Situated on the Coffs Coast is the delightful little seaside town of Woolgoogla. This town is a hidden gem, as what you see from driving down the highway past it gives away no clues. It is about a 4 hour drive south from Brisbane and about 20 mins north of Coffs Harbour.
Woolgoolga or “Little India” is about 20 mins drive north from Coffs Harbour on the coast.
Woolgoolga has the largest regional Sikh/Punjabi population in Australia, and they are now said to own 90% of the banana farms. They supply much of Australia with bananas, but this industry has declined in the face of competition. Recent times have seen many banana plantations replaced by blueberries after banana sales slumped.
Many of the locals refer to Woolgoolga as Woopi. I tried to find out why and no one actually knew. Possibly it is just a pet name or maybe Woolgoolga is difficult for some to pronounce or maybe it is the place to have fun, (make woopi)
Our friends recommended a seafood, fish and chip take away shop in Woolgoolga, called Whitesalt, so we drove up to check it out. We were very impressed with the extensive menu which offered most seafoods. We picked up our order of fish and chips and calamari, and then drove to the headland to enjoy and take in the view. The fish and chips were amazing, and we have now returned several times for more. The chips, or french fries, are hand made using locally grown Dorrigo potatoes.
While there, we also explored Woolgoolga and were pleasantly surprised as to how lovely the area is.
Not far from the town is the Woolgoolga creek and picnic area with facilities for family picnics. The creek flows in to the ocean which is not much further on and it is a popular water craft spot with easy access for launching surf skies, kayaks, canoes etc.
Woolgoolga is another delightful township on the Mid North Coast of NSW. The beautiful beaches stretch for many miles and there is always a place to catch a wave or just have a swim. There are many dog friendly beaches which makes life even nicer for us dog lovers.
Lookoom said:
I don’t remember stopping there on my way from Brisbane to Coffs Harbour, as you say it doesn’t look interesting from the road. Thank you for drawing attention to it.
Lyn Douglas said:
It is most likely not too see it as you drive past and even more so now with the opening of the new highway. Certainly worth the detour if you have the time. Thanks Lyn
Lynette d'Arty-Cross said:
What a beautiful spot. :)
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Lynette, it is and, it is not too popular. Lyn
Sheree said:
I remember driving past this delightful place. Clearly we should’ve stopped for lunch. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
Lyn Douglas said:
Oh Sheree, there are thousands of great spots along the east coast of Australia, you would need years to stop at lots of them for lunch. Thanks, Lyn
Sheree said:
😎
Jo said:
Another post with wonderful pictures. The creek area looks so peaceful.
Lyn Douglas said:
Yeah Jo, the creek was just gorgeous and yes, very tranquil. Thanks, Lyn
We Travel Happy said:
I’ve never heard of this town in Australia and so thank’s for sharing. Is that you in the pink sweater, Lyn? Looks like you’re enjoying the calmness of the place. — Amor
Lyn Douglas said:
Actually it is my Mum with my doggie, Buddy. The spot by the creek was just so relaxing and lovely. Thanks, Lyn
theearthspins said:
Woolgoola? Australia running out of consonants. or was this town named during the “Great Vowel Renaissance”?
Lyn Douglas said:
We have many names that sound like this, and usually they are Aboriginal words or they are derived from Aboriginal words which this one is. They all have meanings. Wooloomooloo is a popular suburb in Sydney, just for starters. Thanks, Lyn
Jyothi said:
Gorgeous pictures! Nice post, Lyn! Thanks!
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Jyothi, it is a nice spot. Lyn
LINDA M said:
Wow, there are so many places to see in Australia. This town is stunning!
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Linda, yes we are blessed with lots of stunning coastline. Next time you are here, looks like we will visit the Coffs coast. Lyn
JD and Andy said:
I would love to try that fish and chip shop White salt. Lovely pics Lyn
JD.
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks JD. The chips are the best. That is an old post with photos taken by my old camera which are not nearly as good as the photos from my phone. Maybe we can fit in Whitesalt at Christmas time. Lyn
JD and Andy said:
Sounds good. We’ll drive up in the subie.
gulfcoastpoet@gmail.com said:
Thanks, Lyn for sharing photos of this lovely, unspoiled scenery! <3 All the best! Cheryl
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Cheryl, it is a lovely little unknown place with so much to offer minus the crowds. Lyn
Content Catnip said:
I love how they shortened the name to Woopi…hehe…so Aussie to do this. It looks like a lovely spot for a visit :)
Lyn Douglas said:
Yes, It really so Aussie, and yes it is a lovely spot that does not draw much attention. Thanks, Lyn
gigihawaii said:
Love your pictures. As usual, they are outstanding.
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Gigi. Good to hear from you. Lyn
irelandandelsewhere said:
Wow this place looks stunning, thanks for sharing 😊
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks so much. It is a very tranquil and easy place to spend time. Lyn
Gail said:
Love this little paradise and thank you Lyn for sharing your local knowledge. Turn off the highway for this little gem, it’s well worth a look.
Lyn Douglas said:
Thanks Gail, it really is quite lovely and not too busy. Lyn