Christmas Day in Coffs Harbour

Dec 19, 2023

We have taken the hard work out of your Coffs Harbour Christmas Day planning and compiled a cheat sheet of dining and activity options for Christmas Day to ensure the whole family is left feeling relaxed, jolly and deliciously full. 

 

Dining Out

Some local restaurants and cafés offer special Christmas menus. Given the popularity of Christmas events, making reservations or inquiring about Christmas lunch options in advance, especially for restaurants advisable. 


Beach Picnic

Take advantage of the beautiful coastal setting by organizing a Christmas picnic at one of the local beaches or parks. If you are staying with us over the Christmas period head to reception and enquire about hiring one of our picnic baskets that comes fully equipped with plates, cutlery, glasses and a banket to make your picnic extra comfortable. Check out the delicious options below to fill your basket with  festive treats. 

  1. Fresh sourdough and pastries from Peach & Wolf  
  2. Seafood from the local Fisherman’s co-op  
  3. Fresh Salads from the Happy Frog


Barbecue in a Park 

Coffs Harbour has several parks equipped with barbecue facilities. You can bring your own food and have a relaxed Christmas barbecue with family and friends. 



Local Markets 

Watch the Santa’s Parade on the 24th of December at Harbourside Market. Be at the markets at 10am in your Christmas bling to join Santa in his phantasmagorical Christmas Parade with bagpipes, drums and more! All ages are welcome to dress up and participate including your fur family as well! Small gifts and prizes will be awarded to all children who join Santa’s parade and best-dressed wins a prize! 


DIY Christmas Feast 

If you prefer a homemade meal, you can prepare a Christmas feast yourself. Local supermarkets and markets will have all the ingredients you need. Consider local seafood for a fresh coastal touch. Why not plan in advance and make an online grocery order and have it delivered to the apartments on your day of arrival Our friendly staff can have it loaded into your room for your arrival (just make sure you select a delivery time after 2pm)


Our apartments are fully self-contained with full kitchen facilities for you to whip up your favourite Christmas dishes.


Coffs Jetty Carnival & NYE Fireworks 

The Coffs Jetty Carnival is back for 2023/2024! Thrill rides for every member of the family. Dagwood dogs and sideshow alley under the romantic glow. New Years Eve fireworks at 9.30pm


Please note: information is correct at time of publishing. Always check with local establishments for the most up-to-date information and availability. 

Winter Wildlife Encounters: Exploring Coffs Harbour's Natural Wonders

15 May, 2024
Thinking of a wintery getaway? With average daily temperatures in the low 20s and stunning attractions to enjoy, winter is the perfect time to visit Coffs Harbour. Plus take advantage of low season deals to visit some of our best wildlife encounters. Whale Watching Adventures with Jetty Dive Winter marks the annual migration of humpback whales along the east coast of Australia, and Coffs Harbour is perfectly positioned for unforgettable whale watching experiences. Join Jetty Dive between June and October for an exhilarating whale watching tour and set sail along the pristine coastline in search of these majestic marine giants. From the deck of your boat, you'll have the opportunity to witness awe-inspiring displays of breaching, tail-slapping, and spy-hopping as the whales make their journey north to warmer waters. If being on the water isn’t your thing The Observatory Apartments are perfectly located to Whale Watch from your balcony – ask our friendly reception team for a pair of binoculars and our cheat sheet on how to spot breaching whales. Discover the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the region's diverse wildlife. Every day the Sanctuary team strives to engage and inspire visitors to protect local animals and their environment through education and unique experiences. The sanctuary is home to many marine animals including Indo-Pacific bottle-nose dolphins, Australian sea lions, a colony of little blue penguins, green sea turtles, freshwater turtles, and a variety of local fish species. The sanctuary is just a short walk from the Observatory Apartments and the perfect way to spend a day with the whole family. A Fluttering Experience at the Butterfly House Step into a world of enchantment at the Butterfly House, where thousands of vibrant butterflies flutter amidst lush tropical gardens. Located in the heart of Coffs Harbour, this magical sanctuary offers visitors the chance to witness these delicate creatures up close as they dance through the air. Winter is an ideal time to visit, as the warm and humid environment inside the Butterfly House provides a welcome escape from the cooler outdoor temperatures. Lose yourself in the beauty of nature as you wander among the colorful blooms and marvel at the intricate patterns of the butterflies' wings. Get Up Close with Reptiles at Steve McEwan's Reptile World For those with a fascination for the scaly and slithery, Steve McEwan's Reptile World offers an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with a diverse range of reptiles. Brave visitors can even participate in thrilling hands-on experiences, such as holding a python or getting to know a friendly blue-tongue lizard. Winter in Coffs Harbour is a time of unparalleled natural beauty and wildlife encounters. So why wait? Bundle up and embark on an unforgettable journey through Coffs Harbour's winter wonderland today. The Observatory Apartments is centrally located in the Jetty Precinct offering the perfect base for your next adventure. Check out our availability HERE , we can’t wait to see you!

Take a Cultural Journey of Coffs Harbour

By The Observatory • 10 Apr, 2024
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. 
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