Coffs Harbour, New South Wales

Most famous for the giant man-made banana at the northern end of town, Coffs Harbour is one of the largest regional cities in New South Wales.

Sprawling for miles up and down the coast, the area's many beaches make for perfect holidaying territory ­ with surfing, fishing and sand-side picnics and barbecues amongst the favourite pastimes of visitors and locals alike.

The banana plantations that fill the hills around the area make the landscape richly green and unusual. The town centre is great for city-standard shopping and is home to many recreational clubs and nightspots.