Nine Nature Spots You Should Know in Coffs and Surrounds!
Luke Young • April 26, 2021
After some naturalistic destinations to feel the fresh air and uncover Coffs’ hidden offerings? Here’s our best recommendations:
- Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve Walk – Miss this and you’re missing out on an iconic piece of Coffs. This trek starts at the marina and ends atop the outfacing cliffside of Muttonbird Island, surrounded by ocean. You may even catch glimpse of a whale! Here’s a link to more info.
- North Coast Regional Botanic Garden – Picturesque scenery is ever on display at this locale. From mangroves and forests, to globally styled gardens and wetland. Take your family and bring a camera! Here’s a link to their site.
- Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) – it’s simply the best view of town! Just 15m North of Coffs, you’ll find the unforgettable Forest Sky Pier, gifting you a pleasant panorama, with an undercover picnic area! Here’s a link to more info.
- Coffs Creek and Harbour Loop – Experience iconic regional flora and fauna upon the pleasant Coffs Creek in a jumble of road, dirt and boardwalk. Plenty of small loops to trek, but for those more determined the whole track takes 2hrs. Here’s a link to more info.
- Macaulay’s Headland & Beach – Embark upon on a stroll atop headland over to the gorgeous Diggers Beach. Plenty of spots to take a snap or stop for a snack, and a view of Coffs rivalled only with a chopper! Here’s a link to more info.
- Ulidarra National Park – Sprawling forest with history in its every stump! See the birds, picnic by the water and all-in-all stunning surrounds. Here’s a link to more info.
- Gumgali Track – A picturesque trail in the close-by suburb of Korora which blends the local historic Gymbayggirr culture with the flora and fauna. Embrace the art on display and keep an eye out for Goannas! Here’s a link to more info.
- Dorrigo National Park – An incredible, lush rainforest walk located 1hr inland. It features excellent picnic spots and waterfall walks, plus a one-of-a-kind boardwalk atop the rainforest itself for unforgettable views and perhaps a new profile picture! Here’s a link to more info.
- Bindarri National Park – Explore hidden treasure hideaways of old-growth forest in the mountains just 20km from Coffs. It’s a serene experience fluttered with local wildlife! Here’s a link to more info.
You’ve now got all the knowledge of the best spots around Coffs Harbour, so take to adventure! And if you’ve not yet booked your stay on the Coffs Coast, consider booking with us here at The Observatory Holiday Apartments, located just moments away from the CBD and beautiful beaches. We offer 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom ocean view apartments, so if you’d like to enquire about our room availability then please give us a ring on 02 6650 0462.
Coffs Coast has been globally recognised as an ECO Destination by Ecotourism Australia, surrounded by lush, heritage-listed national parks that form part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, and the Solitary Island Marine Park. Solitary Island Marine Park One of Coffs Harbour’s crown jewels is the Solitary Islands Marine Park , the oldest and one of the largest marine parks in New South Wales. Stretching over 75 km of pristine coastline, this protected area is where tropical and temperate waters meet creating one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in Australia. Snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs, swim alongside turtles, rays, and over 500 species of fish, or take a whale-watching cruise during the migration season. This marine sanctuary is not only a dream for underwater adventurers, but also a prime example of sustainable marine conservation in action. Heritage Listed National Parks Beyond the coastline, Coffs Harbour is surrounded by lush, heritage-listed national parks that form part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Some must-visit spots include: Bindarri National Park - A remote and rugged escape with rainforest-cloaked valleys and crystal-clear creeks perfect for bushwalking and picnicking. Bongil Bongil National Park - A coastal forest where you can spot koalas in the treetops and paddle through mangrove-lined estuaries. Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve - Muttonbird Island offers spectacular views of the Solitary Islands and is great spot for whale watching in the heart of Coffs Harbour. Rich Aboriginal Cultural connections Eco-tourism here goes hand-in-hand with respect for Indigenous culture. Visitors can take part in authentic cultural experiences with Gumbaynggirr guides. Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours - Stand up paddle boarding exploring the creeks and wetlands on Gumbaynggirr country. Walk along the Gumgali Track at Sealy Lookout, which tells Dreaming stories through art and interpretive signage. Whether you're hiking through ancient rainforests, swimming in clear blue waters, or learning about the deep cultural roots of the region, Coffs Harbour offers an eco-holiday that nourishes both the soul and the planet. Travel light, tread gently, and let nature lead the way on the Coffs Coast.
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
