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North Coast 'Walk the Coast Series' back and better than ever in 2015

Media release: 26 June 2015

North Coast trail walkers are being encouraged to join in the fitness and fun on one of the scenic coastal walks offered by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as part of the ranger-guided Walk the Coast Series.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Discovery Coordinator Andrew Turbill said the feedback from walkers who participated in last year’s inaugural series was overwhelmingly positive and encouraged the public to book early to avoid disappointment.

“The 2015 Walk the Coast Series consists of five walks spread between July and September, covering all the prime sections of the 67 kilometre Solitary Islands Coastal Walk between Sawtell and Red Rock,” Mr Turbill said.

“The first section of the Walk the Coast Series 2015 kicks off Saturday 11 July with reputed Gumbaynggirr Elder and Discovery Ranger, Uncle Mark Flanders.

“Uncle Mark will lead this easy going 6.5 kilometre coastal walk from the Coffs Jetty, crossing over Diggers Headland and McCauleys Headland before making a short detour to visit the magnificent Solitary Islands Aquarium where walkers can check out some of the local fish. After a leisurely lunch by the sea, the walk finishes at Norman Hill Drive, Kororo.

“Each trail has been slightly shortened this year to allow time for walkers to breathe in the magnificent awe and beauty of the coastal environment.

“Trail walkers will still get to experience the most spectacular and wildest locations along the way – windswept, scenic headlands, hidden rainforest refuges, secluded beaches and wonderful cultural and historic sites.”

Each of the five track sections in the Walk the Coast Series 2015 has been designed around a unique theme.

Mr Turbill said the theme for Uncle Mark’s walk on the 11 July would be about exploring the deep cultural connections through time between Gumbaynggirr People and the Coffs Coast.

“When Uncle Mark takes you on a walk through Gumbaynggirr Country the experience is something you’ll never forget,” Mr Turbill said.

“This is cultural sharing at its best and is the reason why NPWS won Gold at the National Tourism Awards in 2012 for its unique cultural tourism tours.

“It makes the hairs on your neck stand up to hear Uncle Mark tell ancient dreamtime stories that likely have their origins in a time when his ancestors were living on a coastline which is now covered by 100m of sea.

“You’ll never look out at our coast in the same way again.”

To reserve your place on the first section of the Walk the Coast Series 2015 with Uncle Mark please phone the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre on 665 72309. The cost of each section of the walk is $60 Adults, $10 child (family rate available), which includes the cost of bus transport to the start of the walk and entry to the Solitary Islands Aquarium. Numbers are strictly limited so please book soon.

For more information on section 1 of the Walk the Coast series check out: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/Guided-tours/walk-the-coast-coffs-jetty-to-hills-beach

Contact: Daniel Stanton

Page last updated: 26 June 2015