Top 5 Accessible Activities in Coffs Harbour

Luke Young • September 16, 2021

As the weather warms up, most people are busy planning their spring/summer getaway! With many of us requiring accessible accommodation when travelling, we thought it was high time we put together our list of 5 accessible activities to do around Coffs Harbour!


And while we’ve only listed 5 below, you can get a full range of accessible activities in Coffs by heading here: https://www.coffscoast.com.au/accessible-attractions-activities/


BCC Cinemas Coffs Harbour

For those that love the cinema, or just wish to escape a rainy day, BCC Cinemas welcomes people with all access needs. For those with vision and hearing loss, two cinemas are equipped with Closed Caption and Audio Description. Accessible parking is available along with a wheelchair ramp at the complex and no stairs at cinema level. To find out more about BCC Cinemas go HERE


The Big Banana Fun Park

Nothing says ‘Coffs Harbour’ more than the Big Banana Fun Park! Spend the day enjoying all the activities on offer. All amenities have braille on the doors and pavers and market mats at all stairs and are accessible by wheelchair. Ramps, wide doorways and handrails are provided where necessary. The Big Banana Fun Park staff have all been trained in disability awareness and offer accessible parking, information and photos. To find out more go HERE


Sherwood Archery

If you’re after an activity that’s a bit different, then Sherwood Archery is a must! All staff at Sherwood Archery are trained in disability awareness and welcome all people with access needs. Access is via a flat, concrete area with accessible parking. They welcome and assist those who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. To find out more, go HERE


Coffs Central Sculpture & Artwork Trail

Enjoy a day soaking up the culture and arts in the Coffs Harbour CBD! Take a journey through Coffs Central’s curated selection of works from Bondi’s Sculptures by the Sea and local artists work commissioned by the Gowings Whale Trust and Coffs Central. Catering for the vision and hearing impaired, to those with communication difficulty and physical/mobility difficulty, you can find out more about the Trail and accessibility features here


Studio M Medi Spa

What better way to finish an action-packed day, than winding down with a deluxe massage, facial, manicure or pedicure! Catering to those who use a wheelchair, with large doors and wide doorways, as well as those with limited physical mobility. Accessible parking on site, with staff highly trained in disability awareness. To find out more go HERE


The Observatory is proud to offer an Easy Access room type, which allows ground floor access, a walk in shower and fantastic views. To find out more about these rooms or to book, go HERE or give us a call on 02 6650 0462

By The Observatory April 19, 2025
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.
By The Observatory April 5, 2025
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