Port McQuarie, Coffs Harbour and Emerald Beach

 

Port Macquarie Beach

We’re going to Coffs Harbour today via The Lakes Way and the Pacific Highway and I’m pleased to note that Glad seems to be feeling much better no flashing engine lights so far. It’s yet another beautiful drive with expansive scenery for us to admire. Our first stop is Port McQuarie to admire the beaches and be amazed at the surfers out on the water all visible from the small headland park above the beaches. No time today to relax, next stop, Macksville for a picnic lunch on the banks of the gorgeous River Nambucca. We are constantly amazed that every rest stop in any town no matter how small has toilets, covered picnic benches and tables along with a functioning gas BBQ. The Aussies have got it absolutely right in this respect to encourage more of the outside lifestyle that we love.

Now I spoke too soon about Glad being better, we’ve made the fatal mistake of running the fuel too low and shortly after, on comes the dreaded engine light again and we limp up the hill. Fortunately, we now know the solution so more engine thrashing for Glad and afterwards a much happier van and occupants.



Coffs Harbour from Mutton Bird Island 

Outrigger boat rounding the entrance to Coffs Harbour

The second stop today before we reach tonight’s campsite is Coffs Harbour. Now we have been warned that it is not great now, however, as newbies to this coastline and it’s towns this is not our experience. Admittedly, we have the briefest of stops and concentrate on the harbour, beaches and Mutton Bird Island but it is simply gorgeous. There’s an “outrigger” competition going on, the 6 man boats seem to be from all sorts of places up and down this coast. We think we’ve missed the main action but more of that later. A stroll along the harbour wall lets us admire the surf beach on one side, the boat harbour and the town beach with children playing, people swimming and surfing lessons being given. The walk leads to Mutton Bird Island, a bird sanctuary for the shearwaters and a wonderful vantage point for viewing the majority of Coffs Harbour. The climb up initially is very steep but the views are well worth every ounce of effort, it’s a 360 degree view and even better  we can see the outrigger boats battling along the coast and positioning themselves to fight their way into the harbour. Honestly, their effort and seamanship to avoid the rocks at the harbour entrance is magnificent, we find ourselves cheering on the boat in last place, well we brits do like a lost cause!

Onwards to Emerald Beach our stop for the next 3 nights, so different from the last stop. It’s beach side, tropical and full of wildlife. So far we’ve seen turkeys, lorikeets, parrots, kangaroos and lizards all within half an hour. A walk to the beach takes all of 1 minute and the local restaurant looks great, we’ve booked a table as so many were already reserved however note of caution to me, it’s Mexican and I remember a previous Mexican!