The Coffs Coast is a magnificent region of Australia. Spread inland from Dorrigo to the beach town of Woolgoolga down to the Scotts Head, with Coffs Harbour in the centre, it is ideal for a driving holiday. Inland the rainforest beckons you on to national parks, rivers and beautiful scenery, and the coastal towns are set against amazing beaches and stunning landscapes.

Coffs Harbour, located within driving distance for car hire Sydney or from Brisbane, is the perfect destination for anyone searching for sunshine, water sports, fishing and relaxation. It has everything for the most selective traveller, with ample shopping, restaurants and attractions, such as the famous Big Pineapple, to national parks, isolated beaches and scenic coastal roads.

The sub-tropical environment brings almost perfect weather for most of the year, with hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters. The Coffs Coast is known as one of the best climates in Australia, which is helps to explain why it is one of the east coasts favourite destinations.

There are all types of accommodation available, from camping grounds on the beach to five star resorts. There are so many resorts that you may consider a few nights in luxury. The Pelican Beach Resort is unique with its huge rock pool and brilliant white beach. Wherever you stay it won't take you long to begin to unwind.

The attractions in Coffs Harbour are endless, with the local Coffs Harbour Zoo and Pet Porpoise Pool both favourites with families, and of course the Big Banana, which also features a thrilling toboggan ride and ice skating rink.

The hub of Coffs Harbour is Jetty Beach, which is set off by the surrounding yachts and restaurants lining the harbour and framed by the timber jetty which runs through the middle of the beach. The strip of coastline on either side of this beach is picture perfect and popular for long walks, fishing, swimming, or just lazing about doing nothing!

Opposite this beach is Muttonbird Island, famous for its thousands of muttonbirds which fly in from the South Pacific around late August. It is also a great place to look for humpback whales which migrate in June or September. The walk to the top is achievable for most ages, and worth the hike to experience the coastal and ocean views.

Coffs Harbour is also a fantastic base to explore the surrounding region, such as the Nymboida River, famous for its white water rafting. There are many world heritage rainforests easily accessible for a day trip.

The Dorrigo National Park is easily accessible and only 60km west from Coffs Harbour. With picturesque drives, plenty of roadside stops and magnificent views, this world heritage rainforest is worth the drive for lasting memories. The best place to start is to visit the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, which also has a Skywalk above the canopy of trees which is great for the whole family.

You can’t go past Sawtell, located only 10km south of Coffs Harbour, it is seems to have all the ingredients for a perfect day, with stunning beaches, rock pools, national park and incredible scenery.

The Coffs Coast is also known for its underwater attraction, the Solitary Islands Marine Park, which is named for its five rocky islands. Its marine life is hard to match in Australia, and is well known among scuba divers and snorkellers.

The entire region brings you diversity and stunning beauty, as you round every corner there is something new to see and it is hard not to pull over for photos or a closer view. The best part of a driving holiday is that you can do just that, and take your time deciding where to base yourself for the next few days. The Coffs Coast is known as one of the most scenic coastlines in Australia, which is easy to understand. One thing is for sure, you will be back again one day!

Jenny Brewer