How to get to Scotts Head

If you love nature, fresh air, and the sounds of moving water, the Coffs Coast is a no-brainer. This lush corner of NSW is home to some seriously stunning waterfalls, from easy roadside lookouts to some hidden gems worth the hike. So grab your walking shoes, pack a picnic, and hit the road.

Retrace history along an easy walking 1.2-kilometre return track, Bridle trail, near Trial Bay Gaol in Arakoon National Park, five kilometres east of South West Rocks.  In days gone by, horses would haul the massive steam crane used in the granite quarry during the construction of the ill-fated breakwater.

You won’t see any exhausted horses along this trail today. Accessed from Little Bay picnic area, this historic short track is now a beautiful walk through regenerated coastal heathlands and majestic gums. Passing cool patches of rainforest, look for remnants of the old iron water pipe that was used to supply water to the gaol.

If you feel like exploring a little more, an easy track links to both Powder Magazine walking track and Little Bay Beach, where you can also enjoy a refreshing swim.

Most people know Coffs Harbour as the coastal paradise on the NSW Coffs Coast. It’s where the forest meets the sea and there are over 30 incredible beaches to explore and enjoy. Coffs Harbour beaches are next level beautiful, boasting that truly iconic laid-back Australian vibe with perfect conditions for swimming, surfing and just doing a whole lot of nothing much.

It's rare for visitors to get the chance to meet local makers, but at The Yarrahappini Studio Gallery, you can do just that. Located along Stuarts Point Road, the gallery features the work of local artists Dave and Pamela Jones.

Dave is a designer and maker of contemporary custom furniture and timber giftware, carving his designs from a variety of Australian timbers. Pamela is a design artist whose hand-worked textile art panels, lino prints and works on paper reflect the colours and textures of local landscapes and native flora. The gallery is open by appointment, so be sure to phone ahead.

Pamela Houghton Jones is a design artist, produces contemporary hand-worked textile art panels, lino prints, and works on paper. Inspired by the outback and local scenes - the colours and textures reflect the natural landscapes and native flora.

Dave Jones is a designer/maker of contemporary custom furniture, as well as a range of timber gift ware. Displaying the clean lines of modern design Dave crafts his furniture from Australian timbers including a variety of eucalypts and casuarinas plus the more classic timber varieties of red cedar, rosewood, silver ash and blackwood.

Set on the picturesque Macleay River and bordered by thriving palms, luscious green grass and neat hedges is Riverside Tavern on New Entrance Road in South West Rocks.

From a tiled alfresco dining space with charming, wooden outdoor furniture, guests are treated to captivating views of the flowing river through the trees, where sailboats can be seen lazily drifting past. A modern Australian menu boasts hearty choices to suit all tastes, along with some especially tempting options for the little ones.

If you are looking for a fun and picturesque venue to hold your event, look no further than the Riverside Tavern. They cater to a range of events; from small family and friend get-togethers to wedding receptions.

Yarrakuun Cultural Experience offers visitors, locals and groups the chance to approach wellness from a holistic perspective, something that is central to the local Dunghutti culture. Please contact them directly for private or bespoke cultural experiences.

Dancing on the country is a respectable attribute to honour to your people and nation of which you come from. It’s the culture within dancing that glorifies their ancestors and their creation stories. It provides the spiritual healing of self and your environment.

Aboriginal people always have maintained the belonging to the land and not land belonging to them. It's a balance of nature and human that go hand in hand together.

Come and join Yarrakuun for a cultural experience. Contact to make a booking and to find out more information.

Road trip the Coffs Coast from Macksville to Red Rock, stopping in Nambucca Heads and Coffs Harbour along the way for beaches, rainforest walks and classic family attractions like the Big Banana.

Discover the best of the Coffs Coast in spring, from coastal walks and beach days to hinterland escapes, wildflowers and fresh seasonal experiences.