Leaving the vibrant city of the Gold Coast behind, marked the beginning of a scenic and tranquil road trip for Peter and me towards the serene coastal town of Coffs Harbour.

Our first stop was the village of Brunswick Heads, just a short drive south from the Gold Coast.

An Aussie road trip isn’t complete without stopping by a good old-fashioned country bakery, and Bruns Bakery at Brunswick Heads is a prime example. Its fame had preceded it—I had heard about it all the way in Melbourne and made it the main reason for our stop at Brunswick Heads today.

I was not disappointed.

Upon entering Bruns Bakery, we were greeted with multiple display cabinets brimming with cakes, slices, pastries, and other assorted treats, along with a line of people stretching all the way out the door.

The bustling atmosphere promised something special.

After selecting our treats, we found a seat at the back. There, a local couple struck up a conversation with us, sharing how lucky they felt to have a bakery of such high quality right in their backyard. We realised straight away that these Bruns locals were a friendly bunch, adding to the warm and welcoming experience at Bruns Bakery.

With great food, attentive staff, and friendly locals, Bruns Bakery truly lived up to its reputation.

Peter and I wanted to soak in the atmosphere of the place, so we strolled the streets, browsing the different shops, and walked past the pub and the river. We saw lots of families out with children playing and people walking their dogs. We continued our walk over the bridge and to the beach, where we discovered a shaded area perfect for children. I loved watching the kids play; it made me miss my own grandchildren.

As we walked up the path towards the open sea, we saw a wallaby by the side of the road, happily munching on the long grass.

Once again, some locals came to talk to us, which added to the lovely atmosphere of the place.

Brunswick Heads is an absolutely stunning beach.

It has pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and a sense of serenity that makes it a perfect destination for relaxation and enjoyment.

Just beyond, the beach opened up to a lively scene of surfers riding the waves. The surfers at Brunswick Heads were seasoned professionals carving expertly through the water. Their colourful boards dotted the ocean, adding to the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

We watched as they navigated the surf with skill and grace, some performing impressive tricks while others simply enjoyed the thrill of the ride. It was captivating to watch them embrace the power and beauty of the ocean, embodying the adventurous spirit of this stunning coastal town.

Many Aboriginal people know the Willie Wagtail bird as a messenger bird. In Aboriginal lore, receiving a visit from one is often seen as meaningful, possibly carrying messages or signs from the spiritual realm.

As we walked along the path, one of these birds came to visit us. It wasn’t afraid of me as I took its picture; in fact, it seemed to pose for me with curiosity.

Then, to our surprise, it hopped onto the path and seemed to engage in a chat with Peter. It was a charming encounter, leaving us wondering what message the Willie Wagtail had for us.

We thoroughly enjoyed Brunswick Heads and were captivated by its stunning views.

What struck us most was the town’s unpretentious charm, which only added to its appeal. The people we met were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home.

We were genuinely glad we decided to make a stop there, as Brunswick Heads left us with fond memories of its natural beauty and warm community atmosphere. It’s a place we won’t soon forget.

When Dana and I were driving north, I was surprised to see so many warning signs for brumbies, wild horses. Dana even had some discussions about them with local farmers. We both thought it would have been exciting to catch a glimpse of them.

As we left Brunswick Heads and headed towards Bangalow, it finally happened—I spotted one! A beautiful dark brown horse grazing right by the side of the motorway, as we sped past at 110 km an hour. I desperately wanted to stop and capture its photo, but safety came first. It remained a vivid memory instead.

The abundance of warning signs suddenly made sense. These brumbies could easily dart across the road, posing a risk to passing cars. Seeing one in the wild was an amazing experience.

I know Dana and I visited Bangalow on our way north, and Peter has been there before too, but wild horses couldn’t keep me from visiting there again.

Bangalow’s beauty and charm left us in awe. Nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland, its picturesque scenery was captivating. The rolling green hills and lush landscapes provided stunning views that seemed to stretch on forever.

From St Helena lookout’s vantage point, we could even see the sea shimmering in the distance, creating a stunning backdrop that perfectly complemented the lush greenery and the town’s historical charm.

(Photo taken by Peter)

Right beside the main street lies a tranquil forest. We paused there, captivated by the vibrant symphony of birdsong filling the air.

As we walked through the town, the charm of the heritage buildings lining the main street drew us in, each housing boutique shops, art galleries, and delightful cafes.

I stopped at Pantry 29 for a chai and then headed to Bangalow Bread Co at the top of the main street for a Portuguese tart.

I only have one regret when it comes to Bangalow. Not only is it the home of Callemondah Studio, which has stunning views and a sauna, but the hostess is a Finn and one of my long-time Instagram friends, sharing common family roots that trace back to my beloved Savitaipale in Finland. Unfortunately, I didn’t book the accommodation early enough, therefore we missed out.

Peter and I both decided that we need to come back soon and stay there. This is also a recommendation for others, especially Finns, to take note of.

Our third and final stop on the way to Coffs Harbour was Evans Head.

(Photo taken by Peter)

Neither of us remembered ever visiting there, so we were rather curious about what we would find. We couldn’t have been happier with this short detour. We discovered some truly magnificent views that took our breath away.

The beaches stretched endlessly, continuing as far as the eye could see. Seamist rose gently from the edges, adding a mystical quality to the beautiful scenery.

(Photo taken by Peter)

The combination of the vast, unspoiled coastline and the ethereal mist created a serene atmosphere.

I loved watching people enjoying a picnic lunch, setting up camping chairs and soaking in the scenery. It was such a wonderful way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.

As we left Evans Head, we passed through Woodburn before reaching the Motorway. Woodburn is a small, delightful town nestled amidst sugar cane fields, situated on the banks of the Richmond River in New South Wales. Just a couple of years ago, the town endured severe flooding that inundated it for days, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles.

As we drove past Woodburn Recreation Oval, a soccer field in the heart of town, it seemed like the entire town’s population had gathered there to watch a game on this Sunday afternoon. The sense of community was palpable, with children playing and families enjoying picnics on the sidelines. People had parked their utes and opened their tailgates to watch the game together.

The close-knit atmosphere made me feel a strong desire to join in and be part of this community, but we had to continue our drive towards Coffs Harbour to reach our destination before sunset. The scene at Woodburn Recreation Oval highlighted the resilience and unity of the town’s residents, even in the face of past challenges.

As we continued our drive south, the landscape gradually transitioned into banana tree country, where vast plantations of banana trees stretched across the rolling hillsides. The sight of these tropical plantations added a unique charm to our journey, leading us towards our destination of Coffs Harbour.

We finally arrived at our Airbnb studio unit at Pacific Bay Resort in Coffs Harbour. Nestled amidst lush greenery and overlooking a tranquil lagoon, our accommodation is just lovely. The serene atmosphere and scenic views immediately made us feel at ease after our journey.

Our travel map today: