Blackbut Reserve is such an amazing place for nature and photography lovers. You can spot plenty of wildlife, from birds to wallabies, making photo hunting really exciting. The atmosphere is calm, green, and relaxing-perfect for a walk while carrying your camera. It's also a great place for families, a fun walk with friends, or just to enjoy a refreshing day outdoors. Truly a fun and memorable spot for everyone.

I visited this place on a lovely afternoon and had an amazing experience. The parking was convenient and well-organized. Birds and different animals were freely around the area, which made it both exciting and enjoyable to watch. The pleasant sound of birds created a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. There were also great facilities for barbecue and seating, making it a perfect spot to spend time. The weather was wonderful, and everything together made it a truly memorable visit.

I spent a lovely morning at the Blackbutt Nature Reserve and it was great! We saw wallabies, one koala, emus and much more. The park in itself is really nice and very well organized. It’s perfect for families with kids ! We finished our morning having lunch at the park, as there are many pic nic tables. The reserve is free but the parking lot is around 6$ by hour. We had a coffee and a matcha at the cafe there and it was not really good … we also waited a lot.

Nice park with relaxing area with a playground near the cafe. Many beautiful birds and a paved pathway to see various animals. We saw birds, kangaroos, emus, reptiles and a koala. It was busy but festive on the weekend we went. Overall a great place to visit.

Great for a family day out or a place to hang with friends. There are plenty of spots to sit and have a picnic, including picnic tables. Kids area is great. Cafe has a good selection - all sorts of flavoured croissants, biscuits and cakes, as well as a full menu of breakfast and lunch food. I had a Nutella cookie and it was extremely good! The main nature walk includes koalas, wallabys, lizards, frogs, and birds of all sorts. The emu and kangaroo area is always good to walk around. There are plenty of walking tracks through the reserve. Entry is free, but parking is not. Not really any public transport options, and the road outside the reserve is pretty dangerous to try to cross and theres minimal space to walk on that side of the road. Very much not walkable to there if you live nearby.

I've always loved Blackbutt and spent many happy hours there as a child, with my children and now grand children. But honestly, charging for parking? Any wonder the car park was empty, a disgraceful grab for cash.

Wonderful! Helpful guides, beautiful wildlife that are so well taken care of! Great playground for the small humans too!

The walking trail from **Merewether Beach** to **King Edward Park Lookout** is about 6 km return. I enjoyed a wonderful 1.5-hour walk on a delightful afternoon. The weather was perfect, the beach was absolutely stunning, and the sunset created a magical atmosphere. Along the way, I saw many people walking, exercising, and enjoying their time, which made the whole experience even more lively and enjoyable.

The Newcastle Memorial Walk presents a stunning 450-meter coastal pathway, providing exceptional vistas of Newcastle's coastline and cityscape. It features captivating scenic views of the ocean and offers picturesque sunset views, making it a popular destination for travel enthusiasts and nature lovers. This location is approximately ~190 kilometers from Sydney / Parramatta 🤩🌊🌅

Beautiful coastal walk with stunning ocean views and a touching tribute to ANZACs. Easy to access, peaceful, and perfect for a morning stroll or sunset visit. A must-do in Newcastle!

Beautiful, brisk wintery walk. Quite windy—consider yourself warned! Don’t wear your favorite hat unless you’re sure it’s going to stay put. A lovely walk with even lovelier views!

Nice short walk that gives you a great views of the ocean and city. You also get to know more about the history of ANZAC during WW1. I recommend going here to view the sunset.

Great coastal walk along some of Newcastle's best beaches like Bar Beach, Merewether Beach. You can walk all the way to Newcastle and spot a hang glider or 2.

Wonderful coastline walk with well documented military history along the way. Plenty of parking at either end. Dogs not permitted but they are permitted along the existing footpath which follows the walk on the street. Lots of stairs and hill down to Bar beach. Would recommend.

Absolutely wonderful tunnel tour for $15 per adult. The historical society volunteer guides are great and explaining everything and happy to answer any questions. They’ve done a wonderful job at keeping the fort open to the public and restoring a huge piece of local history. Amazing views from the top with plenty of ocean life to watch. Would highly recommend.

Such a wonderful place to visit!! Would highly recommend going there. We had a great day. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Thank you 🙏

Loved the fort, it was awesome to see a real piece of history and how our land was protected. It's free to walk around but need to pay for the tunnels, which are pretty cool as well. If you go before 1:00pm make sure you stick around as there is the one o'clock gun that goes off.

Stunning views and interesting and insiteful opportunity to learn about the history of Newcastle. Free entry and parking. Great place to take children.

Great place, very well taken cared and shown by a very enthusiastic staff of volunters, witnessed the 13:00p cannon shot followed by a guided visit to the tunnels, that's really the part you have to pay for,the fortress itself is free, but if you ask me it's absolutely worth every cent.

Admission is free, and the staff at the front gate are very friendly, welcoming us and providing some additional information. The panoramic view from the top is truly awesome, and I highly recommend a visit when you are in Newcastle.

Fantastic history and great views. Highly recommend coming for a visit. All volunteers are very friendly and are keen to chat.

This is such a great gallery with really interesting and diverse spaces. We came at a great time with three beautiful exhibitions on. The volunteers were helpful, engaging and seemed very passionate and knowledgeable about the exhibits.

A wonderful experience visiting MR AG. Like that, so artistic! It's beautiful space which also highlights many local artists. Most of the exhibits are very unique in expression. There is a restaurant inside the Maitland Regional Art Gallery is called Séraphine Café.

Great exhibit at the moment “Twitcher”… just delightful. A lovely cafe, a lift to get upstairs, a spacious gallery and friendly staff. Gift shop has some beautiful things too. Free parking out back.

Fantastic sights and sounds for all exhibitions on a wide range of topics. I am a Twitcher! I could have sat all day watching the birds in flight loop! The tiny art was very clever and I don't think we found them all. Will be back.

Highly recommended. The gallery seamlessly combines a sophisticated art collection with a kid-friendly atmosphere. Interactive exhibits engage young minds, making it an enriching experience for families. The on-site cafe not only boasts an array of delicious options but also caters to younger palates with kid-friendly meals, ensuring a delightful visit for all. Additionally, the quality gift shop offers a diverse selection of art-inspired items, making it the perfect spot to find unique souvenirs. Maitland Bay Regional Gallery truly excels in providing a well-rounded and enjoyable cultural experience for visitors of all ages.

