Urunga Family Getaway

Urunga is located in Upper Northern New South Wales, a 6 hour drive from Sydney along the Pacific Highway. The drive may be grueling but with two or three stops you should be okay.

Urunga is not a destination I would have taken an interest in, yet, I have been keen to explore the Upper Northern New South Wales more and was blessed to join family for two February birthdays.

Accommodation

Riverside Holiday Resort – Our stay here along the Kalunga River was pleasant with the apartment facing the fabulous bay.

We stayed in a 2 bedroom self contained apartment equipped with everything you need other than extra tea towels in the kitchen.

The swimming pool was definitely a highlight with my niece and nephew. And admit me too, maybe even more. Having our pool floaties and music made the experience 100 times better.

Suggestion: Take your portable speaker to the swimming pool but ensure you respect the fellow guests who are in close proximity of the swimming pool.

Facilities: Swimming Pool, 4 Trampolines with safety netting, Barbeque Area, Tennis Court and Croquette.

https://www.fcswc.org.au/riversideF

Dining

Pansabella Providores – Located in centre of Coffs Harbour on Harbour Drive, this exquisite french influenced cafe is also a florist. I did not get a chance to dine-in but did have a delicious unique egg and bacon roll and coffee.

Highly recommend making a stop here.

https://www.pansabella.com.au/

Boardwalk cafe – If you’re staying at Riverside Resort there is limited options for dining unless you go for a drive. This small cafe offers dine-in and takeaway.

Suggestion: Order a coffee with an egg and bacon roll, simple and a super start to the day.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Coffee-Shop/Boardwalk-cafe-1571716829749037/

Nambucca Bookshop Cafe – When in the area, stop by this bookshop cafe with indoor and outdoor tables. My family enjoyed their healthy lunches here. The freshly squeezed juice was better than Boost Juices in Sydney, Australia.

https://www.localsearch.com.au/profile/nambucca-bookshop-cafe/nambucca-heads-nsw/AnMa

Anchor Wharf Restaurant – I highly recommend dining at this popular well oil machined restaurant along the Kalung River where you can also hire Pontoons to sail down Kalung River.

Our food was delicious and service great except for my nephew’s meal, served last out of 12 of us. Children really should be a priority no matter what the timing of orders are.

Suggestions: Order the seafood platter for 4 people, it looked amazing. I personally recommend the barramundi and prawn salad.

If you are not up for dining in, the restaurant also has a cafe, why not grab a slice of quiche or some freshly baked muffins and sit along the riverside.

https://anchorswharf.com.au/about/

Lime Mexican Restaurant and Bar – Located in Sawtell approximately 20 minutes drive from the Riverside Resort, this very busy restaurant is located in the heart of Sawtell. I suggest booking and reserving an early seating to avoid disappointment. My photo below says it all (the table in front became occupied after the photo was taken).

Now for the service and food, love love love, the food is sensational and the staff lovely. We dined here for my nephew’s 10th birthday, the restaurant accommodates birthday cakes which can be rare these days.

Suggestions: Chilli Salted Squid, Achlote Chicken Burrito, Street Style Beef Nachos, 3 Soft Serve Assorted Tacos and top it off with a jug of sangria.

http://www.limemexicansawtell.com.au/

Supermarkets

Spars – A local supermarket a few minutes walk from the resort but a tad more expensive and not everything you may need. Best option, head down to Nambucca Woolworths.

Woolworths – Located in Nambucca, a huge supermarket with everything you need and more.

Toormina Shopping Centre – Approximately 20 minutes drive from Urunga, this town also has everything you need from Woolworths, BWS, Reject Shop, Kmart and more.

Coffs Harbour – I would suggest avoiding this area if you just want to shop for groceries, however, Woolworths, Liquorland, BWS and the Cheesecake Shop are located here.

Sightseeing

Urunga Boardwalk – Daily walks from our resort to the end of the boardwalk is a fabulous way to start the day. I was delighted to see so many manta rays and fish. And watch out for dolphins in the bay and the adorable rabbits hopping around the river.