Inland activities in Coffs you do not want to miss!

Luke Young • April 26, 2021

Coffs Harbour is best known for its coastal glory and the things you can do by the water. Be it surfing, kayaking, dining, walking or anything else between, it’s often the star of the show for travellers. But did you know that it’s not all we have to offer here on the Coffs Coast. There’s beauty, serenity, fun and adventure all waiting for you inland also, from the nearby townships and Shires like Bellingen and Dorrigo, to the charming cultural experiences. In this blog we’ll cover a go-to list for anyone looking to experience something a little more country during their stay in Coffs Harbour.


  1. Horse Riding at Holidays with Heart Stables

Whether it’s riding lessons or trail riding, all guests are welcome to these unique experiences where you can live your horse-riding dreams of cantering along a beach or roaming free throughout the ranges! There’s also a perfect Photographic Horse-Riding Tours options for those who want to keep their memories from such a beautiful time. For more information, follow this link.


  1. Adventure up high at TreeTops

With outstanding challenges and courses to enjoy atop the trees by the iconic Sealy Lookout, you and all your companions will have a blast and face some fears swinging like Tarzan, completing a course, riding flying foxes and more all while safe and secure in a harness and supervised environment. For more information, follow this link.


  1. Behold the Butterfly House

A time-tested, hidden gem offering you opportunities to stroll among hundreds of butterflies and also indulge in life-sized dinosaur presentations. It’s perfect for the kids and you can find more information here.


  1. Wander the water with Bellingen Canoe Adventures

In the beautiful Bellingen shire, you’ll find this experience nestled amidst gorgeous and rich ecosystems of wildlife, flora and fauna all unique to this area. It’s fun solo, in groups or with the family and could very well be the highlight of your holiday, so you can find more information here.


  1. Take a guided tour amidst Dorrigo’s pride rainforests

Indulge in a wonderful day out with a guide for steady paced trekking, delicious stops, and spectacular views of waterfalls, plants and wildlife alike. There’s even the option to take a swim and be picked up from your accommodation! For more information, follow the link.

  1. Craft some cheese at the Cheesemaking Workshop

It’s always a worthwhile experience when you learn and practice making food from scratch. These wonderful classes share the art of home cheese making to even the most unable kitchen users. For a fun day full of wholesome, cheesy goodness follow this link!


We hope we’ve inspired you to try something different, and have your day made by one or more of these unique country-vibe experiences during your stay. If you’re eyeballing the Coffs Coast for your next trip, then consider staying with us at The Observatory Self Contained Apartments, with pristine views of the Jetty and walking distance from the main eat street and Jetty area! Just give us a call on (02) 6650 0462 or check out the rest of our website to learn more!


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.
By 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. 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!