Study Tours at Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour City Tour

This afternoon activity is a wonderful way of seeing Coffs Harbour for the first time. Enjoy a relaxing scenic tour of Coffs Harbour by bus, experiencing breathtaking scenery from some of the local 'lookouts' and see wild Kangaroos up close.

Big Banana

The 'Big Banana' is a renowned tourist attraction, which can include a cinema history of the banana growing industry in Coffs Harbour. Students will also see a local confectionary outlet making their sweets and have the opportunity to ice-skate, have a thrill ride on the Hillslide Toboggan Run, down hill artificial snow run, and lookout for scenic photos or just have their photo taken under the biggest banana in the world. Morning and afternoon tea is available along with souvenir shops.

Muttonbird Island, Marina and Jetty

Discover the beauty of Coffs Harbour's marina and island nature reserve. Walk along the sea wall to Mutton Bird Island and learn about the breeding cycle of Australia's unusual Muttonbird. Visit the local Fisherman's Co-operative and see the local fishing fleet and shop at the local souvenir and Chandlery outlet. Paddle or swim at the beautiful Jetty Beach and walk along the historic Jetty. Students will have the opportunity to buy their lunch at the local fresh fish restaurants or purchase icecreams or afternoon teas.

Pet Porpoise Pool

Ever had the desire to cuddle a friendly sea lion, shake hands with a lovable dolphin or feed a penguin? Well, today you'll get the chance at the Pet Porpoise Pool. If you wish, you can play ball with a dolphin and clean his teeth, feed the seals and penguins, or look at the sharks, rays and turtles in the underwater viewing reef tank. You will also see kangaroos, emus, koalas, cockatoos and other tame Australian animals. Souvenir shopping here is great!

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Laser Sports

Students can play a non contact sport with trained referees. An infrared beam is used (as in your TV remote) which is safe. This sport teaches strategy, problem solving, teamwork and leadership in an enjoyable and exciting way.

High School Visit

Students will have the unique opportunity to visit a local Coffs Harbour high school where they will be shown around the classrooms and sporting facilities by Australian students. This is a great experience for foreign students to learn about Australian school life in an afternoon of cross-cultural exchanges with local students. Students are given afternoon tea and presented with a small gift from the school.

Go-Karting

Students will enjoy a day or afternoon of fun and thrills on the go-karts. A barbecue lunch can be supplied and students will have the option of swimming and fun slides at an additional cost.

George's Gold Mine (Groups Only)

This tour takes you through the dense and vibrant rainforest of Coffs Harbour to a real gold mine; part of Australia's rich heritage. See the way gold was mined and fashioned in the olden days. You will be taken on a tour of the gold mine, taste real Australian tea and damper on arrival and have an optional barbecue lunch after the tour. A great activity with an option of inspecting the old homestead and taking a bushwalk through pristine rainforest.

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Coffs Creek Board Walk and Botanic Gardens

This activity offers the student the opportunity to fully experience the wonder of nature on this interactive tour of Coffs Harbour's local Botanic Gardens and Mangrove Board Walk along Coffs Creek. The students will participate in a number of activities during a guided tour in order to increase their knowledge of the Australian Bush.

Canoeing on Coffs Creek

Students will take a fun canoe trip from Coffs Promenade up Coffs Harbour Creek through the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Feed the fish and see the many varieties of birdlife along the shores. A variety of shops offer the students the opportunity to buy those special souvenirs or just to relax and enjoy a coffee at the cafes overlooking the water.

Canoeing in the Bongil Bongil National Park

Students will be taken on a canoe trip up the Bongil Bongil Creek in one of Australia's National Parks by a local eco-tourist company. They will experience the thrill of nature at its best, seeing wildlife in its natural state. At an additional cost students can snorkel under the supervision of professional staff and have a barbecue lunch.

Bushland Trail Horse Rides

Enjoy an exciting horse ride through the subtropical rainforest of the Coffs Harbour hinterland. Learn how to saddle and ride a horse as well as mount and dismount professionally. Half day and whole day treks can be organised.

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Carobana

Students will visit a local confectionary factory and watch the process of making delicious carob sweets (a natural chocolate alternative). The tour includes a talk about carob and the sweet making process. Students will have the opportunity to taste these delicious treats and buy if they like them. Afternoon tea is provided.

BBQs

The relaxed life of the Australian people is demonstrated in their love of the BBQ. This activity offers the students and homestay families an opportunity to mix in an informal atmosphere at local picnic spots.

Dorrigo National Park

This activity takes the students on a sightseeing trip through the lush hinterland of the Coffs Harbour area into the World Heritage Dorrigo National Park. The Dorrigo Rainforest Centre offers a selection of wonderful rainforest walks, complete with waterfalls, and an information centre where students can learn about the history of the pioneers to this area. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the conservation practices of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Students can also experience the thrill of walking out into the treetops of the rainforest on the unique TREETOP WALK. They will have a bird's eye view out over the valley to the coast and see Australian birds and animals in their native environment.

This activity is combined with a visit to the historic town of Bellingen and a stopover to see popular local craft shops.

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Shopping

As a major tourist destination on the North Coast of NSW, Coffs Harbour offers a fantastic range of shops for the locals and visitors. Coffs Harbour enjoys two large shopping centres and weekly open air markets catering for all tastes. Coffs Harbour and the local villages also have a wide range of craft and souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes, cinemas, nightclubs and other tourist activities depending on the season eg. Christmas Foreshore Festival, local Agricultural Show in April.

Butterfly Farm and Maze

This local tourist activity allows visitors a peek into the life cycle of butterflies in the Butterfly House. Students can see native Australian butterflies flying freely in a very large enclosure and even have them land on their hands. They will learn what butterflies eat and observe various forms of plant life that butterflies are attracted to. Students can then have fun in the maze and finish the visit off with afternoon or morning tea.

Beach Sports and Swimming

Coffs Harbour boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. The local coastline is part of the Solitary Islands Marine National Park and the clean beaches attract locals and visitors for a variety of water and beach sports. Students can swim, paddle through rock pools, or take part in organised sports such as beach volley ball and soccer, or at an added cost, go surf rafting, learn to surf, body boarding, sea kayaking and jet skiing.

Whale Watching

From March to October students have the opportunity to see whales off the Coffs Harbour coast. Students on this activity will view the spectacular sight of the migrating whales from a special whale watching boat (or from Mutton Bird Island and local headlands).

Urunga River Cruise

Take a relaxing cruise on the Urunga River through natural bushland, river towns and the local oyster leases. Watch as oysters are harvested and try them if you like them. Afternoon tea and/or lunch is provided at additional costs.

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Kiwi Down Under Farm

Students will walk around this local organic farm set in the beautiful hills just inland from Coffs Harbour. A delicious afternoon tea on the verandahs of the locally built and operated restaurant highlights the visit. Students can also take part in a variety of farming activities.

Sawtell/Boambee

This activity takes the students to visit one of our local seaside villages and its surrounding beaches and estuary. Students can shop, swim in the rock pool or creeks or just beach walk.

Kegel 9 Pin Bowling

Original form of bowling (pre ten pin bowling) suitable for the whole family. Uses nine pins and small balls. Inside activity with up to 8 players per lane. A variety of games can be played for fun and competition.

Craft Activities

A craft afternoon, learning to make cards, decorations, gifts and/or ornaments. A wonderful interactional activity for learning English and taking home that special souvenir made with your own hands.

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Scuba Diving

Scuba diving classes can be arranged around English classes. Become a registered PADI Scuba Diver in just two weeks! (depending on weather conditions and level of English). Assisted dives are available for students not wanting to do all the training. Dives take place in the unique environment of the Solitary Islands Marine National Park.

Four Wheel Drive Safaris

Experience the thrill of driving through the Australian bush in a four-wheel drive. Discover the secrets of the rainforest; observe animals in their natural settings. Half or full day tours available with snacks and/or barbecue lunches.

Camp Out

Experience staying overnight in the outback - see the stunning stars, sing-along around a camp fire, barbecue dinner and activities - lots of 'Aussie' fun.

Day visit to Port Macquarie (Billabong Koala Park)

Students will travel to Port Macquarie and visit Koala Park where they can touch a Koala and other animals and reptiles.

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Optional Activities for Individual Students or Group Bookings

• Harley Scenic Tours - discover Coffs Harbour and coastline on the back of a Harley Davidson Motorbike.
• Bushwalking
• Indoor Rock-Climbing
• Ten Pin Bowling
• Laser Sports
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Parasailing
• Skydiving
• Scenic Airflights by plane or helicopter
• Kite flying
• White water rafting
• Dutch Clog Barn - watch clogs being fashioned from wood and visit the miniature village.
• Visit the local Opal Centre and shop.
• Visit local Art Studios, Galleries and Bunker Cartoon Gallery

Water Sports Program

This wonderful package offers students English classes as well as the opportunity to take part in a range of water sports and activities including: Life Saving Course, Scuba Diving, Sea Kayaking, Surfboarding and Bodyboarding, Canoeing, White Water Rafting and Water Slides. Activities run all year round, with the water temperature at Coffs Harbour around 18 degrees Celsius for most of the year. Wet suits are available.

Golf Programs

Students can learn English in the mornings and play golf in the afternoons. Coffs Harbour has some beautiful golf courses and students will have the chance to play on them all. Professional instruction is available.

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Study Tours

A range of Study Tours are on offer including English classes, vocational lectures and relevant industry visits eg. Childcare, Tourism, Information Technology, Tropical Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture, Organic Growing, Agribusiness, Hairdressing, Beautician program, Marine Studies, etc. Social and recreational activities can also be included.

NB: Programs can include low, medium or high cost activities. Homestay; Tuition; Activities; Bus charges and the cost of Native Speaking Activity Officers included in quotes.

For more information about Study Tour Activities available at Coffs Harbour or to discuss your individual Study Tour email: coffsenglish@scu.edu.au.

Updated: 29 January 2013