The MRAG is as rich in its display as it is with warm accommodating staff. I was welcomed by Ms Belinda and gave me information about the current exhibits and how to go about my way around the galleries. The collections were all dazzling and amazing. I loved the Portraits the most as well as the miniature displays. I definitely would visit again every time I come to Maitland. Inspiring and entertaining!

Fantastic gallery to visit! My kids always enjoy exploring. Every time we have visited we have had somebody amazing and friendly to greet us and explain the exhibits and activities for the kids - the staff are knowledgable, kind, respectful of kids and adults

Fantastic experience and was a great morning out. We just did the self guided tour and enjoyed the observations and stories about previous employees. Very interesting history and easy to navigate. Highly recommend if you're in the area! Only suggestion I have for visitors is probably leave the younger kids at home! My older two (7 & 5) enjoyed it but the 3 year old got bored quickly.

Fascinating and confronting - the prison is in an excellent state of preservation and the various eras are well represented in the surviving buildings. The stories from inmates and guards range from sad to spine chilling. An important relic of Australian history preserved for everyone to visit.

What a waste of money. We did the night tour. Young children crying and wanting to leave. People with torches in your face. Nothing too exciting or interesting. People filming for a paranormal experience with fake noises in the background.

My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘Crimes of Passion’ night tour. Our knowledgable and charismatic guide, Robyn and her storytelling ability made it an immersive and memorable experience. We’d recommend this tour and a visit to Maitland Gaol, and will be sure to return :)

This was a mix between serious ghost hunt and theatrical horror house. The atmosphere at night is amazingly solemn and creepy. We were told some interesting history on the tour. I wish I had done a little more research into the history before the tour so that I could have put myself into the experience more.

I have quite a fascination with jails so this of course was a must visit. I did the self guided tour and throughly enjoyed walking around listening to the stories while checking the place out. Highly recommend visiting to anyone considering it.

Was an awesome experience, highly recommended. Will definitely go back to do one of the other tours they offer.

Was so amazing. Being able to feed so many different animals, milk cows and see the bay goats. Loved the reptile show and being able to touch them. Staff are so friendly and informative about ask the animals.

Refreshing experience, nice place for kids and families. Clean bathrooms and great coffee. Parking was sufficient and spacious. Staff was friendly. Would love to see more animals and more hands on experiences apart from feeding, milking etc.

Went by myself to kill some time, had a great time. I did the koala encounter and the keeper was so fun and knew so much about the koalas. Fed so many animals and had a great time, loved the baby goats and all the birds, there was a black cockatoo that was very entertaining to watch, everything was so clean and it was a great experience

Great family friendly place. Water park is great! Nice park to walk around in with a good variety of animals. They have a new red panda enclosure but unfortunately we couldn't spot any. Admission is quite pricey but so is pretty much everywhere else these days! More seating needed around the park..

Best wildlife nearby Sydney. Tallonga has much animals but cannot touch. Featherdale may can touch but costs lot.. However here can touch and feed Koala and Kangaroo. However you shall visit on open time 10AM animals will sleep on daytime.

Came here during our time away in Nelson's Bay. Good variety of animals and they looked well kept. Goats and Kangaroos were very friendly. Lenny the Long horn was a stand out, what an aweome dude!

Haven't been to Oakvale farm for years, and thought I'd take my grand daughter. She, and I both loved it. The animals are well looked after and very gentle.

Always skipped this place in the past, but this time around, we managed to stop by It has an amazing panoramic view of some areas of Port Stephens. Parking spots are very limited, though.

It's a very useful lookout point. Wonderful views we stayed for about 20mins parking is very limited.

A quick stop for an incredible view. There are two areas to enjoy the view. Free parking is available in a small parking area at the lookout.

The drive up is steep and winding, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it! You get a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the entire Port Stephens area, including the bay, Tomaree Head, and the surrounding landscape. It's the perfect first stop to get your bearings and appreciate the scale of this beautiful region. A must-do for the view alone!

Really nice drive with plenty of parking. The view did not disappoint. Very much a place to visit.

A great lookout above Nelson Bay and the area with a boardwalk to the observation platform Lots of great views and a lot of nice plants

Great view, easy to get to and you can drive up!

The Marina is situated next to the Nelson Bay's City Centre. It has it's own public paid parking limited to 4 hrs at about $5 per hour. There are some cafes and restaurants around. It's a nice place to be.

Better than I was expecting. The crew were friendly and provided a history of the area and took extra time to take us to a known dolphin-spotting area. Would definitely recommend.

Taking a ferry cruise is a unique and enjoyable way to travel, especially if you're crossing between islands or coastal cities. From the moment you board, you’re welcomed by fresh sea air, wide open views, and the relaxing sound of the waves.

Have a chance to do ferry to see the whale from Nelson bay. Beautiful places. Lots of restaurant. Have car park space. Good souvenir shop.

The marina is the meeting place for a whale watching tour The tour on a big catamaran was excellent and we saw lots of whales and dolphins

Ingenia One mile beach..perfect spot for a getaway with the dogs..clean cabins & great location..oh the pups enjoyed there little break away also..

If you are driving here for a cruise, you can park at Woolworths Nelson Bay's underground car park for free for 3 hours. Short walk to the Marina. Alternatively, parking here is $3.20 per hour on the meter machine for a maximum of 4 hours, during paid hours on weekdays. Credit card accepted for payment. Print ticket and place on your car dashboard.

Gorgeous short 1km hike to the summit, beautiful 360 views at the top. Lots of stairs near the top, there are a few options to choose a paved path or traditional hiking path. These can be down in sneakers or even summer sandals if you didn’t pack hiking boots. It took me 12 minutes to get to the top, only stopping twice for a quick picture.

Definitely another must visit at Shoal Bay, in addition to the summit walk. It’s an easy flat walk with ocean breeze and access to the WWII torpedo emplacement & six inch gun emplacement, just be careful navigating through the rocks.

The Tomaree Coast track offers a great days hiking along this beautiful coastline! So much to see along the way.

