Why Coffs Harbour is the Perfect Family Destination for September School Holidays

Lydia Crossingham • July 24, 2023

By now you are well and truly in the trenches of term three school life, eagerly awaiting the end of winter flu and ready to start planning your springtime getaway. If you're looking for an ideal destination that offers a mix of fun-filled activities, natural beauty, and a touch of adventure, look no further than Coffs Harbour. Nestled on the picturesque New South Wales coast, Coffs Harbour is a gem of a location that caters to all age groups and interests. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons why Coffs Harbour should be at the top of your list for a memorable family vacation this September.


1. Abundance of Stunning Beaches

Coffs Harbour is renowned for its beautiful beaches, each offering a unique experience. From the family-friendly shores of Jetty Beach, where kids can splash around safely, to the awe-inspiring beauty of Diggers Beach, with its crystal-clear waters and rock pools to explore - there's a beach to suit every family's preferences. Spend leisurely days building sandcastles, picnicking by the shore, or even trying your hand at surfing as a family.


2. Adventure and Wildlife Encounters

For families seeking an adrenaline rush and a chance to connect with nature, Coffs Harbour has it all. The Solitary Islands Marine Park, just off the coast, is a haven for snorkelling and diving, where you can spot colourful marine life and possibly even swim with majestic sea turtles. Additionally, families can embark on exciting whale-watching tours (seasonal) to witness the annual migration of humpback whales.


3. Iconic Big Banana Fun Park

No visit to Coffs Harbour is complete without a stop at the iconic Big Banana Fun Park. Offering a range of attractions and activities, this park is an absolute delight for kids and the young at heart. From zooming down the waterslides at the Water Park to trying your hand at mini-golf or enjoying the plantation tours, there's something for everyone to enjoy.


4. Scenic Natural Beauty

Coffs Harbour is surrounded by stunning landscapes and national parks, providing numerous opportunities for family hikes and bushwalks. Take a scenic drive up to Sealy Lookout for breathtaking views of the city and coastline. The whole family can enjoy the beauty of the rainforest with a walk through the World Heritage-listed Dorrigo National Park, which features magnificent waterfalls and wildlife encounters.


6. Family-Friendly Accommodation

At the Observatory Apartments we have all your family-friendly needs covered. We have One-, Two- and Three Bedroom Apartments available, all including fully self-contained kitchens and enough space for the whole family. Check out our accommodation page for all your options. Plus! Use the code 'September' when booking for 10% off.


Coffs Harbour has all the ingredients for a memorable family holiday during the September school break. From its pristine beaches and adventurous outdoor activities to educational attractions and comfortable accommodations, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Create lasting memories with your loved ones as you explore the natural beauty and exciting experiences that this charming coastal region has to offer. So, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in Coffs Harbour!

Adrenaline Unleashed The Ultimate Adventure Getaway in Coffs Harbour

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.

Coastal Views to Rainforest Vibes: Top walks in Coffs Harbour

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!