Coastal Views to Rainforest Vibes: Top walks in Coffs Harbour
The Observatory • May 7, 2025
Whether you’re after sweeping ocean views, lush rainforest escapes, or a peaceful walk through native bushland, Coffs Harbour delivers some of the most scenic and accessible walking tracks on the NSW coast. Perfect for visitors looking to stretch their legs, connect with nature, and discover the stunning landscapes that make this region so special.
Whether you’re after sweeping ocean views, lush rainforest escapes, or a peaceful walk through native bushland, Coffs Harbour delivers some of the most scenic and accessible walking tracks on the NSW coast. Perfect for visitors looking to stretch their legs, connect with nature, and discover the stunning landscapes that make this region so special.
- Solitary Islands Coastal Walk Stretching approximately 60 km from Red Rock to Sawtell, this iconic trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, and lush headlands. This one is for the more adventurous hikers, pack a backpack as this one can take up to 4 days to complete, or jump in and do any part of it you like just follow the signposts.
- Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve Walk This short but rewarding walk will get the heart rate going with the sleep incline to begin with, The raised path ascends to the Eastern Side Lookout, offering panoramic views of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and the Pacific Ocean. Between May and November, it's a prime spot for whale watching. The island is a significant Aboriginal site and home to thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds) that nest here annually. Interpretive signage along the trail provides insights into the island's cultural and ecological importance.
- North Coast Regional Botanical Gardens A 20-hectare oasis in the heart of Coffs Harbour, featuring a mix of natural coastal forests, planted gardens, discovery walks, and picnic areas. Highlights include the Japanese Friendship Garden and a collection of rare and endangered plant species.
- Macauleys Headland Walking Track A scenic clifftop walk connecting Park Beach with North Diggers Beach, offering expansive ocean views and opportunities for birdwatching. The well-maintained path is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Coffs Creek and Cycleway This shared path meanders through a bush setting, along side Coffs Creek on a raised boardwalk linking the CBD with major attractions like the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, Coffs Wildlife Sanctuary and Jetty Beach total loop is about 8.6 km with plenty of spots for a picnic along or a cafe lunch along the way.
- Bluff Loop Walking Track Located in Bongil Bongil National Park near Repton, the Bluff Loop Walking Track is a 2.25 km circuit that winds through lush coastal rainforest, featuring vines, palms, and towering trees. The trail offers opportunities to spot local birdlife and, with some luck, koalas in the treetops. A short side track leads to a secluded timber viewing platform overlooking Bundageree Creek. The Bluff Loop Picnic Area provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
With so many incredible walks waiting to be discovered, Coffs Harbour is the perfect destination for your next nature-filled escape. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, our centrally located apartments put you within easy reach of all the top trails. Book directly with us
for the best rates and personalised local tips to help you make the most of your adventure. We can't wait to welcome you!
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.
Coffs Harbour is made for exploring on two wheels. With our unique mix of coastline, creeks, forest trails and scenic pathways, riders of all ages and skill levels will find a track to fall in love with. Whether you’re here for a relaxing beachside break, a family holiday, or an active couple’s escape, cycling is one of the best ways to see the Coffs Coast at its finest. 1. The Coffs Creek & Harbour Loop Perfect for: Families, casual riders, morning cruisers, photography lovers This scenic loop is one of Coffs Harbour’s most accessible and enjoyable rides. The track follows the curves of Coffs Creek, passing through mangroves, boardwalk sections, shady pockets and open foreshore pathways. It’s relatively flat and perfect for all confidence levels. Highlights: Easy riding with beautiful water views Passes the Jetty Foreshore, Park Beach, Botanic Garden and CBD Great for spotting wildlife and enjoying quiet morning rides 2. Jetty to Sawtell Ride Perfect for: Couples, relaxed riders, families, café-hoppers This is a stunning, easy-to-moderate ride that begins right from our doorstep. Guests can follow the network of shared paths and quiet coastal trails heading south toward Sawtell. With a mix of creekside sections, leafy pathways and flat cycle tracks, it’s a smooth and enjoyable journey suitable for most ages. Once in Sawtell, riders can enjoy a relaxed lunch on the iconic main street, packed with cafés, boutique eateries and beautiful shady fig trees, making it a perfect ride-and-restaurant outing. Highlights: Direct access from our apartments Safe shared paths most of the way Plenty of scenic spots to stop for photos A delicious lunch reward at Sawtell’s popular cafés and restaurants This ride is ideal for guests wanting a gentle adventure without needing a mountain bike or car 3. The Sawmill – Pine Creek State Forest (Advanced) Perfect for: Experienced mountain bikers For those who love technical riding, The Sawmill in Pine Creek State Forest offers blue-rated trails with challenging features, flowing descents and a deep-forest atmosphere. Riders wanting a high-adrenaline experience will love this network. Highlights: Technical features and single-track riding Fast sections mixed with climbs and drops Loved by the local mountain biking community Best suited to confident riders with proper gear and experience. 4. Cascade Mountain Bike Trail Perfect for: Couples, older riders, relaxed adventurers Located in Cascade National Park, this peaceful gravel ride is perfect for riders who want to connect with nature without technical difficulty. With gentle undulation and beautiful forest scenery, it’s an excellent choice for a quiet morning ride. Highlights: Wide gravel trail suitable for hybrid or gravel bikes Calm, scenic and low-impact Gorgeous forest outlooks and opportunities for wildlife spotting A great option for guests looking to escape into nature for a few hours. 5. Road Cycling & Scenic Coastal Routes Perfect for: Fitness riders, long-distance cyclists For guests bringing their own bikes or hiring locally, Coffs Harbour offers lovely early-morning coastal stretches and rolling hinterland roads. There are several scenic on-road routes where riders can take in ocean breezes, river crossings and quiet rural views. Stay With Us for Your Cycling Getaway After a few hours of pedalling, our guests love returning to comfort and coastal views. Spacious self-contained apartments with full kitchens Private east-facing balconies to relax after a ride Spa apartments for soothing tired legs Walking distance to the Jetty Foreshore, where many rides begin Short stroll to the best Restaurants and Cafes Plan Your Pedal-Perfect Stay Whether you’re cruising along Coffs Creek, pedalling down to Sawtell for lunch, or exploring forest trails, Coffs Harbour offers something for every rider. Book your stay at The Observatory Apartments and make cycling part of your summer adventure. If you’d like help choosing a route or want recommendations for bike hire, our team is here to help.
