With The Observatory, It’s All About The Location!

Luke Young • June 21, 2022

For many travellers that head to Coffs Harbour over the year, they love to be close to everything! From the beautiful beaches, to the fantastic restaurants and stunning creek walks, Coffs really does have it all.

 

Which is why The Observatory is the perfect choice for your next trip to Coffs! As the title says, it’s ALL about the location, and we are located amongst it all! To show you just how close we are to everything, we’ve compiled a list of places you can walk in under 5, 10 and 15 minutes and the same for driving.

 

Walking

 

Under 5 minutes

After a big day out exploring and sightseeing, you’ll want nothing more than to get cosy at a restaurant for dinner and we highly recommend Fiasco Restaurant, located 5 minute’s walk from The Observatory. With a warm and cosy atmosphere and delicious meals on offer, you’ll stay warm while you debrief the day and share wonderful holiday stories.

 

Under 10 minutes

 

Coffs Creek Walk – 8 minutes

By heading to the corner of Mildura Street and Harbour Drive, you’ll stumble across the Coffs Creek walking track. It’s 8 minutes walk away and it’s a beautiful walk. There’s also a few spots of green where you could roll out the picnic blanket and soak in the serenity.

 

Under 15 minutes

Muttonbird Island Lookout

Miss this and you’re missing out on an iconic piece of Coffs. This trek starts at the marina and ends on top of the outfacing cliffside of Muttonbird Island, surrounded by ocean. You may even catch glimpse of a whale!

 

Driving

 

Under 5 minutes

Dolphin Marine Conservation Park

The Dolphin Marine Conservation Park is just a mere 3 minutes drive from us! Experience marine animals close up, discover the animal and conservation programs and be inspired to act responsibly every day to care for our marine wildlife.

 

Under 10 minutes

When people think of Coffs Harbour, they almost immediately think of the Big Banana! And, as it’s located less than 10 minutes from The Observatory, it’s the perfect choice for a day trip! From laser tag to waterslides, toboggans and more – it’s THE place to visit in Coffs Harbour and for good reason.

 

Under 15 minutes

Want to get out of Coffs for the day, but don’t want to be stuck in the car for too long? Then Sawtell is a great choice! From pristine beaches, hip cafes and a gorgeous national park, Sawtell is perfect for a day trip. Activities are endless and you could find yourself shopping on First Avenue, kayaking or doing some bush walking in Bongil Bongil National Park. 

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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.