Cooking Across 4 Generations

One of our favourite places to visit in N.S.W. is Coffs Harbour. We stay at the same place every time because of its location and accomodation styles.

Aanuka Beach Resort is located about 3 minutes from the Big Banana, right on its own beach, Digger’s Beach. Designed with a Fijian/Island style, the resort features a mix of accommodation types, 1 and 2 bedroom spa bures and more family oriented apartment style accommodation. We always opt for a spa bure as it makes us feel as if we are on an island holiday.

The bures provide a tropical island resort feel and are light and airy. The bathrooms feature a large spa bath, big enough for 2. All have a fold out sofa bed if there are more than 2 staying in a room. A basic kitchen (microwave, fridge, electric fry pan, kettle and toaster) is in each bure, some even have a 2 burner stove top. All feature a dining table next to the kitchenette and a lounge area with DVD and CD players. Washing machine and dryer all also in each bure.

The resort features two swimming pools, tennis courts, small gym and other leisure activities. Boogie boards are also available at reception if you wish to brave the waves.

A creek runs through the property before making it’s way to  the beach. This is a native habitat area and you will see bush turkeys wandering around the whole resort, kookaburras singing a song, the resident willy wag tail chasing anything bigger than its self, brazen sea gulls trying to steal your snacks and waterdragons sunning themselves where ever they find a nice spot.

The main building houses reception, a day spa, two restaurants and bar. The resort also caters to functions with three dedicated function areas and a chapel for weddings. While we were there we saw two beach weddings take place. The Decks bar and restaurant faces directly on to the beach which is accessed across a lawn. Breakfast is wonderful watching the waves from your table, and dinner as the sun sets is amazing.

Dinner at Casay is the equal of many Sydney restaurants. Seafood is locally sourced as Coffs Harbour has a fantastic Fishermans Co-Op. Much of the meat and poultry is also sourced from the north coast and inland.

Surf and turf with Ranger Valley beef fillet and super fresh Yamba king prawns.

Chargrilled pork cutlet with ratatouille ratatouille. The pork was fantastic, nicely charred but still moist and juicy.

Locally caught snapper with Yamba prawns, rocket salad.

Char grilled pork cutlet, Thai stir fry vegetables and apple. Yes I had pork two nights in a row, but it was just so good! The sweetness of pork with that charring is sensational.

We skipped dessert as the mains were quite filling.

The rest of our trip we had room service, walked in to town for lunch, and went to the tasting of the restaurants new menu.

The rest of our time we relaxed, went for twice daily walks on the beach and to the top of the headland. From the head land you get a nice view in to the town centre, marina and out to the Solitary Islands.

Two shots looking back towards the resort, one from on the beach and from the top of the headland.

Early morning fisherman on the beach.

Looking towards the marina and town centre to the right.

Most of our holidays we rush around but this time we rested, which made for a very relaxing holiday. Just what we needed. Sometimes you just have to slow down and stick your toes in the sand.

Thanks for dropping by!