Coffs Harbour

View of Coffs Harbour Marina from Muttonbird Island

The muttonbird is one of the few Australian native birds that is commercially harvested. During the muttonbird season, chicks are taken for their feathers, flesh and oil. The industry was established by early European sealers and their Aboriginal families and today forms an important part of Aboriginal culture in Tasmania. The chicks are taken under strict controls and the season is limited to the period 27 March to 30 April.

Muttonbirds on the reserve at Coffs are protected, but due to the large fishing industries which work in the area there has been a rise in rodent populations which have infested the island and caused bird numbers to drop.


Our campsite was next to Parks Beach where we went for a walk. Hannah noticed a North Kite (same as Tim uses) and then we noticed this old chap on it. He was impressive, easily the best kitesurfer out that day. I didn't see him fall off once in the 20minutes we were watching him. The barrel shaped lady is his wife.


Found this Lizard eating prawn tails which had been thrown away. Then Hannah threw her apple core to him and he started licking it. When he tried to get his mouth around it he wound turn onto his back with the struggle :)


Kitesurfing on Parks Beach, Coffs Harbour. Muttonbird Island is in the background.