A fun way to unlock Coffs Harbour’s fascinating past has been launched to coincide with History Week.
A self-guided Heritage Trail has been added to the celebrated Coffs Coast Explorer app, providing entertainment and enlightenment for visitors and locals alike.
“This is all about using new technology in the form of the app to discover our rich past,” said Mayor, Nikki Williams.
“The idea is to use the app as you move about the CBD to places of interest. These include the Coffs Hotel, Jack Simmons, the old Post Office, the Showground and the Plantation Hotel.”
First stop on the Heritage Trail tour is the permanent Yaamanga Around Here exhibition at Yarrila Place.
This exhibition captures all things Coffs, and while there be sure to settle in to watch a short film from yesteryear where you can live the full experience of the Tasma Theatre.
Located on the corner of High and Castle Streets, the Tasma opened in 1937, and the grand facility could seat 226 in the Royal Lounge and 515 in the stalls. The theatre was demolished in 1969 to make way for a Waltons Department Store.
“The set-up at Yaamanga allows you to watch an old flick, sit in an original seat from the Tasma, with an original projector at your back,” said City of Coffs Harbour Council Acting General Manager, Andrew Beswick.
Once finished at Yarrila Place, you can use the Heritage Trail on the app the venture around town.
“When you reach a place of interest on the app, simply tap the icon on the map and it will reveal a story about the site’s past, complete with photos, so you can compare these with how it looks today,” Mr Beswick said.
Mayor Williams said the Heritage Trail takes about 90 minutes to complete, moving through a two-kilometre journey – with more stops to be added down the track.
Council launched the Coffs Coast Explorer app last year and the innovation saw it listed as a finalist in the 2025 North Coast Tourism Awards.
The app is free to download and it includes a comprehensive guide to places to visit, eat, stay and enjoy such as galleries and major tourist attractions.
One of the many fun features on the app is a Pokemon G0-style game where you can catch animal avatars as you move around the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.