Well it's quite a walk up the hill but I took some water and got up to the top and wow what have you if you make the trip up the mountain it is well worth it lot of spots it's quite easy the pathway is a lot better than what it used to be they spend a bit of time fixing up the path I do recommend going up the hill if you have the time the views are excellent from mwh

Level walk to Tomaree head (unlike Tomaree summit) wonderful views up Nelson Bay and to Shoal Bay.

Definitely worth the hike. Brilliant view at the top.

Amazing location, testing climb to the top but definitely worth it for the views

Visiting Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse was an unforgettable experience. The location is stunning, with breathtaking views of the ocean and rugged coastline. The walk up to the lighthouse is peaceful and not too difficult, and once you arrive, the scenery makes it all worth it. It’s also a great spot for whale watching during the season. The lighthouse itself has a lot of history and charm, and the whole area feels well preserved and cared for. A perfect place to enjoy nature, take photos, and relax. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Seal Rocks!

A lovely walk through the sandy bush to arrive at the complex of buildings that supported the lighthouse. A steep climb up the hill takes you to the diminutive light. Given the relative height of the hill, the light didn't need to be much higher. Beautifully maintained. Very scrubby, so some of the views are a little muted.

Very highly recommended. We enjoyed our visit to this lighthouse, despite inclement weather. The wind was strong, squalls were about, the waves roared on the beach & sprayed over rocks, and the original historic need for the lighthouse was very poignant. Access to the site along a single asphalt tree lined track is easy enough. A drop toilet is available along the way up. Site restoration effort is a remarkable achievement, and renting the keeper homes is very enticing. Views are superb and thoroughly worth the visit.

Great spot at Seal Rocks with an option to stay on the premises aswell. Had a great day weather wise and also saw a couple of Pods of dolphins down at Lighthouse Beach. Well worth a visit

Worth the walk. Parking was easy and a fair number of parks. Views were fantastic, along with the information boards.

Easy 700mtr walk in through rainforest which is lovely. Last 100m very steep. Worth the walk. The Lighthouse is interesting and the views amazing

Beautiful place! Little bit of a hike along a clearly marked trail, dunny halfway along, but gets quite steep at the end as you ascend the hill to reach the lighthouse. The view is spectacular, and a couple of the secluded beaches that you pass on the journey there are visible (and well worth the visit as well) highly recommended!

Mozzie alert ☹️ I should have read reviews before we trekked up to the lookout. We were attacked! So take repellent. The 360 degree view is a bit of a stretch as we could only see through the trees to Forster. Trees prevented any other views but we all felt it was worth it for that view 😁

Fairly easy walk up to the lookout where you need to climb up a few sets of stairs. You can see views to Main beach, unfortunately, the trees have grown and impeded the views south and west towards the lake. There were also swarms of mozzies++!! (April)

Lovely view. Very peaceful. To reach the lookout you will need to climb stairs for 15 to 20 mins depending on your fitness level. There are seats for rest along the way. I absolutely needed them. At the top is a lookout tower. It looks out over Forster on one side, and the ocean on the other.

Good lookout, the hike up is about 15min at a leisurely pace, mainly dirt stairs, there are benches to sit on along the way, mozzies are quite bad so bring your mozzie spray. The trees are getting tall but can still see enough.

Really nice hike, the sign says 15-20 minutes but it only took us about 10 to walk and we weren’t that fast. Lots of mosquitos so go in prepared, we didn’t know! Beautiful views and so worth it

Incredible views! Short walk up, all stairs but very worth it.

As a bigger girl, I was very glad that there were benches along the way to the lookout to have a rest. Once getting there the view was nice but could have been better. I just think if some of the trees were trimmed a down a little the view from the lookout would be even better as I thought they were in the way.

Just back from the most amazing weekend away at Bellrowan Valley and wow - these guys have it down to a tee! We had the pleasure of enjoying an overnight stay, and we all agree it really was the most relaxing, fun and refreshing weekend we've had in years. The only problem? One night isn’t nearly long enough! Mark is kind, genuine and filled with knowledge, and trust between Mark and his "mob" of horses is an amazing thing to witness. The horses themselves are a joy to ride – fit, great movers and easy to feel comfortable on. The rides are stunning, weaving through bush, rainforest and farmland, and if you’re an experienced rider, Mark allows for quite a lot of fast-paced riding, meaning you get to cover even more of his stunning property and get to enjoy these horses’ gorgeous forward-moving gates. We also saw the team take out a few beginner trails during our stay and though some were really nervous beforehand, every single rider returned looking confident and extremely happy after their ride. The food is spectacular (especially the fresh-baked damper!) and cabin accommodation just perfect for the atmosphere – all topped off with an open fire and a roaming rainbow donkey! Thank you so much Mark, Julie and team for the perfect getaway. We’re so sad to be back to reality but already planning our return trip!

Wonderful experience!! Being first time riders, we where nervous going in but Mark and staff helped make it an unforgettable experience. Everything was handled in a professional and enjoyable manner. Well trained and beautiful horses, thorough training before the ride and the ride itself through the bushlands - PERFECT!! Highly recommend.

A great horse riding experience! Beautiful scenery, horses and very helpful staff. Loved how the ride catered for experienced riders and learners, all had a ball. The kids fell in love with their horses and the goat, cockatoo and little Bob the pony. Will definitely be back again. Mark and Julie really know how to give you a top riding and farm experience.

Three girlfriends and I, with mixed levels of experience, went to Bellrowan last Sunday and absolutely loved it! From the 4WD ride to and from the property, the horseriding and damper bread at the end, the whole experience was great. We separated from the group with Julie as our guide and she was great! She catered to the two of us that were either new or a little nervous about riding (even got us trotting comfortably), as well as the two that were more experienced and we all had a great time. It's very evident that both Julie and Mark love what they do. My favourite horse riding experience yet! Definitely worth a visit if you're anywhere remotely close by!

Mark and Julie are wonderful hosts. Whether you're a novice or an experienced rider, you will enjoy riding and exploring some of the most beautiful scenery in the Greater Port Macquarie region. We truly had a wonderful experience and the kids did too. We will definately be returning.

What a amazing place. Just returned from an overnight stay and ride at Bellrowan. The staff clearly enjoy what they do, the horses are well cared for and Mark and Julie's passion for their horses shine through. Love the way the horses are matched to the riders level of experience and how everyone, from beginners to advanced are catered for! Can't wait to return for our next trip.

