5 Markets You Can’t Miss in Coffs Harbour and Surrounds

Luke Young • April 26, 2021

When you stay in a region like the Coffs Coast with a beautiful environment and close-knit community culture, you simply can’t miss out on participating in some of the locally hosted events. In the summer seasons, these often appear as markets, and this blog shares the 5 must-sees for a memorable visit:



  1. Twilight Food Markets
    When the weather permits, you’ll find the Twilight Food Market open every Friday evening at Park Beach down where beautiful Coffs Creek meets the sea. It’s a delightful scene filled with food tents and trucks, packed with people, pets and picnic blankets, and swimming with the sounds of local musicians.
  2. Bellingen Community Markets

Held every 3rd Saturday of the month and often boasting over 200 fantastic stalls, you’ll find countless crafts, collectibles, bric-a-brac, food and live musicians sprawled throughout this spirited scene within the beautiful Bellingen. It’s welcome to all and well worth the drive!

  1. Harbourside Markets

Each Sunday from 8am to 2pm aside the historic, iconic Jetty is where you’ll find a collection of art, food, jewellery, clothing, beauty, lifestyle, plants and more amidst a circle of stalls. It’s all locally made and grown ensuring a unique one-of-a-kind experience and you’re welcome to bring some chairs and picnic blankets to sit in the sun and take it all in.

  1. Made with Love Markets

Don’t miss this quarterly event next held on the 28th of Feb 2021! Truly established as a favourite among locals because of the kooky, handcrafted products up for sale. Roughly 100 stallholders sell their pottery, plants, soap, upcycled sculpture, artwork, clothes, toys, woodwork, cupcakes, tea and more so it’s a rare experience where all of Coffs’ creatives come out from their hidey holes to share the story and process behind their products with you!

  1. Dorrigo Community Markets

An excellent excuse to drive up Waterfall Way to visit the beautiful Dorrigo for a day trip! From 8:30 to noon on the first Saturday every month, locals and regional marketeers gather to offer fresh-made goodies for your delight! Follow-up with a café coffee or bushwalk through nature and you’ll have seen a side to the Coffs Coast you’d never expect.


By The Observatory September 11, 2025
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.
By The Observatory August 26, 2025
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!