Farm Fresh Produce and Walking Above the Trees

There are a lot of farming communities along this road trip and one farm that's definitely worth visiting is Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries, just outside of Port Macquarie. Their state of the art greenhouses span two acres and features five varieties of strawberries and eight types of tomatoes. Visitors are welcome to pick their own berries — entry is free and you pay for what you pick by weight. Bookings are not required.

Today's swim stop is Valla Beach which is lesser known but still beautiful. As well as the actual beach, there is a creek area with shallow waters which is also great to explore. Like Port Macquarie, whales can be seen here during their migration season between May and November, and dolphins are also known to visit the area.

Nourish Cafe and Grocer describes itself as unpretentious and generous for travellers and locals alike. It's located just up the road from Valla Beach, making it the ideal lunch spot for hungry bellies fresh from the surf. The menu features typical takeaway foods, such as burgers and fish and chips, as well as healthier options like their veggie-packed keto bowl.
The cafe does not take bookings. Opening hours are extended during the summer season and you can keep up to date on their website.
Monday — Thursday: 07:00-17:00 Friday — Saturday: 07:00-21:00 Sunday: 07:00-15:00

The detour inland is well worth it as Dorrigo is part of the Gondwana Rainforests, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This means that many of its plants and animals have origins that date back to the ancient supercontintent Gondwana, which preceded human life. The Skywalk lookout is a boardwalk 21 metres above the forest that offers expansive views of the national park and surrounding valleys.

The Wonga Walk in Dorrigo National Park is a fantastic way to experience the cool, subtropical climate. Along this trail, you'll see lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, fluoro fungi and an impressive suspension bridge. Wonga Walk is a circular loop and the path is well-marked.
Download a map and see more information on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

One of the highlights of Wonga Walk is Crystal Shower Falls. See it from the suspension bridge or take a side path to walk behind the cascading water and let the coolness envelope you.

Back at the walk's starting point, take one more stroll on the Skywalk Lookout to admire the view one last time before continuing on to Coffs Harbour.

Another quintessential Aussie experience is to have dinner at pub where the meals are humble yet hearty. The Pier Hotel in Coffs Harbour is a 100-year-old pub which has been lovingly restored to incorporate modern design. The bistro's menu features classic Australian pub fare such as chicken schnitzel, steak, and sausages and mash potato.
Book ahead on The Pier Hotel website.
Monday — Saturday: 10:00-Late Sunday: 11:00-Late

The Caribbean Motel has been providing quality hospitality in Coffs Harbour for 20 years and recently been renovated for a more fresh and modern feel. Several rooms have balconies with ocean views where you can sit with a cup of coffee and watch the sun rise over the horizon the next morning.
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