Best Places to Run in Coffs Harbour
Luke Young • July 22, 2021
Looking to lace up your trainers and enjoy a daytime run during your stay in Coffs Harbour? Here’s our 5 favourite running spots!
1 – Parkrun at Coffs Creek – Runners unite at Parkrun, a non-for-profit organisation where over a hundred participants come together weekly on a Saturday morning to run from Park Beach Reserve to the start of the North Wall and back, twice! It’s a full 5km when you’re finished!
2 – To the South Wall – Start at the tip of the Jetty and make your way south along the foreshores and past the Deep-Sea Fishing Club until you reach the tip of the South Wall with its coloured stones amidst the ocean! 2.6km, each way.
3 – Boambee Beach - Fancy yourself a beach run? Bonus points if you run barefoot! Soak in the sun and enjoy the serene sounds of rolling waves. From one end to another it is an estimated 5.6km, so don’t feel down if you fall short.
4 – Across the Coastline – Coffs is blessed with back-to-back beaches and footpaths climbing the headlands between them. You could run with the ocean by your side all the way from the tip of Boambee Beach out to Emerald if you had the stamina for it! So, mosey on down to the Jetty, hit the sand and run North as far as you please!
5 – Muttonbird Island – Now this is the run you didn’t know you needed! The climb up Muttonbird will have you out of breath, but the rest is flat and it’s all worth it for the view on the other side! Start at the tip of the Jetty and work your way along the North Wall until you reach the other side of Muttonbird. It’s breathtaking, rewarding and 2.2km each way.
Hopefully this blog has helped you pick your next route, and the best part is that each track is just a short walk from The Observatory Self Contained Apartments—it can be your warm-up! If you haven’t yet booked your work trip or holiday in Coffs Harbour yet, why not book with us? Here’s the link to view what’s available.
As the summer heat eases and the crisp, golden hues of autumn take over, Coffs Harbour becomes an outdoor lover’s paradise. Nestled on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, this laid-back coastal town offers the perfect blend of lush hinterland, sparkling beaches, and scenic coastal trails. And if you're a fan of hiking or coastal walks, autumn is hands down the best time to visit. Autumn (March to May) brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for hitting the trails. Daytime temps hover comfortably in the low to mid-20s°C, and the landscape is at its most vibrant. Summer’s intensity fades, but the ocean is still warm enough for a post-walk swim, and the skies are often clear and bright. Whether you're into panoramic views, forested tracks, or breezy ocean strolls, there’s something here for everyone. Here are our top picks: 1, Mutton Bird Island Nature Reserve This short but iconic walk takes you along a breakwall and up to the top of Muttonbird Island, where the view over the harbour and out to the Pacific is absolutely stunning. In autumn, the migratory birds are active, and the sunsets here are something else — think pastel skies and warm ocean breezes. Distance: 600m one way. Easy and perfect for a pre-dinner stroll. 2, Dorrigo National Park About an hour inland from Coffs, world heritage listed Gondwana Rainforest is an absolute must. Autumn is ideal, no summer leeches, fewer mozzies, and the waterfalls are full and flowing flowing. The Wonga Walk takes you past Crystal Shower Falls and Tristania Falls, all under a dense canopy of ancient trees. Bonus: On cooler mornings, mist hovers over the valleys, giving the whole area a magical, otherworldly feel. 3, Solitary Islands Coastal Walk Spanning over 60km, this is one of the best coastal walks in NSW. You don’t need to tackle the whole thing — choose a section between Sawtell, Coffs Creek, or Woolgoolga for a rewarding few hours. The trail weaves past beaches, headlands, and pockets of rainforest, with plenty of opportunities to spot whales (late May onwards), dolphins, and birdlife and stop for a bit to eat in a beachside cafe along the way. Autumn tip: Mornings and late afternoons are beautifully cool, and the golden light makes the ocean views pop. 4, Bongil Bongil National Park A bit under the radar, this park offers lush forest trails, quiet picnic spots, and access to uncrowded beaches. The Bluff Loop walking track is a great option — it’s flat, easy, and meanders through coastal rainforest and paperbark swamp. Autumn brings out the birdsong, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a koala snoozing in the treetops. 