Melbourne Loves Tigerair Melbourne to Coffs Harbour Flights
Tiger Airways has launched its new Melbourne to Coffs Harbour direct flight in style. Good news for Melbourne holiday makers!
You can enjoy a sensational escape to pristine alluring Coffs Harbour, a semi tropical paradise, with Tigerair Australia flying there several times a week. The regular service is Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays adding 1080 seats a week into Coffs Harbour!
The World Loves Melbourne was invited to fly on the inaugural Tigerair Australia Melbourne to Coffs Harbour flight; and to experience an escape at the fabulous Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort, the premium choice for top sporting teams, conferences and those looking for a fun quality holiday experience.
Arriving early for our flight we attended the opening of the new Terminal 4 facility by the Treasurer Hon Scott Morrison MP. Scott spoke about the benefits to the economy of investing in aviation infrastructure and alluded several times to the movie "Love Actually". A feel good movie and a feel good vibe at the launch.
Parking in the new T4 Terminal Car Park was a breeze and from the lifts it was just a few paces to the check in. We loved the new terminal and all its retail and eating options!
Excitement was palpable for the inaugural Melbourne to Coffs Harbour flight! The World Loves Melbourne understands that Tigerair has performed magnificently since being taken over by Virgin; that it now leads many of the performance indicators compared to other airlines. The ghost of the past is no more and Tigerair is on the rise.
The new check in procedures at T4 are welcomed (no check in counter as such) with Tigerair staff on hand with a portable instrument to help check in our luggage and seat allocation.
Our flight was enjoyable and not too long. The catering impressed The World Loves Melbourne - a simple large Turkish Roll was excellent (believe us), and we enjoyed a suitably dry cider and Pringles. The Beef sandwich done 3 ways is super popular also.
Arriving in Coffs Harbour we were greeted with spectacular water cannons and welcoming school children; not our usual arrival scenario.
Tigerair Commercial Director Adam Rowe said this is more welcome news for Coffs Harbour and NSW tourism as part of Tigerair Australia’s next phase of growth. “Recently we announced additional services on popular NSW routes such as Sydney – Adelaide, Sydney – Cairns and Sydney – Whitsunday Coast.
The new Melbourne – Coffs Harbour route provides the only mid-week services between Melbourne and Coffs Harbour and is estimated to provide significant economic value to the Coffs Harbour of almost $8M a year by way of inbound passenger spend, as well as potential further growth and job development.
“Coffs Harbour has a great year round climate and many tourism drawcards that appeal to our core market of families, budget and leisure travellers. We’re confident these new services will prove popular for Melburnians wanting to escape to a warmer and more temperate climate and also for Coffs residents wanting a break away or to visit friends and family down south.”
Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight welcomed the new route launch: “The Melbourne market provides enormous economic possibilities for this region and Coffs Harbour City Council is looking forward to working with Tigerair to maximise the success of the route. We’re also looking forward to welcoming many, many new visitors to the stunning North Coast of NSW.”
A tour of Coffs Harbour revealed to us the sheer beauty of Great Dividing Range meeting the sea. Coffs Harbour has the most temperate weather in Australia - another reason to visit.
A lunch at local Lattitude 30 seaside restaurant was superb; high quality food and wine with sea views is a winner!
After lunch we checked in to the stunning Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort; a huge resort frequented by some of Australia's top sporting teams and a great resort for families. The rooms are top notch and well appointed; our large room had a large spa and fabulous deck with stunning views of the property. Bottle of wine and cheese platter on arrival was sensational.
The Resort sits on the shores of Charlesworth Bay amidst lush national forest and banana plantations, all set against the backdrop of the Great Dividing Range. The beauty of the natural surrounds has been reinforced by the creation of 40 hectares of maintained gardens laced with frangipani and jasmine which with the fairways and greens of the resort's nine hole golf course, create an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility.
Combine this back drop with a dedicated conference centre and bay marquee which can facilitate meetings of 5-800, with numerous catering options and theming ideas, the possibilities are endless.
Soon after arrival at the Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort we explored the many activities available; including Clay Shooting (skill needed), Splash Golf (hit golfs balls at targets in the lake), and Segway riding (loads of fun). A mini golf course provided more fun, with the grounds kept in superb condition.
Of course we then went straight for a massage at Tranquility. As a storm arrived we enjoyed a hot rocks style massage before dinner at Charlie's Restaurant.
We were impressed by the set up at Charlie's out on the deck on a balmy summer's night overlooking the water. The Tex-mex pork riblets featured Pork rib marinated in coca cola, chilli and BBQ sauce; an absolute favourite. Slow roasted till sticky and tender, served with coleslaw and fries, the riblets went down a treat with Heathcote Shiraz. Other choices included the Butter chicken and the Wagyu burger.
Also impressive was the Buffet Breakfast at Charlie's Restaurant; choices galore from hot and cold selections, including healthy options. We needed fuel for our full day in Coffs Harbour.
Compelling nearby attractions include The Cheesemaking Workshop; a savvy and highly enjoyable masterclass with Lyndall Dykes that had us making Greek Fetta and Ricotta cheeses and observing 6 other top notch cheeses prepared by Lyndall.
The World Loves Melbourne recommends this culinary activity for all visiting the Novotel Coffs Harbour Pacific Bay Resort and Coffs Harbour in general. The idea is that you can make fine cheeses at home! For a fraction of the price that you may ordinarily pay.
A superb morning tea and lunch was all part of the package and cheesemaking kits are available to purchase.
Our next activity was a highlight; swimming with Dolphins and enjoying the Seals at Dolphin Marine Magic. These guys have rescued many dolphins and have a team of vets on hand. What an experience to watch the show then swim with these amazing sea animals. And to hug dolphins and be kissed by them, plus kissed by seals!
As the sloppy kisses from seal lingered it was off to the bar back at the Resort...
Dinner was imbibed at Charlie's Restaurant at the Resort; this time we enjoyed cocktails followed by a sumptuous meal inside the restaurant rather than on the deck. The World Loves Melbourne went with the Duck with orange and pink ginger recommendation and enjoyed the dish. Also appealing was the Rack of Cowra lamb and the Eye Fillet steak.
None of the famil group wanted to leave; from arrival we felt so relaxed at this haven on the mid north coast!
No visit to Coffs Harbour is complete without a visit to the nearby Big Banana; one of the most photographed attractions in Australia.
Our flight back to Melbourne on Tigerair was again superb with enjoyable catering; on arrival in Melbourne we were pleased our car park was right next to the T4 Terminal for easy getaway.
Thanks to Vanessa, Natalie and Joel of Tigerair, and Madeline and Jodie of AccorHotels for a sensational getaway!
The World Loves Melbourne imbibed the best of Tigerair, the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort and Coffs Harbour, with this NSW coastal city a great option for your next travel soiree. Highly recommended.