Coffs Harbour Jetty

July 24, 2009
New South Wales
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Coffs Harbour is located some 540 kms north of Sydney on the Mid North Coast of NSW. The area is well know for its beaches, the nearby Solitary Islands Marine Park and of course the Big Bannana.

The Jetty is located in a central part of the town and nearby attraction include the Marina and Muttonbird Island. It juts out from the aptly named Jetty beach and points to the sea between Muttonbird Island and the southern breakwall running from Corambirra Point.

The Heritage protected jetty was built around 1892 when it was the focal point for timber shipment out of the region from the surrounding hinterland.
Nearby to the Jetty is some residential redevelopments and a thriving cafe/restaurant strip. Great for those warm cups of coffee after a sunrise shoot!

Special Photographic Features or Notes

At New Years eve there is a local fireworks display whichs runs from the end of the Jetty and Barges anchored offshore. Get there early and stake out a good spot!

During the Christmas period, there is also a local fair run in the open areas behind the jetty.

Best times of the Day

Sunrise and Sunset are most definetly the best times of day for this location although good images can be constructed at other times.

Sunrise and low tide makes for some spectacular shooting times, with nice smooth sand providing a good reflection point for the Jetty.

Special Equipment

Tripods are a must for the low light photography of sunrise and sunset. I also recommend ND Grad filters to help balance the light across the image. Also don’t forget your cable release.

Taking a Macro lens is also a good suggest with some striking patterns available in the very old timber used on the Jetty. Rusty nuts and bolts also abound across the structure.

Tidal Information

Generally low tide is the best time around the Jetty, it helps to create nice smooth sandy surfaces for reflections.

Map

Google Map Page of the area

Getting there

From the Pacific Highway or Downtown area’s head east following the road signs to the Jetty and Marina area.
Follow Marina Dr over the railway line
Turn right at the first roundabout onto Jordan Esp Dr
Plenty of free parking is located directly at the end of the Jetty.