree, Tuncurry, Wauchope.

This area between Coffs Harbour in the north and Forster in the south is renown for its picture postcard beaches, lush hinterland and spectacular waterfalls and mountains.

Families will find an abundance of quite coastal villages and towns that make for a truly relaxing and fun-filled holiday. Here's the pick of the family attractions from north to south:

Big Banana Theme Park, Coffs Habour - in this tourist complex there are souvenir and swimwear shops, food outlets, ice skating and a panoramic shuttle ride to the top of the mountain to view the surrounding banana plantation. Of course, you can't miss the Big Banana itself, where you view displays on banana growing as you walk inside.

Clog Barn, Coffs Harbour - Thomas the Tank the Engine fans will go gah-gah at this unique attraction in the heart of town. As well as little trains chugging through the gardens you will get an insight into rural Dutch life with fascinating tiny villages. Next door there's genuine Dutch cuisine cafe which overlooks a rainforest creek. Look out for the wild water dragons!

Dorrigo National Park and Rainforest Centre, west of Bellingen is one of the loveliest parks on the coast with classic crystal shower waterfalls and a host of marked walking trails to suit all levels of family experience.

Everglades Aquarium, South West Rocks - the whole family will love the tame koi carp which jump out of the water to be fed. Mums and dads will also find the endless array of water lilies and water plants a real eye-opener.

Akubra Hat Factory, Kempsey - the Visitors Information Centre has a video which you can book to learn all about the hat making process. Who would have thought these famous hats start their life as pelts from rabbits. Phone (02) 6563 1555 to see the video.

Sea Acres, at Port Macquarie. A 1.3km boardwalk winds its way through lush coastal rainforest, complete with an amazing array of birds and animal life. A meal or snack at the cafe is also a must for a totally relaxed atmosphere and good animal watching.

Fantasy Glades, Port Macquarie. Let the magic of fairy tales unfold as you walk through scenes of your favourite tales set in a rainforest. See Cinderella come to life, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in their tiny cottage and Humpty Dumpty falling off the wall. A budget-priced day of entertainment for the whole family, particularly if you have pre-schoolers or under 8's.

Big Bull, Wauchope - the world's biggest mad-made bull is five storeys high and comes with lots of other authentic attractions. Jovial owner Farmer John has a barn full of cuddly animals to play with and a cow that he will allow the children to milk. Take a wagon ride to the real dairy where he tells you about the challenging life of a diary farmer.

Horseriding at Clarendon Forest Retreat. From beginners to the advanced, you can experience wonderful rainforests treks with full guidance. The forests and National Parks are teaming with birdlife. On slightly longer treks you can journey to a mountain top to view the wide Manning Valley below, stopping for some scones and billy tea or a BBQ lunch.

Big Buzz Fun Park, between Taree and Forster. Thrills and spills abound on the mini and super trikes, waterslides, grass toboggans, and pedal skatebikes. Bring your BBQ food and use the great cooking facilities or enjoy the onsite tucker shop.

Tobwabba Art, Forster. This is the place to go to take in the indigenous art of the local Aboriginal tribe. A large array of original paintings, plus clothing, ties, tiles and all sorts of wonderful household items are available.

The Green Cathedral, Lakesway, via Forster. This open air cathedral is formed by tall cabbage tree palms and other lush vegetation. Even more special is the fact that from your pew you can get a wonderful view of Wallis Lake. The perfect place to reflect peacefully.

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, Seal Rocks. Fantastic views of the untamed beaches and rocky headlands make this a special place for a family tour.

The Grandis - Tallest Tree in NSW. Just north of Bulahdelah off the old highway and down Stoney Creek Road is the tallest known tree in NSW, a 84.3m high Flooded Gum. This tree is so big its gobsmacking!

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