Wonderful Water Activities & What to Bring!
Luke Young • Apr 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!
Let us take you on a journey from Woolgoolga in the North to Sawtell in the South to uncover the stunning cultural heritage of Coffs Harbour. Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Corindi Beach Yarrawarra is located in the homelands of the Garby Elders and the Gumbaynggirr People. The Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre includes a bush tucker cafe, Indigenous Art Gallery, Monthly Cultural Programs, Aboriginal Art Classes and Story Sessions. This space is proudly open to the public so that they can learn about and enjoy Gumbaynggirr culture, art and history. Sikh Heritage Museum in Woolgoolga A warm and welcoming space showcasing the traditional and religious life of the Sikh people in Australia. The exhibits contain information on the Sikh understanding of the origins of the universe, the lives and teachings of the Ten Gurus, the Sikh empire, Sikhs in the world wars, the Sikh ANZAC contribution, the first migration of Sikhs to Australia and finally, the establishment of a Sikh community in Woolgoolga. Yarrila Arts and Museum Located in the heart of our City Centre, YAM boasts five exhibition spaces hosting national and local touring exhibitions such as the Archibald Prize and STILL: National Still Life Award. It’s home to a permanent display, Yaamanga Around Here, which explores the history and identity of the Coffs Coast through themes of place, community and belonging, with Gumbaynggirr culture at its heart. Take your exploration of YAM outdoors with a visit to the South Solitary Island Lighthouse Optic. A beacon of safety for sailors it was New South Wales' most isolated lighthouse on South Solitary Island between 1880-1975. It has been painstakingly restored in its new location upon the Jetty Foreshores where it now sits in sight of the ocean. Jetty Memorial Theatre The Jetty Memorial Theatre serves as an important arts hub and performance venue for the Coffs Coast region. Showcasing a range of local, state and international shows including musical theatre, comedy, musicians and productions, movie screenings and more. Sawtell Art Gallery To finish your cultural journey of the Coffs Coast head to Sawtell Art Gallery where you can participate in arts classes or enjoy monthly exhibitions. Then head down treelined First Ave and explore a wide variety of beautiful boutiques and cafes that all add to the tapestry of Sawtell. Ready to pack your bags and journey through the Coffs Coast? The Observatory is located in Coffs Harbour Jetty and the perfect base for your next cultural adventure. Check out our rooms HERE and book your getaway today.
With the Easter long weekend fast approaching, what better way to celebrate than in the beautiful coastal town of Coffs Harbour? With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and iconic attractions like the Big Banana and The Coffs Jetty , Coffs Harbour sets the stage for an unforgettable holiday with your loved ones. Join us as we embark on a sweet Easter getaway filled with excitement, relaxation, and plenty of chocolate eggs! For a relaxing start to your getaway Wake up to the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore and breathe in the fresh sea air. Start your day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the ocean, or why not visit one of the nearby cafes for a tasty treat. After breakfast, head to one of Coffs Harbour's pristine beaches for a day of sun, sand, and surf. Park Beach and Jetty Beach are perfect choices, offering golden sands and clear waters ideal for swimming and exploring. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon lounging under the sun or exploring the coastline on a scenic coastal walk. Kick off your second day with an adrenaline-pumped adventure at the iconic Big Banana Fun Park . Test your skills in the brand new panic rooms or the thrilling rides like the famous Giant Slide and the exciting Toboggan Ride. Don't forget to snap a photo with the Big Banana monument. If you still have some energy left head on up to the The Treetops Adventures and take in the breathtaking beauty of The Orara State Forest from high above the treetops. Wrap up your day with a visit to the Coffs Harbour Marina, where you can indulge in fresh seafood from The Fisherman Co-Op . Savor the flavors of the sea as you toast to another unforgettable day in paradise. On Easter Sunday, start your day with a traditional Easter egg hunt and Witness the joy on children's faces as they search for hidden treasures left by the Easter Bunny. After the egg hunt, head over to Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary for an interactive and educational wildlife encounter. Get up close and personal with rescued marine wildlife as you learn about their behaviors and the conservation efforts of the sanctuary. From relaxing beach days to thrilling outdoor excursions and festive celebrations, this coastal paradise offers something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or quality time with loved ones, Coffs Harbour is the perfect destination for an unforgettable Easter holiday getaway. 🐰🌴