5, Sealy Lookout & Forest Sky Pier Just a short drive from the city centre, the Sealy Lookout in Bruxner Park Flora Reserve offers sweeping views over the coastline and the Great Dividing Range. In autumn, the walk through the subtropical rainforest is shaded, peaceful, and rich with birdsong. Don’t miss the Forest Sky Pier — it juts out over the escarpment and gives you that classic “wow” view of Coffs Harbour below. Tip: Perfect for sunrise or sunset for the perfect photo opportunity. Autumn in Coffs Harbour is the sweet spot — not too hot, not too cold, and with nature at its most inviting. Whether you're here for a weekend escape or a longer break, this is the time to dust off your hiking shoes, grab your camera, and explore some of the best coastal and hinterland walks New South Wales has to offer. So go on breathe in the ocean air, listen to the bushland come alive, and fall in love with Coffs this autumn. Book your next escape with us The Observatory Apartments
With the perfect blend of coastal beauty, outdoor adventures, and delicious food, the Coffs Coast is an ideal destination for an Easter long weekend escape. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or your special someone, this four-day itinerary ensures you make the most of your stay. Day 1: Arrival & Sunset at Muttonbird Island Afternoon: Check in and take a deep breath, the fresh ocean air will quickly help you unwind. If you’re staying at The Observatory Apartments, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore the Jetty precinct. Take a leisurely stroll along the Coffs Harbour Marina before embarking on the scenic walk up Muttonbird Island. The panoramic views of the coastline are breathtaking, and if you’re lucky, you may spot dolphins or other sea life enjoying the harbour. Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Latitude 30 , offering fresh seafood and a stunning waterfront setting. Head back to your accommodation for a restful night before a fun-filled weekend ahead. Day 2: Exploring Nature & Adventure Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Supply Specialty Coffee & Bar for delicious coffee and locally sourced dishes. Head to the Solitary Islands Aquarium to get up close with marine life and learn about the rich underwater ecosystem of the region. Afternoon: Drive up to Sealy Lookout and take in breathtaking views from the Forest Sky Pier. For the adventurous, book a ziplining experience with TreeTops Adventure Park . Stop by the Big Banana Fun Park , where kids and kids-at-heart can enjoy toboggan rides, mini-golf, and water slides. Evening: Treat yourself to dinner at The Pav , where a seat on the deck is the perfect location to take in the hustle of nightlife on the Harbour Drive precinct. Day 3: Easter Sunday Celebrations & Relaxation Morning: Kick off your Easter Sunday with a traditional egg hunt! Then head down to the Jetty Harbourside Markets for breaky and some pursing of the market stalls. Afternoon: Head to Dangar Falls for a picturesque picnic and a refreshing dip in the waterfall pool. Evening: For a casual yet memorable Easter Sunday dinner, grab some fresh seafood from the Fisherman's Co-op and enjoy the breathtaking views from your Observatory Apartments balcony. There's no better seat in the house. Day 4: Coastal Walks & Farewell Brunch Morning: Begin your last day with an early morning walk along the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, soaking in the sunrise over the ocean. Enjoy a farewell brunch at Donovan's Surf Club Restaurant & Bar - The butterscotch pancakes are divine! Late Morning: Take one last dip at Jetty Beach or Park Beach before heading home, refreshed and recharged after an unforgettable Easter weekend. Make Your Easter Unforgettable on the Coffs Coast From breathtaking lookouts and family-friendly attractions to delicious dining experiences, Coffs Harbour has everything you need for an Easter long weekend to remember. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply looking to relax, this itinerary ensures you experience the best of the Coffs Coast. Ready to book your Easter escape? CLICK HERE to check out our availability and lock in your Easter escape. What’s your favorite Easter tradition when traveling? Let us know in the comments!