An absolutely stunning property!!! Horses are in beautiful condition and you can tell the staff really enjoy their jobs. Bellrowan Valley is a hidden treasure! The attention to detail that was delivered to each and every guest was amazing to me. We all recieved the ride we were capable of. There were beginners to experienced all on the same ride. Can't say enough about this truly amazing trail ride we experienced. 10 STARS +

Absolutely loved visiting Billabong! The grounds are absolutely beautiful and well-kept. The animals spaces are thoughtfully designed, giving the animals plenty of space while still allowing visitors to enjoy an up-close view. The staff were friendly and incredibly informative, always happy to share their knowledge and answer any questions making the visit both fun and educational. Overall, a lovely place to spend the day, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who appreciates animals, conservation, and a truly well cared for environment.

We had a great day. Zoo Keeper Kristie was especially helpful in coaxing the Snow Leopard out after seeing us waiting patiently for him to come out. We did the Cheetah Feeding experience which was awesome. All of the animal info sessions were well run and informative. There were not a lot of people on our visit, so we didn’t have to jostle for a look or good position to take photos. All staff were friendly and helpful. Thanks to the whole Billabong team for making our day memorable.

7.9.2025 This is an amazing facility; the enclosures are all spacious and the animals appear happy and content. There is a walking path around the park and write ups / QR codes for all the animals. The new additions with their pool are gorgeous and we got to see them swimming around on our trip. You can pay extra to encounter a koala or hold and python. Only down side was the hand sanitiser was empty upon exiting the kangaroo enclosure.

We had the best experience at Billabong! Every member of staff was kind, friendly and seemed to genuinely adore the animals under their care. Caitlin delivered the best koala experience we could have hoped for. It’s wonderful to support a facility like this, would recommend.

If your going past 💯 stop in for a visit the keepers and staff are the nicest people. This zoo is awesome the animals are happy and relaxed it's got a great atmosphere 😀.

Wonderful zoo. Australian themed but with a few of the favourites including lions, cheetah and some beautiful birds. Great day out.

Our uber driver recommended this place as we were on our way to the koala hospital that’s near it. We are so thankful they did because we had one of the best experiences ever. It was a quiet day pretty much the zoo to ourselves but we had the best time. The animals seemed very well kept and the staff has so much passion for what they do. Feeding the kangaroos was an experience i’ll never forget. At the end of our day we met the owner Max and he was extremely kind and shared some amazing information. The whole family helps out and it’s just a great place all around. Thank you again to Max for everything!

Second light house on my visit to Australia. Port Macquarie is a nice place with several areas to go and see the sites as well as sit and relax. This one was easy to find parking and casual stroll about. It is winter in Australia at this time so it can be a bit cool and breezy so keep that in mind if visiting (although during the day while the sun is out, it's not that bad)

We stopped here 2yrs ago and the upgrades they have made are A+! The elevated board walk is magic, the extra seating is a great addition and the anchored binoculars are a wonderful idea (they could have been a little taller and there could have been a set on every observation deck). Beautifully restored and maintained. We got to see some whales in the distance and the binoculars definitely helped!

Such a lovely view of the sea. From the top of the cliff, this small light house section gives you a panoramic view of the sea. Both sides of the sea stretching across kilometres. A must visit point to sometime in the area !

Whether you drive straight to Tacking Point Lighthouse or take the 3 hour coastal walk from Port Macquarie, the views here are stunning. The lighthouse is automated these days with LED lights though that does not take away from the nostalgia and history. There are many placards that detail the history and sights. During certain times of the year, you can see whales migrating up and down the coast. If you want to can walk down to lighthouse beach or have a picnic on the grounds.

Fantastic views from the top where the light house is situated with the ocean braking over the rock formations, the beach is awesome Getting to the top of the Lighthouse requires climbing some steps. There is some car parking at the top and bottom of the Lighthouse. Well worth a visit

Had such wonderful experience at tacking point! First time there and we will definitely be going back, so peaceful, I just wish we saw some whales or dolphins but maybe next time

Super views and great hike along the coast. The beach looked very inviting if that is on your card.

a breathtaking coastal gem. The elevated boardwalk immerses you in lush greenery and diverse wildlife, offering a peaceful, educational experience. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and photographers, it’s a serene escape that highlights Australia’s unique rainforest beauty.

Beautiful rainforest walk, very well designed and about a bit more than 1 km long. We didn’t see many animals, but the nature and atmosphere made it a lovely experience. After the walk, we stopped at the café which was excellent – great food and drinks! We had a cappuccino and bacon with eggs, both super tasty and freshly made. Definitely worth a visit for a peaceful walk and a relaxing coffee break

Lovely staff, all super friendly and helpful. I strongly recommend to spend some time at the bar and immerse yourself while grabbing a bite/drink. There are several tour options, although you can also purchase the boardwalk alone. In July there are some aboriginal tours going on - photo enclosed. They also sell plants if you want to bring a vivid memory back home and grow it fondly 🌱 Recommended!

Place itself was great. Cute gift-shop, a lot of things to choose from. We saw a few families really enjoying their time there, so perfect with kids. Since we have traveled a lot, it’s not a must see view. Good, but not a must see place.

Fantastic Rainforest tree walk on a walkway through the forest with interesting information along the way about the various trees and plants and their uses. We were lucky enough to see a goanna. Great information centre and souvenirs, Cafe was excellent. Definitely worth a visit.

We visited Sea Acres Rainforest centre and did the board walk today and it was magical! We were told at reception where we would see a Powerful Owl, and then spotted it perched on a tree branch which was amazing to see, definitely would not have seen this if we weren’t for the help! The walk is beautiful at every point and the trees were breathtaking! We also met Graham, who is a volunteer at the centre, and asked us if we had any questions about the place, we asked about the fig trees and he had all the facts, we learnt so much! He was extremely friendly and knowledgeable so special thanks to Graham! I would highly recommend this place to anyone!

Nice quiet board walk to be enjoyed whilst taking in the vast rainforest. We were lucky to see an Owl chick. Friendly and helpful staff.

The Koala Hospital is currently operating from Guulabaa on Burrawan Forest Drive while they redevelop the site in town. It is such a great facility and so wonderful to see the koalas up in their trees. Great picnic spot outside.

Such a wonderful experience! The family enjoyed it. Good to see we have hospitals for these beautiful animals. They even have a store with cute items to buy. They also have a heritage onsite with cafe with memorabilia. Highly recommended!

