How Tourism Awards Change the Industry

Luke Young • November 3, 2022

Why is entering competitions important? Seriously, you read posts, see the news, and even watch award shows--yet we often overlook why it is so important to everyone in and out of the industry. This includes you! Let’s get to the point: competitions promote a striving for constant improvement, and that benefits everyone in every community. So, if you’ve stayed with us before, or hope to stay with us soon, you’ll be glad to hear…

 

We’re a finalist!

Staff at The Observatory Holiday Apartments are brimming with excitement, as we’ve been honoured as a finalist for the NSW Tourism Awards alongside iconic greats we admire, such as The Big Banana Fun Park, Coffs Coast Food & Wine Festival, Wajaana Yaam Gumbayngirr Adventure Tours and more. Whether a win or a near-miss, we truly value the support we’ve felt from you as you’ve stayed and experienced our apartments, especially when it comes to sharing your reviews & your feedback.

 

It’s always been you!

We reflect the community we serve, and from day one, it’s been this continual feedback loop we treat like our gospel which has enabled us to survive COVID and thrive to a soaring high of winning silver at last year’s awards in our target category of ‘Self-Contained Accommodation’--providing a premium, homelike experience you can call your own when on vacation or travelling for work!

 

We hope we can inspire you to encourage your favourite businesses or your own biz to partake in the competitions relevant to you. Rubbing shoulders with neighbours and giants, learning from and helping one another as well as continually re-evaluating what we offer against the best in a rapidly evolving industry… It keeps the world spinning the right way.

 

Thank you for another spectacular year, and we can’t wait to care for and continue serving you over this bound-to-be-busy upcoming Christmas period!

 

To learn more about the NSW Tourism Awards, follow this link.

By The Observatory May 25, 2025
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.
By The Observatory May 18, 2025
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.