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 Harbour Corporate Accommodation

By The Observatory • September 11, 2025
Premium Jetty Location Our enviable position near the Coffs Harbour Jetty puts you at the heart of convenience. After a long day of meetings or site visits, you can step outside and enjoy a refreshing walk along the Jetty foreshore. For dining , you’ll be surrounded by some of the city’s best cafés, restaurants, and bars — perfect for a quick morning coffee, relaxed dinner, or hosting a client meeting in a more casual setting. Spacious Corporate Apartments Designed for Work and Comfort Unlike traditional hotels, our corporate apartments in Coffs Harbour are designed to help you both work efficiently and relax comfortably. Each apartment features: Work desks to keep you productive on the go Separate dining spaces that double as a meeting or project space Large windows and private balconies, filling your apartment with natural light and fresh ocean breezes Full kitchens, giving you the flexibility to cook your own meals if you prefer Our apartments are also generously sized, making them a perfect option if family want to visit you while you’re away working. This added space ensures your stay feels less like a hotel and more like a welcoming home. Corporate Rates and Flexible Benefits We understand the needs of business travellers and companies, which is why we offer tailored corporate benefits: Flat corporate rates for approved guests, making travel budgeting simple and predictable No minimum stays — whether you’re in town for one night or several weeks, we’ve got you covered No block-out dates, so you’ll always have access to your corporate rate when you need to travel Your Home for Business Travel in Coffs Harbour At The Observatory Apartments, we combine the comfort of spacious, fully equipped apartments with the practicality of flexible corporate rates. Whether you’re here for a short-term project, a client visit, or an extended business trip, our accommodation provides the perfect balance of work, relaxation, and convenience. Discover why so many professionals choose us for corporate accommodation in Coffs Harbour — where business travel feels more like home. Reach out to our team HERE to book your corporate stays with us.

Your Perfect Spring Escape

By The Observatory • August 26, 2025
Friday Afternoon - Settle in & Twilight Markets Arrive in Coffs Harbour and check into your apartment overlooking the ocean. After a relaxed afternoon on your balcony, head to Muttonbird Island for a short walk that rewards you with sweeping views of the Solitary Islands. As the sun dips, keep an eye out for whales still migrating along the coast – spring is one of the best times of year for sightings. Finish the evening at the Twilight Food Markets along the foreshore. Enjoy live music, sample dishes from around the world, and soak up the laid-back seaside atmosphere. Saturday – Nature, Adventures and Dinner at Stef & Co Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at one of the local cafés before heading off to explore. Nature lovers will enjoy a stroll through the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens , bursting with colourful spring blooms. For something a little more adventurous, take a trike tour and visit the waterfalls and scenic headlands In the afternoon, wander through Coffs Central for boutique shopping and local produce. In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at Stef & Co , a contemporary dining spot showcasing fresh, seasonal flavours in a relaxed yet stylish setting overlooking Coffs Creek the perfect way to end your Saturday in Coffs. Sunday – Slow Down & Soak It In On your final morning, take a leisurely walk along the beach and visit the Harbourside Markets for unique finds and tasty treats. If time allows, squeeze in a visit to the Solitary Islands Aquarium or simply relax with a coffee in hand, soaking up the spring sunshine before the journey home. Why Spring is the Best Time to Visit Pleasant temperatures perfect for both outdoor adventures and lazy afternoons. Whale watching season still in full swing. Markets, festivals, and events adding colour and energy to the town. Fewer crowds than the peak summer holidays. A spring weekend in Coffs Harbour is all about balance, exploring, relaxing, and enjoying the beauty of the coast. Whether you’re here for adventure or simply to unwind, it’s the kind of place where memories are made. Make your spring getaway extra special by staying with us at The Observatory Apartments - with spacious rooms, ocean views, and the Jetty right on your doorstep, it’s the perfect base for your weekend escape. Book your stay today and start planning your spring adventure!