Top 20 seasonal things to do around Urunga 

The Riverside Holiday Resort is located right on the river at Urunga and boasts wildlife galore – including native birds, fish and reptiles. Part of the Bellingen Shire, the relaxed little town of Urunga is located just 20 minutes south of Coffs Harbour, making it perfectly accessible for a quick run to the larger shopping centres, cinemas, sporting fields or a night out. Urunga boasts a great boardwalk, close to one kilometre in length that takes you from the tidal lagoon out to the beach – perfect for a little exploration or fish spotting. As a tributary to the Pacific Ocean, this area offers numerous great beaches and surf spots close by such as Hungry Head and North Beach at Mylestom. The town of Urunga also has many local cafes, stores and shops to casually peruse. 

1 - Urunga Board Walk & Wetlands

A 2km return walk, the Urunga Board Walk is a beautiful stroll (or jog!) enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Leading to a long stretch of white sandy beaches, the accessible board walk is a long jetty and is best experienced at dusk or sunrise, you will appreciate the scenery and natures swimming pool under your feet. The Urunga boardwalk is like no other, where else can you go all the way to the waves in a wheelchair.

2 - Check out our Famous Beaches

With some of the most well-known beaches in Australia, Hungry Head, Valla Beach & Sawtell is where the locals go when they want to catch a wave. The surf around this area is famous, so whether you’re surfing, body boarding, or swimming, the clear water and white sand is a great bet for an afternoon of fun.

3 - Kayak & Paddle boards 

Kayak & Paddle boarding is a relaxing, family-friendly way to get the kids out of the apartment and outside. Fun, relaxing and sometimes a bit of arm work, enjoy the tranquil scenery as you coast down our beautiful rivers, full of native wildlife. This is a perfect option for fishing, birdwatchers and nature-enthusiasts alike. Kayak & Paddle board hire is available to guests from Riverside Holiday Resort, cost is $15.00 per craft and allocated session times apply. For further info or to make a booking see Resort staff.

4 - River & Beach Fishing

There’s something tranquil about fishing in the river, and with two rivers to choose from, estuaries and the ocean, you’ll be spoilt for choice if this is your annual fishing get-away. If you enjoy fishing there are a few great fishing comps held every year. The Berkley Urunga Sport Fishing Flat Head Tournament is held the 2nd weekend in November and the Put Bennett Family Fishing Festival is held the 2nd weekend in January every year.

5 - The Honey Place 

Built in 1982, this iconic locale is a honey mecca. Featuring several different flavours of honey, including chilli honey, this sweet little gem is shaped like the Skep which used to house the honey bee. The Honey Place is a great place to stop in Urunga for fresh scones and tea.

6 - Coffs Coast Surf Lessons

Weather you are a keen surfer or never been in the surf before  Lee Winkler's Surf School will make your surf experience the best possible. For individual lessons or group sessions they have just what you need. All surfboards & wet suits are provided (or you can bring your own) guests are responsible for their own sun protection. This experience is for capable swimmers all ages 5 years & up and for all skill levels. Don’t worry if you have never surfed before that’s what lessons are all about. A day in the waves is a day you will never forget.

7 - Dorrigo National Park 

This world heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest feels like a whole new world, though it’s only 45 min from Urunga (30 min from Bellingen). The Dorrigo National Park offers amazing waterfalls, wildlife, scenery and a walking trail, a day in the Dorrigo park is a great adventure. Enjoy a BBQ for lunch at our facilities, and maybe, you’ll even spot an elusive lyrebird! The Dorrigo Plato is like no other and it’s well worth spending the time to enjoy the local produce, scenery and get up close with the waterfalls.

8 - Horse Riding - Valery Trails 

“Experience horse riding at its best” at Valery Trails. Valery Horse Trails is a long established Horse Riding Centre on the Mid North Coast of NSW and holds accreditation with the Australian Horse Riding Centres (AHRC) . The centre offers trail rides, lessons, kid’s club, Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and tailored programs for children, young people and groups. the property is situated on approximately 100 acres in majestic natural surroundings, with valleys, creeks, rivers  and rain forest and is surrounded by national parks and state forests. Our 40 well disciplined horses are suitable for beginners or experienced riders alike. You can even organise a Beach Ride at Boambee Bay.

9 - Bellingen Community Markets  

Bellingen markets are located just 15 minutes west of Urunga by car, these markets are a must for those who love a browsing local produce, crafts and wares. They’re open from 9am – 2:00pm on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Bellingen is a beautiful little town located by the river offering great shopping, fresh organic produce and beautiful food. Bello is the perfect place to grab some lunch or a gelato and relax by the river or enjoy a swim.

10 - Coffs & Bellingen Scenic Tours 

Take a guided tour with Coffs Harbour Private Tours guests are picked up from Riverside Holiday Resort and can be taken on any of the spectacular scenic tours. Why not plan a 'Sunrise or Sunset Tour' and take in the inspiring views as we make our way around the headland to the beach, explore the coast line and meet the local kangaroos. For the adventurous why not take a 'Rainforest & Waterfall Tour' this includes a stroll through Dorrigo National Park to view the waterfalls, a stop in Bellingen, and if your interested a wine & brandy creme liqueurs tasting at Raleigh Winery. The bus can seat up to 11 people (min 6) so why not plan a 'Brewry Tour' or a visit to the 'Pub with No Beer'.

