Fun Filled Family Activities in Coffs Harbour

The Observatory • September 19, 2024

Coffs Harbour is a haven for families, offering a wide range of activities that are perfect for kids of all ages. Whether your family enjoys nature, adventure, or creativity, Coffs Harbour has something for everyone. Here’s our list of must do family activities.


Muttonbird Island Walk

For families with active kids, the Muttonbird Island is a must. The walk up the island is short but steep, rewarding you with breathtaking views of the coastline and a glimpse of the nesting grounds of the wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds). Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales if you’re visiting between May and November!


The Big Banana Fun Park

The Big Banana Fun Park is the perfect mix of thrilling attractions for kids who love a bit of excitement. With a giant water park, laser tag, ice skating, a toboggan ride, and mini-golf, there’s something for everyone. For families with older kids test your skills with the escape rooms, with guaranteed bonding to be had.


Forest Sky Pier & Sealy Lookout

A short drive from town, the Forest Sky Pier at Sealy Lookout offers an easy family adventure with stunning panoramic views of Coffs Harbour and the Pacific Ocean. Kids will enjoy the feeling of being high above the trees, and the short, easy bushwalks nearby are great for younger adventurers. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the scenic spot.


Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary

The Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is a hands-on experience where kids can get up close with marine animals like dolphins, seals, and penguins. They’ll love watching the daily presentations and even have the chance to interact with the animals in a safe environment. It’s both fun and educational, teaching kids about marine conservation in a memorable way. Speak to our team about securing a special discount on your entry fee 😉


Harbourside Markets

On Sundays, the Harbourside Markets come alive with local crafts, food, and live entertainment. Kids will enjoy browsing the stalls, grabbing a snack, and even participating in some of the family-friendly workshops or activities that often take place. Plus, the market is situated near jetty beach, so a quick dip in the ocean can be a great way to cool off afterward.


National Cartoon Gallery + National Holden Motor Museum

For creative kids, the Cartoon Gallery offers a fun and quirky look at cartoon art. This unique attraction, located in an old WWII bunker, showcases cartoon illustrations from around the world. It’s a great way to inspire young artists and keep them entertained with a different kind of cultural experience. The National Holden Motor Museum is now open at the bunker as well so the young and young at heart will be equally entertained.


Ziplining and Adventure at TreeTops

If your kids love a physical challenge, TreeTops Adventure Park is an absolute must. They can climb, zipline, and navigate a series of high ropes courses suitable for various age groups and skill levels. The park offers thrilling courses that push kids to test their limits while ensuring a safe and exciting environment.


After a long day of exploring the Coffs Coast there is nothing better than heading back to your home away from home at The Observatory Apartments where our spacious two and three bedroom apartments provide enough space for the whole family to lay back and relax. Check out our extended stay packages HERE or call our team on 02 6650 0462 to check availability. 

Christmas Holidays are coming.

By The Observatory • December 5, 2025
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.

Pedal the Coast - The Best Bike Riding Tracks in Coffs Harbour

By The Observatory • November 18, 2025
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.