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!

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.

Pedal the Coast - The Best Bike Riding Tracks in Coffs Harbour

By The Observatory • November 18, 2025
Coffs Harbour is made for exploring on two wheels. With our unique mix of coastline, creeks, forest trails and scenic pathways, riders of all ages and skill levels will find a track to fall in love with. Whether you’re here for a relaxing beachside break, a family holiday, or an active couple’s escape, cycling is one of the best ways to see the Coffs Coast at its finest. 1. The Coffs Creek & Harbour Loop Perfect for: Families, casual riders, morning cruisers, photography lovers This scenic loop is one of Coffs Harbour’s most accessible and enjoyable rides. The track follows the curves of Coffs Creek, passing through mangroves, boardwalk sections, shady pockets and open foreshore pathways. It’s relatively flat and perfect for all confidence levels. Highlights: Easy riding with beautiful water views Passes the Jetty Foreshore, Park Beach, Botanic Garden and CBD Great for spotting wildlife and enjoying quiet morning rides 2. Jetty to Sawtell Ride Perfect for: Couples, relaxed riders, families, café-hoppers This is a stunning, easy-to-moderate ride that begins right from our doorstep. Guests can follow the network of shared paths and quiet coastal trails heading south toward Sawtell. With a mix of creekside sections, leafy pathways and flat cycle tracks, it’s a smooth and enjoyable journey suitable for most ages. Once in Sawtell, riders can enjoy a relaxed lunch on the iconic main street, packed with cafés, boutique eateries and beautiful shady fig trees, making it a perfect ride-and-restaurant outing. Highlights: Direct access from our apartments Safe shared paths most of the way Plenty of scenic spots to stop for photos A delicious lunch reward at Sawtell’s popular cafés and restaurants This ride is ideal for guests wanting a gentle adventure without needing a mountain bike or car 3. The Sawmill – Pine Creek State Forest (Advanced) Perfect for: Experienced mountain bikers For those who love technical riding, The Sawmill in Pine Creek State Forest offers blue-rated trails with challenging features, flowing descents and a deep-forest atmosphere. Riders wanting a high-adrenaline experience will love this network. Highlights: Technical features and single-track riding Fast sections mixed with climbs and drops Loved by the local mountain biking community Best suited to confident riders with proper gear and experience. 4. Cascade Mountain Bike Trail Perfect for: Couples, older riders, relaxed adventurers Located in Cascade National Park, this peaceful gravel ride is perfect for riders who want to connect with nature without technical difficulty. With gentle undulation and beautiful forest scenery, it’s an excellent choice for a quiet morning ride. Highlights: Wide gravel trail suitable for hybrid or gravel bikes Calm, scenic and low-impact Gorgeous forest outlooks and opportunities for wildlife spotting A great option for guests looking to escape into nature for a few hours. 5. Road Cycling & Scenic Coastal Routes Perfect for: Fitness riders, long-distance cyclists For guests bringing their own bikes or hiring locally, Coffs Harbour offers lovely early-morning coastal stretches and rolling hinterland roads. There are several scenic on-road routes where riders can take in ocean breezes, river crossings and quiet rural views. Stay With Us for Your Cycling Getaway After a few hours of pedalling, our guests love returning to comfort and coastal views. Spacious self-contained apartments with full kitchens Private east-facing balconies to relax after a ride Spa apartments for soothing tired legs Walking distance to the Jetty Foreshore, where many rides begin Short stroll to the best Restaurants and Cafes Plan Your Pedal-Perfect Stay Whether you’re cruising along Coffs Creek, pedalling down to Sawtell for lunch, or exploring forest trails, Coffs Harbour offers something for every rider. Book your stay at The Observatory Apartments and make cycling part of your summer adventure. If you’d like help choosing a route or want recommendations for bike hire, our team is here to help.