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!
Get ready, Coffs Coast March is set to roar to life with an action-packed weekend that will have motorsport fans, families, and thrill-seekers flocking to the region. From 13–15 March, the Coffs Coast goes full throttle with three epic events: Summer Beach Hop, the Australian Kart Championships, and Freestyle Kings Live. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast, a classic car lover, or simply looking for an exciting weekend escape by the beach, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss. Summer Beach Hop – Classic Cars Meet Coastal Cool The Summer Beach Hop brings together stunning classic cars, hot rods, and custom builds in a vibrant celebration of automotive culture. Expect polished chrome, roaring engines, and a laid-back coastal vibe as car enthusiasts roll into Coffs Harbour to showcase their pride and joy. With cruising events, displays, and a festival-style atmosphere, it’s a fantastic event for families and visitors to wander through, take photos, and soak up the nostalgia. Australian Kart Championships – High-Speed Racing Action Feel the adrenaline as Australia’s best karters take to the track for the Australian Kart Championships. These rising stars and elite drivers compete in fast-paced, wheel-to-wheel racing that’s thrilling to watch, whether you’re a motorsport fan or a first-time spectator. The event brings competitors and spectators from across the country, creating an electric atmosphere and a huge buzz around the region. Freestyle Kings Live – Extreme Stunts and Live Entertainment For the ultimate adrenaline hit, Freestyle Kings Live delivers jaw-dropping motocross stunts, massive jumps, and heart-stopping tricks performed by world-class riders. Add live music and entertainment, and you’ve got an unforgettable night out for all ages. It’s a high-energy spectacle that perfectly caps off a weekend of speed, style, and excitement. Make It a Weekend Getaway on the Coffs Coast. With world-class events, stunning beaches, great dining, and plenty of family-friendly attractions, this is the perfect time to plan a getaway to the Coffs Coast. Book your accommodation early, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and experience the region at full throttle. Mark your calendar: 13–15 March. Coffs Coast is the place to be for fast cars, fast bikes, and an unforgettable coastal weekend.
Christmas is just around the corner and our self-contained apartments, with stunning ocean views, easy access to beautiful beaches are a perfect base for all your coffs coast adventures. We’ve put together five amazing day trips that are perfect for the whole family, or just a relaxing escape for you. Day Trip 1: Chasing Waterfalls - A Scenic Escape to Scouts Falls Just 45 minutes from our apartments, hidden within the lush Sherwood Forest, Scouts Falls is the perfect Christmas holiday adventure. This peaceful spot offers cool freshwater pools, a short rainforest walk, and a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Pack a picnic, bring your swimmers, and spend the day unwinding in nature as you chase one of the Coffs Coast’s most magical waterfalls. Day Trip 2: Culinary Delights - Cheese Making with the Artisan Cheese School For a deliciously different Christmas holiday experience, spend a day learning the art of cheese making at the Artisan Cheese School. Just a short drive from the Jetty, this hands-on workshop teaches you how to craft beautiful cheeses from scratch while sampling fresh local flavours along the way. It’s the perfect slow-paced, creative escape ideal for couples, food lovers, or anyone wanting to try something new during their Coffs Coast getaway. Day Trip 3: Beach Days – Sun, Sand & Simple Summer Magic at Jetty Beach Nothing says Christmas holidays like a long, lazy beach day. Pack an umbrella, plenty of sunscreen, and a picnic basket, then wander down to stunning Jetty Beach, just moments from your apartment. With calm waters, soft sand, and those iconic jetty views, it’s the perfect spot to swim, relax, read a book, or simply soak up the sunshine. Day Trip 4: Trike Tour - Rainforests, Beaches & Pure Adventure Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure aboard a Boom Mustang Trike. Feel the cool breeze on your face as you cruise through lush rainforests, past pristine beaches , and some of the Coffs Coast’s most breathtaking scenery. This scenic tour is equal parts thrill and relaxation, an exciting way to explore the region from a whole new perspective during your Christmas holiday escape. Day Trip 5: A Day of Adventure at the Big Banana – Fun for All Ages No Christmas holiday on the Coffs Coast is complete without a visit to the iconic Big Banana. Spend the day zooming down water slides, racing on the toboggan track, and experiencing the brand-new roller coaster that winds its way through the banana plantation. Packed with fun for kids and adults alike, it’s the perfect way to add a little thrill and plenty of laughter to your festive getaway. After each day of adventure, come back and relax in our self-contained apartments with stunning ocean views. Just minutes from the best local restaurants and cafes, you can refuel for your next day of exploration, or simply unwind and soak in the sunset over the water. With everything you need right at your doorstep, your Christmas holiday in Coffs Harbour will be unforgettable.
