DO you think you've experienced all there is to see and do on the Coffs Coast? Chances are you've missed something spectacular.
The beautiful region boasts a dozen national parks and reserves.
Visitors to the area can experience everything from UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforests, to beautiful beaches and protected islands.
Here are six ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the mid-North Coast's own piece of paradise:
Bird-watching
Thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters nest at the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve from September to April. The birds spend their days at sea, before returning to their burrows in the evening, making for a spectacular sight at sundown. There is a bridge connecting the island with the Coffs Harbour marina.
Whale watching
Solitary Islands Marine Park, the third largest marine park in NSW, is a great spot for whale watching. The 10m long Pacific Explorer catamaran makes daily trips to the marine park, where humpback whales converge during whale watching season. The Coffs Coast's rocky headlands also provide excellent vantage points from locations including Sawtell, Emerald Beach and Woolgoolga Beach. There are also viewing platforms overlooking the ocean on Muttonbird Island.
Diving and snorkelling
In addition to offering a great whale watching experience, the Solitary Islands Marine Park is also a fantastic spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. More than 500 fish species have been recorded in its waters. Divers may see manta rays, turtles, tropical fish and some beautiful corals. Local dive operators offer boat trips to the islands.
Waterside walks
The scenic Solitary Islands Coastal Walk in Moonee Beach Nature Reserve is 60km of hiker's heaven. The walking trail links a number of beaches and rainforests and offers great spots for whale watching, bird-watching, swimming and soaking up nature. The trail runs from Sawtell in the south to Red Rock and takes four to five days, but can be broken into shorter strolls of just a few hours.
Cultural paddle boarding
Stand-up paddle boarding tours with Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours allow participants to experience the natural environment through Aboriginal eyes. Tours operate on Coffs Creek, Moonee Creek and Red Rock Creek, offering an insight into the local Gumbaynggirr peoples' connection with Country. they also offer a chance to sample bush tucker.
Chasing waterfalls
The Waterfall Way is a 210km scenic drive from Coffs Harbour to Armidale in the west. The route takes drivers through dense rainforest and past a number of spectacular waterfalls. Located along the way, just an hour inland from Coffs Harbour, is Dorrigo National Park. The park has a number of spectacular trails, including the 3.5km-return Crystal Shower Falls Walk, which takes walkers behind the falls for a stunning experience.
For more information on what the Coffs Coast has to offer, click here.