5 Fun Family Activities to make your winter Coffs escape one to remember!

Luke Young • June 21, 2022

Yay for school holidays! Right?!

 

If you’re heading to the Coffs Coast during the school holidays and are stuck for fun family activities during your stay, we’re here to help!

 

We’ve compiled a list of 5 different family friendly winter activities that will definitely appeal!

 

Big Banana

 

The Big Banana, a Coffs icon and a place that everyone MUST visit when in Coffs! There is so much to do, from miniature golf, to toboggan rides, a visit to the reptile park, Laser Tag, Ice Skating and a banana plantation tour. There will be something for each family member at The Big Banana, guaranteed.

 

Beach Horse Riding

 

For those families that are big animal lovers, why not enjoy a ride along the beaches of Coffs on horseback! Another fantastic way to experience the beautiful Coffs coastline perched on a beautiful horse. There are different ride options from 1 hour to 3.5 hours.

 

National Cartoon Gallery

 

The National Cartoon Gallery is Australia’s ONLY cartoon gallery and home to the most extensive collection of contemporary cartoons in the Southern Hemisphere! After going through a revamp, you can now enjoy film nights and various other events and workshops, fit for the whole family at different times throughout the year.

 

Coffs Butterfly House

 

The Butterfly House is perfect for a day out with the family. Not only will you get to stroll amongst hundreds of live Aussie butterflies in a sub-tropical rainforest setting, but you can also explore the different Mazes available as well as a live Dinosaur show twice a day. Oh and there’s a dinosaur forest and you can hunt for flying fairies. A fantastic fun day out!

 

Montem Bike Tours

 

Explore the Coffs Coast through a mountain bike tour! You’ll get to enjoy the beautiful sunshine while soaking up all of the natural sights in Coffs.


If you’re yet to book your school holiday getaway, we have fantastic townhouses available, perfect to fit the whole family! Comprising of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen, living and dining spaces, you’ll be hard pressed to find better accommodation in Coffs. You can view our Townhouses HERE.

The Humpback Highway, Coffs Harbour

By The Observatory • May 3, 2025
Don't Bypass the Humpback Highway this June. Each year The Coffs Coast becomes a prime location to witness the majestic migration of humpback whales. Starting in June, these gentle giants begin their journey from the cold Antarctic waters to the warmer breeding grounds in the north, passing close to the shores of Coffs Harbour. Top Whale Watching Vantage Points. Coffs Harbour offers several excellent spots for whale watching, whether you prefer land-based viewing or boat tours. Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve (Giidany Miirlarl) Located in the heart of Coffs Harbour, Muttonbird Island provides panoramic views of the ocean and is a prime vantage point for whale watching. Woolgoolga Headland. Just north of Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga Headland offers elevated views, making it one of the best spots for observing whales breaching close to shore. Look At Me Now Headland (Emerald Beach) This coastal headland is not only famous for its free-roaming kangaroos but also provides excellent whale watching opportunities during the migration season. Sawtell Headland. Located just south of Coffs Harbour, Sawtell Headland offers grassy picnic spots with both northern and southern views, ideal for spotting migrating whales. The Observatory Apartments. If you would prefer the comfort of home, sitting on your own private balcony spotting the whales as they cruise past the harbour. Whale Watching Tours Whale Watch Experience Operating from June to November, they offer daily cruises at 8:30 am and 11:00 am aboard the "Pacific Explorer," accommodating up to 23 guests for an intimate experience . Jetty Dive Known for their super fast and comfortable boat "Mega Wild," they provide adventure whale watch trips, getting you to the whales quickly and ensuring a thrilling experience, offering 2 - 3 trips a day. If you are brave enough you can also swim with the giants of the sea with Jetty Dive. Whether you're a local or a visitor, witnessing the humpback whale migration in Coffs Harbour is an unforgettable experience. From the serene vantage points on land to the exhilarating boat tours, there's an option for everyone to connect with these magnificent creatures. Don't forget to bring your binoculars, camera, and a sense of wonder as you partake in this annual natural spectacle. Book your next stay with us in our Ocean View Apartments or Ocean View Studios and we will put binoculars in your room for the best viewing from your balcony.

Coffs Harbour - Best Eco - Tourism Destination in New South Wales

By The Observatory • April 19, 2025
Coffs Coast has been globally recognised as an ECO Destination by Ecotourism Australia, surrounded by lush, heritage-listed national parks that form part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, and the Solitary Island Marine Park. Solitary Island Marine Park One of Coffs Harbour’s crown jewels is the Solitary Islands Marine Park , the oldest and one of the largest marine parks in New South Wales. Stretching over 75 km of pristine coastline, this protected area is where tropical and temperate waters meet creating one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in Australia. Snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs, swim alongside turtles, rays, and over 500 species of fish, or take a whale-watching cruise during the migration season. This marine sanctuary is not only a dream for underwater adventurers, but also a prime example of sustainable marine conservation in action. Heritage Listed National Parks Beyond the coastline, Coffs Harbour is surrounded by lush, heritage-listed national parks that form part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Some must-visit spots include: Bindarri National Park - A remote and rugged escape with rainforest-cloaked valleys and crystal-clear creeks perfect for bushwalking and picnicking. Bongil Bongil National Park - A coastal forest where you can spot koalas in the treetops and paddle through mangrove-lined estuaries. Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve - Muttonbird Island offers spectacular views of the Solitary Islands and is great spot for whale watching in the heart of Coffs Harbour. Rich Aboriginal Cultural connections Eco-tourism here goes hand-in-hand with respect for Indigenous culture. Visitors can take part in authentic cultural experiences with Gumbaynggirr guides. Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours - Stand up paddle boarding exploring the creeks and wetlands on Gumbaynggirr country. Walk along the Gumgali Track at Sealy Lookout, which tells Dreaming stories through art and interpretive signage. Whether you're hiking through ancient rainforests, swimming in clear blue waters, or learning about the deep cultural roots of the region, Coffs Harbour offers an eco-holiday that nourishes both the soul and the planet. Travel light, tread gently, and let nature lead the way on the Coffs Coast.