Wonderful Water Activities & What to Bring!
Luke Young • April 26, 2021
In the midst of summer our Coffs Coast begs you to splash about our cool fresh and salt waters! Here’s a variety of ways you can do so solo, with friends or family, as well as a list of things you’ll kick yourself if you forget to pack!
Before you embark on our list of activities, it’s essential to know what to bring! We all know that last-minute scramble, so here’s your tailor-made cure!
- Sunscreen (at least SPF 30).
- Waterside footwear (thongs or sandals always gets a workout).
- Sun-safe Hat & breathable long-sleeve shirt (vital protection for long periods of exposure or for walking from point A to B).
- Togs, goggles, kids’ floaties and the other essentials you already own (avoid wasting your money and panic-purchasing replacements).
- Backpacks, day bags, a beach bag and beach towels (often forgotten, always useful).
- Sunnies (headaches, no more!).
- Reusable shopping bags (separate wet or dirty clothes from your other gear).
- Lip balm (so they don’t crack like popcorn!).
- Aloe-vera (sunburn sucks! You’ll thank yourself for this ice-cold relief).
- Water bottles (it’s hard to dodge dehydration, so get a few and fill ‘em up!).
- Zip lock bags (what?! We know, it’s a lifesaver’s trick – place your smart phone inside a transparent zip-lock sandwich bag and you’ve got a water and sand proof phone, usable through the plastic).
Now you’re packed, let’s hit the water! Here are our recommendations:
- Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddle boarding – Safe, slow and scenic. Our picks are C-Change Adventures, and Bellingen Canoe Adventures.
- Fishing Trips – Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced fisherman, fishing trips for everyone are available at Coffs Harbour Fishing Charters.
- Surfing – Three great picks for surf schools on our coastline: East Coast Surf School, Lee Winkler’s Surf School and Solitary Islands Surf School. You can’t go wrong!
- Jet Ski – That’s right, Coffs Jet Ski Hire offers thrilling, family-friendly jet ski rides with no licence required or minimum age to ride. 16’s and up can even go solo!
- Water Park – In recent years the Big Banana’s really stepped a notch. An amazing day guaranteed at the iconic Big Banana Water Park!
- Snorkelling, Diving & Whale Watching – Jetty Dive is your go-to. Scuba diving and whale-watching is prime in our waters!
- Swimming Pool – After a simple swim? Coffs Harbour War Memorial Olympic Pool features a fully stocked café and wet play area with soft fall pad for the kidlets. Otherwise just keep it low key and stay in at The Observatory Holiday Apartments, we have a shaded pool area for our guests to enjoy!
- Beaches – Such a classic way to spend the day! Park Beach is perfect to plant your sun-brella, drop your beach bag (keep an eye on it!) and swim safely between the flags under the supervision of our lifeguards. For more information about patrolled beaches in Coffs, go here.
So, we’ve laid the groundwork, it’s now up to you to choose what jumps at you and pack for success! If you’ve not yet booked a summer holiday here on the Coffs Coast, then we invite you to stay with at The Observatory Holiday Apartments! We have 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom ocean view apartments available to book, with the beautiful beach on our doorstep. Call us on 02 6650 0462 to enquire about what rooms we have available for you!
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 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.
