Did you know that there is a little pocket of untouched rainforest within a 10min drive of Coffs CBD ?
If you’ve only got a few hours to spare or need a little relaxation within a stunning rainforest pocket this is the place to go. It’s as simple as head north past the big banana and turn left onto Bruxner Park Road.
An all sealed yet windy narrow road, the views along here are breath-taking. Banana’s line one side of the road and with views to the Solitary Islands and beyond its hard to know where to look. Occasionally you'll see quaint stalls selling bags of avocado’s and banana’s, these taste they way they should.
At the 3km mark which is the top of the mountain, keep a lookout for the information board where State forest give you a run down on the natural elements of this area. For the hikers, this is where you can start several trails that lead you further into the forest or to the top of the mountain. A good idea is to screen shot the map onto your phone just so you can see where the tracks lead.
Keep heading down along the tar-this is where you start entering the Bruxner Park Flora reserve. With a state forest on one side and national park on the other side- this piece of rainforest is well protected. A little less that 1km along, keep an eye out for the Old Vincent tree. The top has been blown off, but this majestic gum once stood 217 feet high. Standing beside Bruxner Park Rd the tree was dedicated in 1961 in honour of State Member for Raleigh Roy Vincent, who was the Minister for Forestry between 1932 and 1941 who wanted this area preserve for generations. Some people estimate it to be 500 years old so considering Coffs is 150 years old-its hard to imagine it was here when Cook sailed past.
Another 1km down the road-turn left into Swans Creek road. It is dirt-but a well graded 100metre section will lead you to a hidden picnic table and creek crossing. Park here and soak up what there is around you. Thick dense rainforest with tall white flooded gums will greet you. Look up at the stags, elks and ferns. Listen to the bell birds and others.
On the opposite side to the shelter-a well worn walking trail lets you explore the rainforest. With huge trees that have been over ridden with strangler figs, vines, tall palms and tree ferns you might think this is the land that has been forgotten. Yet its only a 10 minute drive from Coffs. Even in drought you can see the circle of life. Trees fall and break down composting onto the ground giving life to others. An amazing place.
