There are many reasons why you should start planning your pre-season road-trip to Coffs Harbour and there are many things to do during your stay watching the Wanderers take on Central Coast Mariners.
Besides the fact that football-related road trips are the best things in the world, here’s six more reasons to head North in August.
1. Visit the Big Banana
It was 1964 when banana seller John Landi decided that he needed something to capture the attention of passing Coffs traffic so that they would pull over and purchase some of his produce.
In late December with the assistance of local engineer Alan Chapman, the biggest banana in the world was built in Coffs Harbour.
Since then a laser tag precinct, ice-skating rink, toboggan ride, “World of Bananas” multimedia experience, mini-golf and soon to be opened Water Park have been built making it one of the greatest tourist attractions in the region.
2. Go to the Clog Barn
The Clog barn is an iconic part of Coffs Harbour and is modeled on a Dutch village with miniature working windmills and a garden railway.
All the buildings at the Clog Barn are replicas of real buildings in Holland and entry to the gardens is free.
The café also serves “Dutchstralian pancakes”.
3. Walk through North Coast Regional Botanic Garden
The botanical gardens in Coffs Harbour are one of the major regional botantic gardens on the coast of New South Wales covering a spectacular 20 hectares of Crown Land.
Opened in 1988, the gardens have continually expanded with the latest addition being that of a Japanese Garden featuring a lake, arched bridge and teahouse.
4. Stop and take a photo at Sealy Lookout
Take a short drive off the Pacific Highway to one of the most serene points in Coffs Harbour.
Sealy Lookout is part of the beautiful and natural Forests of the Coffs Coast.
Drive through the Banana plantations to reach the lookout which is only open during the day to see coastal views over the city of Coffs Harbour.
5. Attend the Coffs Cup
The Coffs Region’s biggest race day is on the day before Coffs Harbour’s biggest football match! Head to the Coffs Harbour Racing Club from midday Thursday 6 August to enjoy the horse-related festivities.
6. Watch the Wanderers
The Wanderers will be bringing Hyundai A-League football to Coffs Harbour for the very first time following the team’s pre-season preparation camp in the region.
Coffs Harbour has hosted the Matildas, the Socceroos and State Cup Finals with the Wanderers holding the final piece of their football puzzle.
The Wanderers will be hosting rival Central Coast Mariners on Friday 7 August with kick-off at 7pm.
