Animal lover destinations for travellers on the Coffs Coast
Luke Young • April 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!
If you’re a fan of craft beers and unique spirits, Coffs Harbour offers an incredible blend of local flavors and scenic beauty to enhance your tasting experience.
If your idea of a great holiday includes heart-pounding thrills, rugged terrain, high-flying feats, and deep-sea adventures, then Coffs Harbour is your ultimate playground. Nestled between lush hinterland and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, this coastal gem offers an unbeatable mix of action-packed experiences to get your adrenaline pumping. Here's how to turn your visit into the ultimate adventure. Skydive over Paradise with Coffs Skydivers . Ready to really take the plunge? Skydive Australia offers tandem skydives over Coffs Harbour with breathtaking views of the coastline, mountains, and islands. Freefall from up to 15,000 feet and experience up to 60 seconds of pure exhilaration before floating back down to earth with sweeping views of the Jetty and Solitary Islands. Adrenaline Rating: 10/10. This is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list thrill, and Coffs’ spectacular landscape makes it unforgettable. Hit the Dirt: 4WD Adventures in the Hinterland. Get off the beaten track with a 4WD adventure into the wild, rugged beauty of the Coffs Coast hinterland. Head out to Orara East State Forest or take on the scenic and challenging tracks in Bindarri National Park. Creek crossings, rocky climbs, and remote picnic spots await those with the right wheels and the spirit for exploration. For all your FWD gear visit ARB Coffs Harbour . Dive into the Deep: Scuba Diving the Solitary Islands with Jetty Dive For a different kind of thrill, plunge beneath the surface and explore the world-class dive sites of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. This unique meeting point of tropical and temperate waters offers dazzling biodiversity, think vibrant corals, manta rays, turtles, sharks, and schools of fish in every colour imaginable. Jetty Dive offer dive trips and certification courses, with sites suitable for all experience levels. Conquer the Coramba Trails: Mountain Biking at Its Best. Just a short drive from Coffs Harbour, the quiet village of Coramba is home to some of the region’s most exciting and scenic mountain biking terrain. Nestled in the Orara Valley, these trails weave through native bushland, offering a mix of fast-flowing singletrack, technical descents, and challenging climbs. The Coramba trail network is well-regarded for its natural terrain and is maintained by a passionate local riding community. Whether you're an experienced rider or just keen to test your skills, Coramba delivers a rewarding ride with incredible views. Need Bike Gear? Check out Bob Wallis Cycles for all your cycling needs. Deep Sea Fishing: Big Bites and Bigger Battles. Feel the thrill of the chase with Deep-Sea Fishing Charters off the Coffs Harbour coast. The warm waters are teeming with game fish like marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, and kingfish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, there's nothing quite like the moment a big one strikes and the fight is on. Ride the Radids: White Water Rafting on the Nymboida River . For a wild and unforgettable ride, head inland to the mighty Nymboida River, home to some of Australia’s best white water rafting. Fed by natural springs and mountain runoff, the Nymboida carves its way through granite gorges, rainforest, and rugged bushland, creating thrilling grade 3–5 rapids. Whether you're plummeting from the sky, tearing down a mountain trail, or diving into a whole new world beneath the waves, Coffs Harbour delivers adrenaline in spades. It’s the ultimate destination for thrill seekers who want to mix natural beauty with high-octane fun. After all the action, you'll need a comfortable base to rest and recharge. Our ocean view apartments offer the perfect place to unwind with private balconies, full kitchen facilities, and a location close to the Jetty, restaurants, and cafes.