What a wonderful place for rescued Koalas. When you visit in the morning when the Koalas get food they are awake. Since September 2024 the hospital needs to charge an entry fee because people weren’t donating enough. An adult pays 12,50$ to treat the sick Koalas. We loved the visit and only met very kind volunteers.

An amazing experience! We gained fascinating insights into the organization’s work at the Koala Hospital. The dedicated volunteers were incredibly knowledgeable and happy to answer all our questions. We were lucky to spot a few koalas, but it’s clear that the focus here is not on showcasing the animals for tourism but on their protection and care—huge respect for that! The hospital will be closing soon, but there is a koala breeding center on the other side of the city, run by the same organization. We were encouraged to visit for more valuable insights. I highly recommend a visit—thank you for your incredible work, and keep it up!

We visited the hospital with the family on a thursday morning. The best option is to go early, as they get food in between 8.30 and 9.00. They also get food in the evening. We didn’t book a tour guide but Maz was around and gave alot of information. We could ask all and any questions about the koalas and their way of life. It’s great to support the hospital as they so take care of them with care. Would recommend a visit!

Such a beautiful place and a wonderful thing these guys are doing for our Koalas. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting the koalas and learnt so much. My two boys had a great time

Good initiative! There really wasn’t that much to do here though for those who have seen koalas before and been to other conservation parks. There were 5 koalas to see and a sign of how they were found. All up 10 min visit.

Great little museum, some sections were under renovation so unable to see it as a whole but definitely recommend for any fan of Slim Dusty.

A great collection of the father of Australian Country music. Loved seeing his hats and guitars and some famous suits from photos I’ve seen. Well worth a visit.

One of the better information centres around, a must if a fan of slim. I am a huge slim shady fan so don’t get m mixed.

For those who enjoy old style Australian country music this is a must see. Slim Dusty is a icon in country music.

Have passed by many times but decided to visit last week. Wonderful place. So much history of Slim Dusty and memorabilia. Family have donated his Golden Guitars, gold and platinum record awards, lots of photos, guitars etc, there is a movie and This is your Life recordings. Love the stage costumes and props. One of his old cars and a restored caravan are there too.... a lovely Cafe too! Well worth the visit

Sensational exhibition from start to finish. Great memories from years gone by.

I'm not a Slim Dusty fan but it was a great museum. Interesting life Slim lead and the museum is modern and well laid out. I recommend popping in

What a beautiful spot! The views are amazing and the hike was very do-able and while steep both my wife and I had no problems. We love historic places like lighthouses. There was even a local sunning near the accommodation. 🦘

The lighthouse near South West Rocks is pure magic. ✨ The energy here is electric… alive with ocean breeze, rolling waves, and quiet wonder. We even got a special visit from the whales, gliding past like something out of a dream. 🐋 Why battle the crowds and costs of Byron (beautiful, yes… but busy!) when this hidden gem offers the same breathtaking beauty with a soul-soothing calm? The views are unforgettable, the air feels different… wilder, freer… and it’s the kind of place that reminds you how extraordinary the world can be. 🌊 A must-visit for anyone who loves beauty, nature, and a little spark of magic. ✨

Absolutely stunning view with views of the whales jumping around. You can stand for ages watching them play. Didn't see a way to get into the lighthouse itself and tour the inside of the lighthouse. The hill up is definitely steep but only a short walk really. I just took a few breaks as a severe Asthmatic.

The lighthouse is part of the national park area. About 7 Km's from the main road to the old gaol. It's a steep walk from the carpark so be prepared. Great views make it worthwhile.

Smokey Cape Lighthouse is a short drive from the main road. Plenty of parking. Accessible parking available. The walk upto the Lighthouse is steep but the views are spectacular. There's walking tracks to the beach. There's an open area with picnic tables and toilets on the upper grassed area above the carpark over looking the beach in the distance it's family friendly. It is accessible by walking up a few stairs or walking closer to the top of the carpark to get on the path. Thankyou for reading our review, please click on like or follow us as a local guide. ©️ #Wozzellocalguide #wozz #wozzel Photographer 2025. A Free review with No charge.

This place is gorgeous. Views for miles. Well worth taking the trip. There is also accommodation here. And a gorgeous bush walk to the gaol. Kangaroos as well. Very peaceful.

Beautiful location for whale watching. Just a steep walk to the lighthouse, so would not recommend for wheelchair users or prams. 🐳🐳🐳

I had no idea about the history behind this gaol and how interesting it was. It is a beautiful location with stunning views and some resident kangaroos! If you are lucky and there at the right time you may even see whales! Well worth a visit!

What an extraordinary place. Trial Bay Gaol took my breath away. The view alone is worth the visit… the bluest ocean stretching endlessly beneath you, wrapped in fresh sea air that feels like a gift. 🌊✨ There’s a kind of energy here that’s hard to explain…. the kind you’d love to bottle up and keep forever. The architecture, the history, the wild beauty surrounding it… it all weaves together to create something truly special. I honestly don’t know why this place isn’t more well known, but I’m so grateful I got to experience it. It’s one of those rare places that lingers with you long after you leave.

11 dollars entry, which I thought was very reasonable. You have the opportunity to have a look in the small museum at the entry. Then you can walk around the goal at your own pace. Make your way up the watchtower for awesome views. The cells are open to walk inside as well as the quiet cells.

Stunning, old ruins kept in pristine condition. Very much worth the modest entry price. Views forever. An interesting part of Australias history. Don't miss the museum!

Fun couple of hours if you are visiting South West Rocks. The Gail has a rich convict history as well as being used as an internment camp for Germans during the First World War. Great views of the bay from the top of the guard house. Watch the short film before you go in, for a brief history of the gaol.

one of the best highlights for a road trip! An awesome place to visit with a fascinating historical background. The site offers a pretty cool experience and is definitely worth a stop if you’re exploring the area.

We visited the historic gaol site for a while however it was so windy that it was hard to walk, 80 km gusts driving huge waves on the ocean. The stone walls built by convicts are still standing strong but there are few roofs left. The display panels tell a lot of stories of the prison system of the time and of the time when German prisoners were interned in WW1 as enemy aliens The site is well worth visiting

We visited the Nambucca head on the way back to Sydney. Wow it got breath taking ocean view and the V wall walk is so memorable. We shall bring the colours and preparing our own design to revisit this site in the near future.

