The Coffs Coast is known for a lot of things – gorgeous scenery, a boundless spiral of white sandy beaches interspersed with coastal touring routes and some of the prettiest spots to throw down a swag for miles in any direction.
Peel back the family beach holiday veneer and you’ll find some of the best 4WDing in the state, just outside of city limits.
The Coffs hinterland is home to a slew of wild and muddy tracks, some of which can be tackled in the family tourer, others that are more suited to jacked up Unimog drivers with a death wish.
If you’ve got a reasonably high clearance 4WD shod with a good set of all terrains you’ll be able to enjoy most of the region without too much fear of coming unstuck – just remember to know your vehicle’s limits and steer clear of some the steep clay-lined tracks that turn treacherous after rain.
STUFF TO DO
4WDING: Recovery gear and tyre repair kits are necessary due to the heavily forested nature of the terrain out the back of Coffs.
It’s more common than you think to cop a branch through the sidewall and a heavy cover of leaf litter can help disguise potential pitfalls.
If you’re travelling solo you’ll want to be equipped with a winch, otherwise travel in convoy and get familiar with your snatch straps and recovery points.
FISHING is possible in some of the waterways out the back of Coffs. The promisingly named Cod Hole allows access to Nymboida where eastern cod and big Australian bass are a possibility. Any of the freshwater tributaries up this way are worth a cast for a chance at a wild bass.
IMPORTANT INFO
LOCATION: Coffs Harbour is located 530km north of Sydney and access is via the Pacific Highway. A full loop of the hinterland from Coffs Harbour through Lowanna, Cascade, Glenreagh and Boambee could see you covering over 200 rough and rugged kilometres. Allow two to three days for a proper exploration of the hinterland region.
CAMPING is available within the Nymboi-Binderay NP at Platypus Flat, the Cod Hole and the Junction.
FUEL is available at Coffs Harbour, Lowanna, Glenreagh, Boambee and Mylstom.
MORE INFO is available at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
