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 $10.00 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 Coffs Coast Surf Tours will make your surf experience the best possible. For individual lessons or group sessions (up to 8). You can be picked up from Riverside Holiday Resort (minimum of 2 for pick up) and the team will track down the best surf spot for you that day. 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. Non riders can relax at the pool ,walk the trails or mountain bike on the farm.
9 - Raleigh International Raceway - GO KARTS
Unleash your wild side and enjoy the thrill of a 1.1km adrenaline track and do a few laps in a Go Kart at Raleigh Raceway. Double Karts are available for 3-12 years (accompanied by responsible adult) Single Karts from 12 years. If your not up for the Karts why not make a day of it and check out the Drifts or Rally Cross.
The international circuit is laid out between the forest and with various parts going up and downhill, it’s an incredible challenge and something you wont want to miss.
10 - 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.
11 - Waves to Wilderness Scenic Tours
Take a guided tour with Waves to Wilderness Scenic Tours. Guests are picked up from Riverside Holiday Resort and taken on either a Coastal Adventure Tour or a Sunset Experience, 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 more adventurous why not take a Dorrigo Rainforest & Waterfall Tour this includes a hike through the Dorrigo National park and a swim under the waterfalls. Stroll through Dorrigo National Park and view the waterfalls, a stop in Bellingen, and wine & brandy creme liqueurs tasting at Raleigh Winery.
12 - Coast Trike Tour
Coffs Coast Trike Tours are based in Urunga, we tour up and down the coast and through the Bellingen shire to Dorrigo. We are 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. With a little notice, we can organise a second trike so that we can take a group of 4 on the tour at the same time.
13 - 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!
14 - 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.
15 - 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.
16 - 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.
17 - 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.
18 - Nambucca Valley River Cruises
Enjoy an hour or 2 cruising on the beautiful Nambucca River, leaving from the wheelchair friendly jetty at the Nambucca Valley Visitor Information Centre on Riverside Drive in Nambucca Heads. There are so many cruises to choose from so be sure to check availability and book your Nambucca Valley River Cruise while staying in Urunga.
19 - 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.
20 - 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.
Click HERE To Find Other Things To See & Do In Urunga And The Bellingen Shire
