Destination - Coffs Harbour, NSW

The Coffs Coast is home to a rich ecosystem, including World Heritage National Parks, State Forests, Flora Reserves and the Solitary Islands Marine Park, the oldest of its kind in the state. It is the only place in NSW where the Great Dividing Range meets the ocean, and is rich in nature reserves, flora and fauna. The region boasts sites of great significance to the Traditional Owners of the Coffs Coast land, the Gumbaynggirr People.

In 2021, the Coffs Coast was globally recognized as the state’s first ECO Destination … celebrated for its diverse cultural community, committed to balancing sustainable practices with first-class, nature-based visitor experiences.

Awarded by Ecotourism Australia, Coffs Coast’s ECO Destination certification is more than a certificate. It certifies sustainability, cultural authenticity, and support for the local community.
The friendly beachside city of Coffs Harbour is Coffs Coast’s vibrant heart. Surrounded by national parks and facing the Solitary Islands Marine Park, the natural environment and uncrowded beaches are complemented by exciting activities and attractions, excellent shopping, fantastic accommodation and award-winning cafes and restaurants.

    The stunning location of Coffs Coast sits in a unique position where the subalpine mountain escarpments, subtropical rainforests and a submarine underwater sanctuary are all in the one place. Coffs Harbour is a modern city with a small-town atmosphere and the hub from which to explore Coffs Coast’s enormous selection of things to see and do.

    Take a stroll along the jetty foreshores, the historic timber jetty itself, the International marina and northern breakwall and admire the scenic harbour views. The hilly island dominating this view is Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, home to a large breeding colony of wedge-tailed shearwaters. Its walking track offers exceptional views back to Coffs Harbour and its hinterland.

    There is such a diverse range of activities from whale watching to snorkelling, and kayaking to seal kisses.

    101 things to do in Coffs Harbour Brochure

    Discover Gondwana Rainforests

      Discover Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia

      For more information on Coffs Harbour and the surrounding areas, please visit the following website
      Discover Coffs Harbour

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      Venue and Accommodation

      The symposium will be held at Opal Cove Resort, which has conference facilities for 450 and single and twin share rooms and 4-bedroom apartments to accommodate 200 on site. Extra accommodation is available in surrounding resorts, motels and caravan parks within a few kilometres. We will post registration fees and the accommodation costs at Opal Cove as soon as they are available, as well as websites for nearby accommodation to cater for a range of budgets.

      Accommodation at Opal Cove Resort can only be booked via the symposium registration form.

      Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour

      Opal Boulevard
      Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Australia
      www.opalcove.com.au

      Set on 36 hectares of lush coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this relaxed resort is 7 km from the heart of Coffs Harbour.

      Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies or patios, the modern rooms offer free Wi-Fi and cable TV, plus sofa beds, minibars and tea/coffeemaking facilities. Suites have separate living rooms with dining tables. Fully self-contained four-bedroom apartments are also available. Room service is available throughout the resort.

      Amenities include a modern Australian restaurant/bar, an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a spa with beauty treatments (additional charge). There’s also a fitness centre, a 9-hole golf course and mini-golf.

      The 60-km Solitary Islands Coastal Walking Track that runs through Opal Cove will allow delegates to walk through beach-side patches of rainforest at their leisure, transporting them back to facsimiles of the forests that covered the Australian portion of Gondwana in the late Cretaceous and early Tertiary.

      Resort Room (Single) - AU$200 per night (including one breakfast)
      Resort Room (Twin / Double) - AU$235 per night (including two breakfasts)
      Ocean Room (Single) - AU$230 per night (including one breakfast)
      Ocean Room (Twin/Double) - AU$265 per night (including two breakfasts)
      4 Bedroom Beachfront Apartment - AU$560 per night (unserviced, room only, minimum 2 nights)

      Resort Rooms

      Situated in the main resort building, the resort rooms offer luxury hotel style accommodation. The room configurations consist of 1 queen bed, 1 queen bed plus single bed or two queen beds.

      Beachfront Apartments

      Situated in the resort grounds overlooking the Pacific Ocean with generous living areas, 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, double garage with secure internal access.

      Alternative Accommodation Options

      Coffs Harbour has many other accommodation options, to suit a range of budgets. A complimentary shuttle bus will run each morning of the symposium, picking up from a central location in both the Coffs Harbour CBD and Park Beach areas, and will return to the same stops at the conclusion of sessions each day. A one-way taxi fare from these locations to Opal Cove Resort is approximately AU$25.

      The alternative accommodation options listed below must be booked directly with the property, and will not be available to book via the registration form. Prices are indicative only, and all are subject to availability. More accommodation options in the Coffs Harbour area can be found here

      Coffs Harbour Central Business District Accommodation (10-15 minute drive from conference venue)
      Park Beach Accommodation (10 minute drive from conference venue)

      Accommodation Booking Conditions

      Please Note:

      • The accommodation rates quoted are in Australian dollars, include GST and are subject to availability at the time of booking.
      • Rates may increase without notice due to changes in government charges, taxes or levies.
      • The deadline for accommodation bookings through East Coast Conferences is Monday 31st July 2023.
      Accommodation Payment

      Full prepayment of accommodation is required to secure your booking. All accommodation payments must be made by Monday 31 July 2023.

      Accommodation Availability

      A block bookings has been made at Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour and will be confirmed on a first-in basis. Bookings have been made for the symposium dates only (Checking in on Sunday 3 September and checking out on Saturday 9 September 2023). Accommodation can be organised outside these dates on a by-request basis only, and room rates may vary outside these dates. All accommodation bookings are subject to availability.

      Change of Booking

      Any change to a reservation must be notified to the Symposium Managers and not directly to the hotel. Cancellations must be made in writing to jayne@eastcoastconferences.com.au. Cancellations made before 31 July 2023 will be refunded. Cancellations made after this date are non-refundable (if payment has not been received at the time of cancellation, the full amount of the accommodation booking will be due).

      Arrival Time

      Hotel check-in time is 2pm. If you are to arrive before this time it is probable that you will not be able to gain access to your room. To guarantee a room to be available for an early arrival you will need to pre-book your room for the previous night. If required, please indicate on your registration form. (You will be charged by the hotel for the additional night).