Wall was amazing great to see all the painting on the rocks. Not quite sure who and why they were painted. There were memorial plagues of people that had passed away which was a little confronting but all good. Fishing there was pretty ordinary really, the current was really strong tide going out and even when it started to come back in the afternoon it was still quite strong. Lots of snags in the water so lost a few lines and jigs trying the wall. Would recommend to check out the tide before you go and attempt the wall. No one else caught anything either in several hours. Overall though it is a beautiful spot for a picnic a quick swim etc. Recommend visit if your in Nambucca Heads for sure.

Beautiful place to visit and relax. You can enjoy a nice walk and it’s quite interesting to see where the river meets the ocean. The beach is lovely and peaceful and perfect for a holiday or a quick stop during a road trip. Definitely worth a detour.

Great place to walk wall and lots of interesting rocks. You can also break the walk by taking the side track across to Shelley Beach. A further side track takes to Wellington which can make a circuit. You have to back track from Shelley a short while. The wall is an easy 3.6km walk along foreshore.

Nambucca Heads NSW is such a awesome little spot to visit And visiting the wall,with all the great artwork on the rocks was great to see. Plenty of parking Toilets Plenty of tables and seating for a BBQ. We highly recommend visiting the wall.👍🇦🇺

Beautiful and long walk along the water with thousands of colourful, well painted rocks lining the shore. Saw the biggest and closest pod of dolphins I've ever seen in my life towards the end, playing in the waves. Must do if anywhere in the area

nice easy walk on the concrete path looking at all the colourful memories

We walked from the Visitors Centre to The Glade and back late in the afternoon. Not too many people and a great array of rainforest birds, including several displaying Superb Lyrebirds, Noisy Pitta, Logrunner, Wompoo Fruit-dove and Green Catbird, plus an Echidna. The Visitors Centre has a good display and an excellent gift shop, but the cafe is closed.

A beautiful park , sunrise boardwalk is one of the highlights of this park . There are no entry fee but A$2 donation to support the national park so please carry some gold coin for a good cause . There are two nice waterfalls and one waterfall is accessible to play in the waters . Great place to visit.

Beautiful day trip location. Walking track was sealed and a fairly easy walk. Enjoyed the tour on offer also. Picturesque views and tranquil picnic spot.

Dorrigo NP is well worth a visit to experience the ancient forests. We found there was time in a day to do both the sub-tropical Wonga walk to the beautiful Crystal Springs waterfall and a section of the Blackbutt temperate forest walk. As well as a picnic at the Glade and a loiter around the information centre. All up a wonderful day. The forests are amazing, especially the Titanic-sized fallen giants along the Blackbutt trail.

A great parkland, but not at its best at the moment. Unfortunately the Cafe and a loop of the rainforest walk were closed. It will be great again once these things are restored.

Oh all my gods had a hand in this spectacular place. Wow

Dorrigo National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder that offers visitors an unforgettable experience in the heart of a World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. Located just an hour from Coffs Harbour, this park feels like stepping into another world. The park's crown jewel is undoubtedly the Crystal Shower Falls, a stunning waterfall that you can actually walk behind. The Skywalk Lookout provides panoramic views stretching all the way to the coast, offering a unique perspective of the lush rainforest canopy. For nature enthusiasts, the Wonga Walk is a must-do. This 6.6 km loop takes you through subtropical rainforest, past 600-year-old trees, and the beautiful Tristania and Crystal Falls. The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with chances to spot colorful species like the wompoo fruit-dove and the regent bowerbird. The Dorrigo Rainforest Centre is an excellent starting point for your visit. It offers informative exhibits, a café, and access to various walking tracks. Don't miss the opportunity to take a ranger-guided tour to gain deeper insights into this ancient ecosystem. Whether you're looking for scenic picnic spots, challenging hikes, or simply a place to reconnect with nature, Dorrigo National Park delivers on all fronts. It's a testament to the raw beauty of Australia's natural heritage and a place that will leave you in awe of the wonders of the rainforest. Enjoy it!

Dangar falls is about 45-60 minutes from Dorrigo in NSW, depending on road conditions and road work in progress. There's a viewing platform up top opposite Falls to get photos, trail 20 minutes to bottom - not accessible friendly. To swim - take photos (unfortunately closed since 13/5/25 due to tree falling on decking). Near the viewing platform there is male/ female/ accessible toilets, BBQ area, open space for dogs, labyrinth - 3 mins walk, plenty of parking - accessible friendly car park - viewing platform. Playground equipment. Thankyou for reading our review, please click on like or follow us as a local guide. ©️ #Wozzellocalguide #wozz #wozzel Photographer 2025. A Free review with No charge.

Highlights • A breathtaking 30-metre waterfall nestled in the green fields just outside Dorrigo • Freshly built lookout platform—perfect for snapping that postcard-worthy shot • Easy to explore with a riverside trail, picnic spots, and access-friendly features for everyone Just two clicks north of Dorrigo’s heart, You’ll find Dangar Falls—a true work of art. Thirty metres of water dancing down, Framed by farms in this peaceful town. Park your car, take in the view, There’s a platform waiting just for you. Pack a lunch, sit by the trees, Let the mist roll in on a gentle breeze. A trail will guide you down below, To where the river’s cool waters flow. Take a dip, feel the spray— Perfect for a summer’s day. A brand-new lookout now stands proud, Great for photos, away from the crowd. Wide paths, railings just right in height, So everyone can share the sight. From Dorrigo town, it’s easy to find, Just follow the signs and leave stress behind.

Dangar Falls is a 30m waterfall conveniently located an easy 30-minute drive from Bellingen and about 2.5km from Dorrigo town. The facilities at the top, near the car park, are very well-managed. There is ample public parking, a children's play area, clean public toilets, and available rubbish bins. A coffee van is also on-site, providing a convenient option for visitors. A well-constructed viewing platform offers a fantastic, direct perspective of the waterfall. The walk to the base of the falls is pleasant and takes about 20 minutes along a fully paved path, making it highly accessible. The area at the bottom is a pristine spot, ideal for photography and enjoying the natural scenery. From the base, the Dangar Falls Lodge can be seen nearby on the left. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the Dorrigo area. Its great facilities and accessibility make it a must-see attraction for families, couples, and nature lovers.

