If you go to the Hunter, don't bother hanging around Cessnock or Maitland... get a Maxi into Newcastle. Plenty going on there on Wednesday, Fri or Sat. Trains run from Maitland, but you need to get a taxi from the airport to the station, and its a long train trip.
Port is good. A few good places to have a drink along the river, some good pubs/clubs. and some great beaches. Very, very quiet outside of uni holidays though.
Coffs, same same.
The best time to have is up on the GC. It's not that hard to find - expecially if the weather is good, although its at least 3 hours each way...
Check out
www.aeroclub.com.au
Lancer