11 - Coast Trike Tour 

Coffs Coast Trike Tours are based in Urunga, they tour up and down the coast and through the Bellingen shire to Dorrigo. Brent if more than happy to customise tours to suite your liking. Guests can be collected direct from Riverside Holiday Resort. Our trikes have three wheels and can take up to two passengers, plus the driver. This means that you can enjoy your tour sitting comfortably next to your friend or partner while taking in the views of the Coffs Coast. Each trike is able to carry two passengers, children are able to go on trike tours as well, so long as they are over 8 years of age. 

 12 - Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours 

If you want to experience the local Gumbaynggirr  Aboriginal culture first-hand whilst you take in some of the most beautiful creeks and water ways on the Coffs Coast this is the activity for you! Blending nature, adventure, education the Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours stand up paddle board tours are amazing!

 13 - Sealey Lookout - Forest Sky Pier

The Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout is a unique way to experience the Coffs Coast and mountain views. The Forest Sky Pier is located on an escarpment 310 metres above Coffs Harbour and only 9km from the city centre. It projects 21.6 metres beyond the original lookout and offers an expansive vista encompassing Coffs Harbour city, its foreshore and marina, Solitary Islands Marine Park, surrounding mountain ranges and the coastline far into the distance. On a clear day you can see 100km to the south. Adjacent to the Forest Sky Pier, a fully-accessible picnic shelter is available for those wishing to sit, have a cuppa and enjoy the view.

14 - Tree Top Adventures 

The Coffs Harbour TreeTop Adventure Park there’s an amazing array of challenges in the trees to enjoy. Featuring awesome flying foxes, cargo nets, Tarzan swings, tightropes, suspended rafts, trapezes, twisted ladders and more! This is an adventure and fun for all ages. Located at the Ski Pear Sealy Lookout in Coffs Harbour this is a view you don’t want to miss.

15 - The Big Banana Coffs Harbour

The Big Banana pays homage to the banana plantations and the history of Coffs Harbour. The Big Banana Fun Park is the biggest theme park between Sydney and the Gold Coast, featuring rides and attractions for all ages. It’s a whole “bunch” of FUN! and It’s a fantastic place for a photo shoot, and a must see while visiting the Coffs Coast. 

16 - Dolphin Marine Conservation Park 

Dolphin Marine Conservation Park is the only zoological park in New South Wales exhibiting dolphins and the two daily presentations are the Coffs Coast region's star attraction. Through the fun and educational 'hands-on' experience offered with their animals. Dolphin Marine Conservation Park hopes to inspire life changing habits within our guests which will make a real and measurable difference in the conservation of the marine environment. You can even get a photo with a seal or swim with the Dolphins. 

17 - The Butterfly House

Explore the wonders of The Butterfly House, where you can wander through a lush indoor subtropical rainforest and encounter countless live Australian butterflies. Delight in the daily chance to meet four adorable baby dinosaurs, and weather permitting, witness a captivating presentation featuring a life-sized dinosaur. Marvel at the lifelike movements and roars of six impressive dinosaurs in our newly constructed Dinosaur Forest.

18 - V-Wall Outdoor Gallery - Nambucca Heads

Grab your paint & pens and leave your personal message on this outdoor breakwall gallery. Everyone is encouraged to paint a rock at the legendary V-Wall Nambucca Heads to leave their holiday messages, inspirational words, and memories. This creative space provides a great read with comments from locals as well as visitors from around Australia and across the globe. Walk along the boardwalk from the Visitor Information Centre meandering along the riverside passed Bellwood Park down to 'The Glen' to the V-Wall at the river mouth.  

19 - Whale & Dolphin Watching 

During the whales winter migration (June-October), whales are around the warmer, shallow areas of Urunga and Coffs Harbour, and can often be seen from the shore breeching and frolicking with their young calves. If you would like to get up close and personal why not take a whale watching tour, swimming with the whales or do some scuba diving or snorkelling with the Jetty Dive Centre in Coffs Harbor. If you aren't that keen for a whale watching cruise we are sure you will see whales breaching from our beautiful lookouts along the coast. 

20 - Coffs Coast Skydiving

Embark on the ultimate adventure with Coffs Coast Skydiving! Soar through the skies and experience the thrill of a lifetime as you freefall over the stunning Coffs Coast landscape. Our expert team ensures a safe and exhilarating dive, providing you with an unforgettable perspective of the breathtaking scenery below. Whether you're a seasoned skydiver or a first-timer, Coffs Coast Skydiving promises an adrenaline-packed experience that will leave you with lifelong memories. Elevate your sense of adventure and dive into the extraordinary with us!  

Click HERE To Find Other Things To See & Do In Urunga And The Bellingen Shire

 

Rebecca Beaton

Written by Rebecca Beaton