The drive there, from the Pacific Highway, offer great views. The walk to the base of the fall, and back, is not hard. There is a viewing platform and toilet accessible for wheelchair.

Cracking spectacle even with a moderate flow. Easy parking. No tickets needed. Viewing platform and walkway down to the falls. 20 minutes walk down and 30 back up. Walkway is not steep except near the falls. Good shoes needed.

A really pretty waterfall very close to the town There is a walkway to the bottom of the falls which is a little steep and uneven but there were some people in the pool at the bottom of the falls and under the cascade Others were sitting in the middle of the river above the waterfall There is also a small labyrinth track and some walking trails to enjoy There are some explanations of the history on signs which I found interesting

Beautiful little waterfall. When I went there in July, the water was cold. Would be Lovely in summer. There's a small coffee place nearby. The tracks were broken. But we were able to cross it. Hope they fix it soon

A must do in Coffs Harbour, we love this place. Still looks the same as when I brought my kids 15 yrs ago & very reasonable entrance fee which all goes to looking after these wonderful sea personalities. We chose to go on a very rainy day & had the park almost to ourselves but hence got very wet. The staff are so passionate & caring for the marine & do alot of rescue on the East Coast. All talks were very insightful, such a fantastic opportunity for us all to fall in love even more with our marine creatures.

Loved learning more about the turtle rehabilitation. The dolphin show was beautiful but miss the seal show that they use to have. The penguins were so cute! Great work Wildlife Sanctuary. We never tire from visiting!

Absolutely fantastic experience and an absolute fantastic reason why they operate. What they do is so crucial for marine wildlife. All money is worth going to experience this non for profit organisation.

Awesome to see and learn about all the animals, the two morning shows we went to were super informative. Not a large zoo, quite small but still cool

What a great find! It's a small-ish venue - you can see everything in a under two hours - but being small allows it to be much more intimate. You're closer to the animals, and the close encounter experiences are amazing. We saw another family doing the penguin encounter, and we did the dolphin encounters. One note - they charge extra for photos (which given the prices seems exorbitant), so make sure to take your own

We had a great day. It’s a small place with lots of great shows for a half day. Staff were lovely and everyone gets a turn. We fed, played and pat the dolphins and they are so close and really engaging. My kids teenagers loved this as much as I did 30 years ago. Highly recommended.

Coffs Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful animal sanctuary. The ticket is very reasonable for the experience, and knowing it’s a non-profit makes it even more special. The dolphin show was awesome—they were playful and cheeky, moving eagerly from their lagoon to the performance pool, clearly excited to show off their talents. The staff are passionate and caring, and every visit supports the sanctuary’s important work protecting these amazing animals.

Didn't even know this place existed but holy crap the views from up here are good. Site is really well maintained and the drive up is also quite pleasant. Treetops is also up here which is great for the kids, just be mindful it can be busy on the school holidays.

The view of the Pacific Ocean and Coffs harbour city from the forest pier is really exhilarating. This elevated platform gives you Birds Eye view of the valley. This place has the amenities such as ample car parking, toilet and a gazebo like structure where people can sit and enjoy their food. There is no any coffee shop or refreshment shop in this area so being your food and drinks. Moreover, if you got a binocular please take to get a close view of the foothills.

Beautiful lookout with a suspension "pier" hanging over the edge. Very nicely updated with the environment in mind. The cafe was closed but it looked like a great spot for a picnic with plenty of tables scattered about. Bring cash and keep an eye out for the little vege stalls on the road up selling avocados and bananas!

We went on a Monday morning. Great views over Coffs Harbour. Not very busy for the time of day. The cafe was closed and there is a tree top challenge as well, again not open. Would require some homework for the opening times if interested.

Ive been here before in summer and came again years later with my daughter.. make sure you read the signs to get to this lication as the road works have made it hard with signage to follow. Google maps even had trouble navigating to get proper firections due to the terrible road works. Once you are there the biews are spectacular. It is a little windy on the road coming up to it. Winding through the banana plantation and the state forest on the other side. There is a small cafe at the top for coffee tea hot chocolate and small snacks. Further back on the road there is tree hopping. Its a must see location as it is very pretty . The area is very clean and its free . No problems with parking.

Whilst visiting Coffs Harbour for a few days with friends, we decided to take a short drive up to the Forest Sky Pier for a look see. For a start it wasn't a long drive from town, only about 10 minutes up a windy road, and what made it even better was we could drive and park right at the Pier itself, so no strenuous walks for this bunch of seniors with bad knees. The view itself was great, you could see right out to sea and also to the mountains. There is no fee to enter, so all free. There are picnic table and chairs there too if you wanted to sit and take a break among the trees and nature, also toilets. It really is a lovely spot to relax

Beautiful views and lovely pier/bridge. Loads of parking and there is a toilet nearby. Cafe was not open today.

An entire day well spent last wk. Bought the Ultimate Pass for the family online. Rocked up before ticket box/activities opened to get a good car park. Thankfully, NSW school holidays hadn't yet started so wasn't too busy. Took the entire day to be able to experience all activities included in the Ultimate Pass, including saving the Arcade Room till after 4pm when all other areas had closed. Only downers were: 1 the expensive meals, 2 the Toboggan wasn't open, and 3 the ice skates were too narrow. Even after going up a size, had to regularly sit down and take the weight off. Will need to return when the Toboggan opens.

We had an awesome day at The Big Banana Fun Park – fantastic facilities, plenty of fun, and most of the staff were absolutely wonderful! Unfortunately, our experience was dampened by an encounter with the café manager, Tanya. I have a coconut allergy, and I could clearly detect traces of coconut (likely from cross-contamination with previous flavours). Rather than showing any concern, understanding, or basic duty of care, Tanya was immediately hostile, dismissive, and completely unwilling to help. She refused to offer a replacement, refund, or even acknowledge the potential seriousness of the situation, and her attitude was both unprofessional and unacceptable, especially for someone in a managerial position. As former café owners, we know exactly what good customer service looks like and this was the complete opposite. In any hospitality setting, especially when it comes to allergies, empathy and responsibility are non-negotiable. Thankfully, duty manager James went above and beyond to resolve the situation. He handled everything with professionalism, ensured we were looked after, and even gave my little one a bag of bananas for the long trip home to Brisbane - such a thoughtful gesture! It’s thanks to the rest of the fantastic team members and James’ outstanding service that this review is 4 stars instead of 1. They truly turned a negative situation into a positive experience, and we’re incredibly grateful for their care and professionalism. 👏🍌

Timed season / play time can we , depending on numbers, well worth it or a little disappointing. Wait times for a slide can exceed 30min or so. Given 2 hours, 2 - 4 slides can be a maximum. But for smaller kids or kids who enjoy the splash area, 2 hours for the price is well worth it. There is a lot to do overall at the big banana if you have the time and the funds. But it is definitely worth visiting If your not willing to wait a while, or pay the price for meals, its easily enough to bring your own.

