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!
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.
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!
