Nambucca River Tourist Park

Leaving the riverside may seem like a bit of a wrench, but there’s so much more to explore. For starters, you couldn’t possibly come this close to the coast and not step on the sands: wannabe wave riders can learn the art of surf at one of the schools in Scotts Head (20 minutes’ drive), while those seeking something a bit more placid can take to the gorgeous beaches, dunes, mangroves and forests of Gaagal Wanggaan National Park (15 minutes) for hikes, kayak paddles and swims. Head a little further along the coast for a day out at Coffs Harbour (45 minutes’ drive), home of the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House and the Dolphin Marine Magic aquarium, plus of course the famed Big Banana. As you return to base, stop off in Nambucca Heads to add your artwork to the colourful graffiti on its V Wall. Inland’s awash with options too: venture to the Valley of the Mist (15 minutes) for canoe trips and traditional bush tucker, speed through the Way Way State Forest on a mountain bike (20 minutes), or take a waterfall hike at Dorrigo National Park, an hour’s drive away.