This is a perfect fun park for the family with kids, as parents can join with them and have fun. I saw the kids really enjoying all the rides . However, if you are solo, or young couple without kids you guys may feel boredom as there is nothing to make your adrenaline rushing. Adults, they surely enjoy the self guided tour through the banana plantations. Staff are really courteous, good accessibility from highway, ample parking facilities are really good.

If you are visiting Coffs harbour and travelling with kids... this is where you want to be! There is a plethora of fun activities and games especially for the kids here. Of course, if you are enthusiastic about banana trees/plantation etc then there's plenty here for adults too. We stopped by here for a short visit during our road trip from QLD to Melbourne. It was amazing to see the kids enjoying themselves especially in the gaming arcade area. Souvenir shop, cafe and clean wash rooms are also available here along with plenty of free parking.

My Wife and myself visited the Banana Plantation here was a self guided tour that took about 30 minutes, where you see all the banana plants and learn about the history here at the big banana. Enjoyed our tour here and definitely recommend the visit great to learn about the history of the big banana. Family friendly place to visit too.

We were just passing by really, but stopped into the Big Banana for a Coffee break before hitting the road again. It was straight off the highway heading North, parking was easy and doesn't cost anything to visit. We went straight to the Cafe part, not alot of signage from the car park, so was a little confused but found our way.. You can sit outside on the decking overlooking the highway, or you can sit inside. There was abit of a slow line to order in the Cafe, but nothing too drastic. Plenty of yummy food and cold drinks to order from which suprised me, but I just wanted a Coffee as we were only passing through. Coffee was ok, nothing flash, but did the job. Plenty there for kids to see and do and keep them entertained, there was also a souvenir shop too with plenty of things to choose from with really helpful staff. So for me I think its more for kids or overseas visitors or a quick stop.

Great dog beach. Very safe. Most people around seem like decent dog owners

Great beach. Note that dogs are only allowed on the southern half of the beach past Dolphin Park. Some people incorrectly claiming that it's all "dog friendly".

Great dog friendly beach - our dog absolutely loved it. No shade and pretty rough so not a beach where I would spend a long time but perfect for strolling along and letting the dog burn some energy.

Your feet will sink in the soft white sand. Refreshing waters.

Dogs friendly Beaches, cleaned, we can see dolphins from the 🏖, great place for walk , surf 🏄 & spending time with family

Great beach to take your dog and go for a swim, south part of beach is dog friendly.

Great dog friendly beach (off-leash) with friendly dogs and their owners. Beautiful sand and water and a nice quiet location with ample parking. Dog poop bags provided any time we’ve been there. Awesome spot for dog lovers!

Such lovely and kind staff! So helpful and very knowledgeable about the town. They just reopened after a year and are still the first stop you should make in Lismore.

Fun place for the kids to play in Heritage Park beside the Visitor Information Centre, fully fenced with quite a few bbq areas Only Bad point is No toilets close to play area . Only toilets in Visitor Information Center ONLY whilst centre is open, surely Council could provide children's toilets at the park to use during day light only...

Polite staff although I think more advice and guidance could have been offered. I got a few ideas but could have got the same information from the leaflet rack next to the desk.

Great place to visit. Very nice local products for sale.

Beautiful and inter active displays inside. Nice gift ideas

Amazing amount of local information and produce.

Nice place to visit, friendly staff

We stopped by The Big Prawn in Ballina, NSW, and it was a fun experience. This giant prawn sculpture is a popular roadside attraction and a great spot for a photo op. *Highlights:* - *Iconic Landmark:* The Big Prawn is a recognizable landmark and a great spot for a quirky photo. - *Food:* The adjacent cafe serves seafood and other local specialties. *Tips:* - *Take a Photo:* It's a great spot for a fun and quirky phot - *Try the Seafood:* The adjacent cafe serves fresh seafood, so be sure to try some. *Rating Breakdown:* - *Attraction:* 4/5 - *Gift Shop:* 4/5 - *Food:* 4/5 - *Overall Experience:* 4/5 *Recommendation:* The Big Prawn is a fun and quirky roadside attraction that's worth a stop if you're driving through Ballina. Take a photo and try some local seafood. It's a great spot to break up a long drive.

This is definitely worth a visit if you are driving along the pacific highway/east coast. We stopped by here during our road trip from QLD to Melbourne and took some pictures. This attraction would be great fun especially for the kids. There is plenty of free parking available at bunnings car park.

We stopped by the Big Prawn in Ballina for some classic touristy photos. There’s no specific parking, but we just pulled into the Bunnings car park (no tickets required). We rode past on the weekend but it was packed, so we came back early Monday morning when it was quiet and managed to get a great spot for photos.

Easy parking. My eldest asked if they have a "Big BBQ" to go with the prawn, you could just pop in to bunnings to grab one while you're there.

Biggest prawn I've seen (so far). While standing in the Bunnings parking lot admiring the craftsmanship of this large crustacean, it began to thunder. That quickly, our admiration became tinged with fear. What other weather events might the Big Prawn conjure? Flash floods? Acid rain? Stop and see Him if you're in the neighborhood, but do so with the respect and appreciation He deserves. Only 4 stars because it could be bigger.

Big and funny prawn that is worth a quick stop if you are driving by or during a long road trip. Lots of free parking at Bunnings and you can go for a toilet break nearby at Faulks Reserve (the toilet opens from 6am-6pm). Definitely drop by if you get the chance and snap a pic or get a good laugh. Just make sure you don't get run over by cars while you are admiring this comically large prawn!

Not much to say other than I’m blown away. The big prawn thoroughly exceeds expectations both in size and grandeur.