Winter Wildlife Encounters: Exploring Coffs Harbour's Natural Wonders

May 15, 2024

Thinking of a wintery getaway? With average daily temperatures in the low 20s and stunning attractions to enjoy, winter is the perfect time to visit Coffs Harbour. Plus take advantage of low season deals to visit some of our best wildlife encounters. 


Whale Watching Adventures with Jetty Dive

Winter marks the annual migration of humpback whales along the east coast of Australia, and Coffs Harbour is perfectly positioned for unforgettable whale watching experiences. Join Jetty Dive between June and October for an exhilarating whale watching tour and set sail along the pristine coastline in search of these majestic marine giants. From the deck of your boat, you'll have the opportunity to witness awe-inspiring displays of breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping as the whales make their journey north to warmer waters. 

If being on the water isn’t your thing The Observatory Apartments are perfectly located to Whale Watch from your balcony – ask our friendly reception team for a pair of binoculars and our cheat sheet on how to spot breaching whales. 


Discover the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the region's diverse wildlife. Every day the Sanctuary team strives to engage and inspire visitors to protect local animals and their environment through education and unique experiences. The sanctuary is home to many marine animals including Indo-Pacific bottle-nose dolphins, Australian sea lions, a colony of little blue penguins, green sea turtles, freshwater turtles, and a variety of local fish species. The sanctuary is just a short walk from the Observatory Apartments and the perfect way to spend a day with the whole family. 


A Fluttering Experience at the Butterfly House

Step into a world of enchantment at the Butterfly House, where thousands of vibrant butterflies flutter amidst lush tropical gardens. Located in the heart of Coffs Harbour, this magical sanctuary offers visitors the chance to witness these delicate creatures up close as they dance through the air. Winter is an ideal time to visit, as the warm and humid environment inside the Butterfly House provides a welcome escape from the cooler outdoor temperatures. Lose yourself in the beauty of nature as you wander among the colorful blooms and marvel at the intricate patterns of the butterflies' wings.


Get Up Close with Reptiles at Steve McEwan's Reptile World

For those with a fascination for the scaly and slithery, Steve McEwan's Reptile World offers an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with a diverse range of reptiles. Brave visitors can even participate in thrilling hands-on experiences, such as holding a python or getting to know a friendly blue-tongue lizard. 


Winter in Coffs Harbour is a time of unparalleled natural beauty and wildlife encounters. So why wait? Bundle up and embark on an unforgettable journey through Coffs Harbour's winter wonderland today.


The Observatory Apartments is centrally located in the Jetty Precinct offering the perfect base for your next adventure. Check out our availability HERE, we can’t wait to see you!

Coffs Coast Goes Full Throttle

By The Observatory • February 25, 2026
Get ready, Coffs Coast March is set to roar to life with an action-packed weekend that will have motorsport fans, families, and thrill-seekers flocking to the region. From 13–15 March, the Coffs Coast goes full throttle with three epic events: Summer Beach Hop, the Australian Kart Championships, and Freestyle Kings Live. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast, a classic car lover, or simply looking for an exciting weekend escape by the beach, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss. Summer Beach Hop – Classic Cars Meet Coastal Cool The Summer Beach Hop brings together stunning classic cars, hot rods, and custom builds in a vibrant celebration of automotive culture. Expect polished chrome, roaring engines, and a laid-back coastal vibe as car enthusiasts roll into Coffs Harbour to showcase their pride and joy. With cruising events, displays, and a festival-style atmosphere, it’s a fantastic event for families and visitors to wander through, take photos, and soak up the nostalgia. Australian Kart Championships – High-Speed Racing Action Feel the adrenaline as Australia’s best karters take to the track for the Australian Kart Championships. These rising stars and elite drivers compete in fast-paced, wheel-to-wheel racing that’s thrilling to watch, whether you’re a motorsport fan or a first-time spectator. The event brings competitors and spectators from across the country, creating an electric atmosphere and a huge buzz around the region. Freestyle Kings Live – Extreme Stunts and Live Entertainment For the ultimate adrenaline hit, Freestyle Kings Live delivers jaw-dropping motocross stunts, massive jumps, and heart-stopping tricks performed by world-class riders. Add live music and entertainment, and you’ve got an unforgettable night out for all ages. It’s a high-energy spectacle that perfectly caps off a weekend of speed, style, and excitement. Make It a Weekend Getaway on the Coffs Coast. With world-class events, stunning beaches, great dining, and plenty of family-friendly attractions, this is the perfect time to plan a getaway to the Coffs Coast. Book your accommodation early, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and experience the region at full throttle. Mark your calendar: 13–15 March. Coffs Coast is the place to be for fast cars, fast bikes, and an unforgettable coastal weekend.

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.