Nostalgic reflection on Corindi Beach as a cherished childhood holiday destination
Consensus Summary
Both articles recount a deeply personal and nostalgic account of Corindi Beach, a small NSW north coast town, as the author’s cherished childhood holiday destination. The piece describes annual family trips from Canberra in the 1980s, driven in a white Volvo, with stops at Cowra, Dubbo, and Coonabarabran before reaching the beach. The grandparents’ modest house, simple meals like apricot chicken and ‘special mince,’ and the quiet, unpatrolled beach are central to the story. The author contrasts this idyllic, family-focused past with modern Corindi Beach, now a commuter town for Coffs Harbour, and reflects on how a recent trip to France—once unimaginable—pales in comparison to the memories of Corindi. The articles emphasize the timelessness of the beach as a private, nostalgic space, shaped by family and childhood adventures.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The author's family drove from Canberra to Corindi Beach annually in a 1980s white Volvo with a distinctive box shape and engine purr
- The journey included stops at Cowra, Dubbo (lunch in the park), and Coonabarabran (Country Comfort Motel) on the first day
- The second day of the trip passed through Tamworth, Armidale, and Dorrigo before descending to Coffs Harbour, where the Big Banana signaled arrival
- The grandparents' house in Corindi Beach was a tiny two-bedroom with a combined kitchen/living/dining area and an outdoor shower
- The beach was a 10-minute walk from the house, passing the shop and caravan park, with no lifeguards or flags
- The author’s grandmother served dishes like apricot chicken, lamb chops, veg, and ‘special mince’ (beef mince, Edgells mushrooms, butter sauce, cream)
- The author’s father once got stung by jellyfish and another time took a dinghy out to sea, rowing back after nightfall
- The author’s grandfather claimed to have taken a game off Ken Rosewall (likely literally one game)
- The article was written after a recent trip to France with the author’s own family, published on 2026-05-21
- Corindi Beach is now a commuter town for Coffs Harbour, with more streets, houses, and a pub, though the caravan park and tennis courts remain
Source Articles
I just returned from France, but my dream holiday spot remains this Aussie town
Growing up, we would head to this same town for our holiday every year. A trip to France would have seemed as remote to us then as a trip to the moon would for my kids now.
I just returned from France, but my dream holiday spot remains this Aussie town
Growing up, we would head to this same town for our holiday every year. A trip to France would have seemed as remote to us then as a trip to the moon would for my kids now.