Animal lover destinations for travellers on the Coffs Coast
Luke Young • Apr 26, 2021
Are you an animal lover? If yes, why not embrace that part of you when you’re next on holiday? On the gorgeous Coffs Coast, residents and tourists don’t just enjoy the beautiful views and active lifestyle, but the company of some magnificent creatures who frequent our coastline. From marine life which gallops or flutters its wings, there’s something here for every kind of person, be it you, your partner, family and friends to enjoy and come away with memories that last a lifetime! In this blog we’d like to showcase your options for finding fun amidst such wildlife.
- Visit the aquarium
Being a coastal town, it’s only natural you’d like to peruse the sea life! So, from octopi to sea slugs, clown fish and more you can find yourself learning and loving more about the ocean and its wildlife with a trip and tour around Solitary Islands Aquarium. Here’s the link to their website! - Experience marine life conservation
If you’ve strolled the coastline, you’ve possibly caught glimpses of the fins of our friendly Dolphin neighbours! Dolphin Marine Conservation Park is where you can take a self-guided tour of the park’s powerful exhibits. From Penguin Beach to the Rehabilitation Hospice. You’ll see all kinds of marine life and learn about local conservation efforts all-the-while snapping terrific photos (if that’s your thing)! You can book tickets by visiting their website. Here’s the link. - Watch the whales
From searching for pods of dolphins to experiencing humpback whales up close, there’s memorable moments to be had onboard one of Whale Watch Experience’s family-friendly charter boats. Guest size is capped at about 20, to ensure an unmatched and uncluttered view of the oceans finest. Oh, and there’s snorkelling available too! Here’s the link to their website. - Snorkel the Solitary Islands
Speaking of snorkelling, you can count on Jetty Dive to take even the most inexperienced snorkelers on incredible adventures through local sanctuary zones for viewing marine life, from “Nemo” and “Dory” clownfish and blue tangs to turtles and more! Here’s the link to their website. - Go birdwatching
Stepping away from the beautiful marine life we have as our neighbours, there’s plenty of opportunities to catch avian life too! From shearwaters to rainbow lorikeets, all you need to do is keep an eye open and explore the area. There’s a full guide to bird watching on the Coffs Coast website. Here’s the link. - Check out Reptile World
Another reason to visit the Big Banana Fun Park (as if there weren’t enough reasons already) is to visit Steve McEwan’s Reptile World. Become enamoured with reptile-life as you stroll past the displays filled with well and lesser-known snakes, pythons, lizards, turtles and even a croc! If this kind of thing tickles your fancy, then here’s the link to their website. - Be surrounded in butterflies
Rarely will you be granted an opportunity to stroll amidst hundreds of live butterflies, so don’t miss out. Within a beautifully kept indoor subtropical rainforest setting, you can spot more than just butterflies, but fairies. There’s also a dinosaur forest complete with life-sized dinosaurs that you can interact with. How’s that for wild? Here’s the link to their website. - Ride upon horseback
Whether a pro or having never-before ridden a horse, HWH Stables is an award-winning school and trail riding business amid the serenity of Orara Valley. Horse-riding along the beach is on many an Aussie’s bucket list and if you’re no different, here’s the link to their website.
So, there you have it! Hopefully this blog has been helpful in enabling you to connect with nature and make plans for a memorable trip away. If you are heart-set on visiting the Coffs Coast and haven’t yet found a spot to settle, then consider staying with us at The Observatory Self Contained Apartments. We’re right in the hustle and bustle of the main eat-street and but a moment’s walk away from the fabulous main beaches. For booking information and room availability, follow this link!
