COFFS Harbour City Council is working with Orara Valley businesses to further develop the Orara Valley Tourist Trail and help visitors discover and explore the hinterland as part of ongoing bushfire recovery efforts.

Following on from 2020’s successful ‘Shop the Orara Valley’ campaign, which showcased the food, produce and retail delights of the area, and the development of the Orara Valley Tourist Trail Map, ‘Insta Stops’ aims to encourage visitors to slow down, stop, and snap a selfie with three specially-created art installations.

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These are the work of local artists and will be featured throughout the Valley at some of its most popular stops – the Coramba Hotel, Idle In Café in Nana Glen and The Golden Dog Hotel in Glenreagh.

Insta Stops was launched with the newly-installed timber sculpture ‘Two Tails’, by local artist Ian Watson, at the Idle In Café in Nana Glen, and depicts the rare and mysterious two-tailed lizard of Nana Glen.

“The landscaping and surrounds are in harmony with the sculpture,” said Mr Watson, who lost his own home in the bushfires.

“I want to share the story, especially about Nana Glen.

“It represents the celebration of where we came from and what we are now.

“Nana has a special place in my heart,” he said.

Mr Watson’s unique piece complements two other colourful mosaic artworks at the Coramba Hotel and The Golden Dog which both feature the heritage and environments of those areas.

Fiona Barden, Section Leader, Industry and Destination Development, Coffs Harbour City Council said, “Building on the activities that we and businesses in the Orara Valley have implemented to assist with economic recovery from the 2019 bushfires, we’re excited to see the next piece of the puzzle fall into place.

“We hope visitors will enjoy these special artworks while they explore everything the Orara Valley has to offer.”

Coffs Harbour City Councillor Tony Judge said the sculptures help bring the community together.

He said the timber in ‘Two Tails’ is 400 years old and the piece represents the resilience of the community.

Alison Johnson, owner of the Idle In Café said, “Having more people stop, take pictures and enjoy a coffee or lunch will help support a small town like ours.

“Curious people will be able to learn more about the sculpture via a QR code.”

Funding for the ‘Insta Stops’ initiative was made possible by the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants, part of the Australian Government’s $76m tourism recovery package to protect jobs, small businesses and local economies.

To plan a day trip discovering the three ‘Insta Stops’, visit www.oraravalleytouristtrail.com.au.

By Andrew VIVIAN