Sealy Lookout - Big Hit with the Public

Sealy Lookout at Coffs Harbour has proved very popular in a recent visitor’s survey commissioned by the Forestry Corporation of NSW.
“Overall visitor satisfaction with Sealy Lookout is very high, exceeding expectations with 100 per cent of survey respondents saying they would return, which is wonderful,” Forestry Corporation regional manager Recreation and Tourism Louise Faulkner said.
The Sealy Lookout survey is one of a number of visitor surveys the Forestry Corporation has undertaken across native State forests to determine visitor demographics, behaviours and suggestions for visitor destinations.
Sealy Lookout is located approximately nine kilometres from Coffs Harbour city centre in Orara East State Forest. The image shows Forestry Corporation Regional Community Forester, David Wilson at the Lookout.
“The Forest Sky Pier platform, which opened in 2011 after a $600,000 renovation, extends 21 metres out from the lookout and 15 metres above the forest floor, and offers a unique view of the coastline, Solitary Islands Marine Park and surrounding mountain ranges,” Ms Faulkner said.
“At least 70,000 visitors come to Sealy Lookout annually.”
She said another key finding in the survey was that Sealy Lookout, as one of the great tourist attractions in the area, helped attract families and travellers who spent $111 and $132 a day respectively in the region.
“The economic impact of visitation to Sealy Lookout was highlighted with visitors confirming the purchase of accommodation, retail, fuel, groceries and entertainment while in the area,” Ms Faulkner said.
“Sealy Lookout is supporting an annual visitor spend in the Coffs Harbour area of approximately $8.5 million.”
Ms Faulkner said visitors were asked what could be done to improve the area.
“Suggestions included improve visitor facilities, improve onsite information signage, provide access to refreshments, improve access roads, provide telescope, and more walking tracks,” she said.
“There was also strong support for featuring information about the history of the local area, maps of the area and information on other State forest attractions.
“The Forestry Corporation has taken these insights on board and will incorporate elements into future planning for Sealy Lookout.”
Sealy Lookout is open every day and is free for visitors. It also offers picnic and toilet facilities and bushwalking trails. For more information go to www.forests.nsw.gov.au