THE North Coast Regional Botanic Garden is a sanctuary for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The view from Sealy Lookout reveals it to be the green heart of Coffs Harbour, laced by the Coffs Creek estuarine system and mangrove nursery.
Recent visitor numbers of 50,000 plus in the first three months of the current financial year, speak to the garden’s popularity.
The number is captured in the Quarterly Budget Review and Progress Report, which tracks the City of Coffs Harbour’s performance for the period 1 July – 30 September 2025.
Mayor Nikki Williams, delighted with the result, said “with koalas and gliders and plants from around the world, the garden is a jewel to explore”.
“Maintained by the City and the Friends, the garden has featured regularly on lifestyle TV shows.
“And entry to the sprawling grounds is free.”
There are a range of walks suggested in promotional material, from one-hour to three hours-plus.
Some are themed, such as the Garlambirla Walk (plants used by Gumbaynggirr People), the Early Settlers Walk (plants crucial to early livelihoods, shelter and pioneering life), International Garden Areas (trees and plants from seven different continents and regions), Japanese Friendship Garden and Bridge (a traditional red bridge over the lake leads to a Zen Garden and Pavilion to view waterbirds and turtles), Botanists Walk (Australian heathland flowers and shrubs with signboards dedicated to famous botanists) and a Sensory Garden (featuring a sun dial and a range of fragrant flowering plants and shrubs.)
The Leaf and Bean Botanic Garden Café offers food and refreshments seven days a week from 9am to 3pm.
There are also Nocturnal Wildlife Tours for a nominal fee, group tours and buggy hire, as well as school and holiday programs.
By KIM SATCHELL
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