Let us take you on a journey from Woolgoolga in the North to Sawtell in the South to uncover the stunning cultural heritage of Coffs Harbour. Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Corindi Beach Yarrawarra is located in the homelands of the Garby Elders and the Gumbaynggirr People. The Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre includes a bush tucker cafe, Indigenous Art Gallery, Monthly Cultural Programs, Aboriginal Art Classes and Story Sessions. This space is proudly open to the public so that they can learn about and enjoy Gumbaynggirr culture, art and history. Sikh Heritage Museum in Woolgoolga A warm and welcoming space showcasing the traditional and religious life of the Sikh people in Australia. The exhibits contain information on the Sikh understanding of the origins of the universe, the lives and teachings of the Ten Gurus, the Sikh empire, Sikhs in the world wars, the Sikh ANZAC contribution, the first migration of Sikhs to Australia and finally, the establishment of a Sikh community in Woolgoolga. Yarrila Arts and Museum Located in the heart of our City Centre, YAM boasts five exhibition spaces hosting national and local touring exhibitions such as the Archibald Prize and STILL: National Still Life Award. It’s home to a permanent display, Yaamanga Around Here, which explores the history and identity of the Coffs Coast through themes of place, community and belonging, with Gumbaynggirr culture at its heart. Take your exploration of YAM outdoors with a visit to the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic. A beacon of safety for sailors it was New South Wales' most isolated lighthouse on South Solitary Island between 1880-1975. It has been painstakingly restored in its new location upon the Jetty Foreshores where it now sits in sight of the ocean. Jetty Memorial Theatre The Jetty Memorial Theatre serves as an important arts hub and performance venue for the Coffs Coast region. Showcasing a range of local, state and international shows including musical theatre, comedy, musicians and productions, movie screenings and more. Sawtell Art Gallery To finish your cultural journey of the Coffs Coast head to Sawtell Art Gallery where you can participate in arts classes or enjoy monthly exhibitions. Then head down treelined First Ave and explore a wide variety of beautiful boutiques and cafes that all add to the tapestry of Sawtell. Ready to pack your bags and journey through the Coffs Coast? The Observatory is located in Coffs Harbour Jetty and the perfect base for your next cultural adventure. Check out our rooms HERE and book your getaway today.
With the Easter long weekend fast approaching, what better way to celebrate than in the beautiful coastal town of Coffs Harbour? With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and iconic attractions like the Big Banana and The Coffs Jetty , Coffs Harbour sets the stage for an unforgettable holiday with your loved ones. Join us as we embark on a sweet Easter getaway filled with excitement, relaxation, and plenty of chocolate eggs! For a relaxing start to your getaway Wake up to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore and breathe in the fresh sea air. Start your day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the ocean, or why not visit one of the nearby cafes for a tasty treat. After breakfast, head to one of Coffs Harbour's pristine beaches for a day of sun, sand, and surf. Park Beach and Jetty Beach are perfect choices, offering golden sands and clear waters ideal for swimming and exploring. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon lounging under the sun or exploring the coastline on a scenic coastal walk. Kick off your second day with an adrenaline-pumped adventure at the iconic Big Banana Fun Park . Test your skills in the brand new panic rooms or the thrilling rides like the famous Giant Slide and the exciting Toboggan Ride. Don't forget to snap a photo with the Big Banana monument. If you still have some energy left head on up to the The Treetops Adventures and take in the breathtaking beauty of The Orara State Forest from high above the treetops. Wrap up your day with a visit to the Coffs Harbour Marina, where you can indulge in fresh seafood from The Fisherman Co-Op . Savor the flavors of the sea as you toast to another unforgettable day in paradise. On Easter Sunday, start your day with a traditional Easter egg hunt and Witness the joy on children's faces as they search for hidden treasures left by the Easter Bunny. After the egg hunt, head over to Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary for an interactive and educational wildlife encounter. Get up close and personal with rescued marine wildlife as you learn about their behaviors and the conservation efforts of the sanctuary. From relaxing beach days to thrilling outdoor excursions and festive celebrations, this coastal paradise offers something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or quality time with loved ones, Coffs Harbour is the perfect destination for an unforgettable Easter holiday getaway. 🐰🌴
