The best walking trails from the beach to bush and everything in between!

Luke Young • April 26, 2021

The road trip North, South, or East from wherever you come from to the picturesque Coffs Coast is beautifully scenic in itself, but there are some places only your feet can take you! Whether you like to hike to wake up of a morning or you prefer a long full-day adventure, there are heaps of bushwalking trails here on the Coffs Coast for everyone to enjoy!


Bindarri National Park
Bindarri National Park is just under an hour inland from our accommodation here at The Observatory Apartments. A day of 4WDing, mountain biking, bushwalking, picnicking, and swimming all while taking in the lush surrounds of the bush and views of the beach in the distance… Sounds pretty good to us! Here you’ll be thrilled to find pockets of swimming holes and stunning waterfalls as the headwaters of the Urumbilum River drop over the Great Escarpment. Directions to start your day of exploration are available 
here.


Dorrigo National Park

Experience breathtaking views as you summit the highs of the Dorrigo Rainforest plateau. You’ll find yourself immersed in a diverse range of sub-tropical vegetation and wildlife as you explore the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park. There is so much to see, we always recommend making a day or at least a half-day of this adventure. For more information on getting there, and what to expect, follow the link here. 


Waves to Wilderness Experiences

After a guided adventure to truly live like a local on the Coffs Coast? Look no further than the Waves to Wilderness experience! With pick-up and drop-off available from your accommodation, these guys have it all covered. For more information on their guided tour options, follow the link here.


Make the most of your stay with us at The Observatory Holiday Apartments on the Coffs Coast by getting out and about in nature, then settle back into your home away from home to rest and recharge. To make a booking to stay with us, follow the link to our booking page.


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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.