Break the ‘Busyness’ with a Wellness Trip to Coffs

Luke Young • November 28, 2022

For many ‘22 has been a challenging year. And you might even notice over the holidays that the feeling of “busy”, of needing to do something, of a subtle (or not so) work anxiety came on holiday with you.

 

We’d love to share how you could treat a getaway to Coffs Harbour in the new year as a chance to rest, relax and ease yourself into a better mindset for a better year.

 

Location

So, why Coffs? We’re biased–and yet, when COVID crazy town was in full swing, you might have seen on the news that Coffs Harbour remained a little oasis. By the mere spaced apart layout of Coffs Harbour, to the nature of every inhabitant to spend a lot of time outdoors, if you visit, you have the ingredients at your doorstep to unwind.

 

There’s 1001 outdoor spaces where you can immerse in a feeling and live in the moment. Here’s just a few:

 🏝️ Muttonbird Island – where you can conquer a climb and view the coastline

 🌅 The Southern Breakwall — a smooth paved walk to a point that feels like you’re in the middle of the ocean

 🌳 Jetty Foreshores – a hundred spaces to sit, picnic, stroll and gaze

 🏖️ Diggers beach, Sawtell beach, Jetty Harbour, and well… Beautiful beaches!

 ⛵ Marina – with scenic sails & a boardwalk, to boot

 🌄 Headlands – a galore of benches and grassy hill to spot the most scenic sunrises Australia can offer

 

Activities

Vinyasa, day spas, saunas, amazing coffee, ocean swimming, beauty therapy–the list goes on and it grows for the tribes within Coffs Harbour looking to offer a way for you to escape and soothe. Here’s a few of our favourites, though a quick Google search will reveal plenty more…!

 💆🏻 Day Spas – Figtree in Sawtell, Endota in Coffs Harbour

 🍔 Community Markets – Bellingen’s famous ones or Coffs’ Twilight Food Markets

 ☯️ Yoga, Zen & Movement – The Sol Collective, Thrive Pilates

 🚶‍♀️ Walking trails – we’ve got a whole article covering these!

 🏄Sea – Jetty Dive, Lee Winkler’s Surf School, Stand-Up Paddle or Kayak

 🧀 Food – Bite Food Tours, Two Tails Winery

 

Affordability

Both in time and in expense, this trip needn’t be costly for what it’s worth. In a two day get away you could feel rejuvenated. And if an ocean-view balcony, sunlight & comfortable sheets would help: then we can offer rooms or packages to meet your expectations at The Observatory Apartments.

Christmas Holidays are coming.

By The Observatory • December 5, 2025
Christmas is just around the corner and our self-contained apartments, with stunning ocean views, easy access to beautiful beaches are a perfect base for all your coffs coast adventures. We’ve put together five amazing day trips that are perfect for the whole family, or just a relaxing escape for you. Day Trip 1: Chasing Waterfalls - A Scenic Escape to Scouts Falls Just 45 minutes from our apartments, hidden within the lush Sherwood Forest, Scouts Falls is the perfect Christmas holiday adventure. This peaceful spot offers cool freshwater pools, a short rainforest walk, and a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Pack a picnic, bring your swimmers, and spend the day unwinding in nature as you chase one of the Coffs Coast’s most magical waterfalls. Day Trip 2: Culinary Delights - Cheese Making with the Artisan Cheese School For a deliciously different Christmas holiday experience, spend a day learning the art of cheese making at the Artisan Cheese School. Just a short drive from the Jetty, this hands-on workshop teaches you how to craft beautiful cheeses from scratch while sampling fresh local flavours along the way. It’s the perfect slow-paced, creative escape ideal for couples, food lovers, or anyone wanting to try something new during their Coffs Coast getaway. Day Trip 3: Beach Days – Sun, Sand & Simple Summer Magic at Jetty Beach Nothing says Christmas holidays like a long, lazy beach day. Pack an umbrella, plenty of sunscreen, and a picnic basket, then wander down to stunning Jetty Beach, just moments from your apartment. With calm waters, soft sand, and those iconic jetty views, it’s the perfect spot to swim, relax, read a book, or simply soak up the sunshine. Day Trip 4: Trike Tour - Rainforests, Beaches & Pure Adventure Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure aboard a Boom Mustang Trike. Feel the cool breeze on your face as you cruise through lush rainforests, past pristine beaches , and some of the Coffs Coast’s most breathtaking scenery. This scenic tour is equal parts thrill and relaxation, an exciting way to explore the region from a whole new perspective during your Christmas holiday escape. Day Trip 5: A Day of Adventure at the Big Banana – Fun for All Ages No Christmas holiday on the Coffs Coast is complete without a visit to the iconic Big Banana. Spend the day zooming down water slides, racing on the toboggan track, and experiencing the brand-new roller coaster that winds its way through the banana plantation. Packed with fun for kids and adults alike, it’s the perfect way to add a little thrill and plenty of laughter to your festive getaway. After each day of adventure, come back and relax in our self-contained apartments with stunning ocean views. Just minutes from the best local restaurants and cafes, you can refuel for your next day of exploration, or simply unwind and soak in the sunset over the water. With everything you need right at your doorstep, your Christmas holiday in Coffs Harbour will be unforgettable.

Pedal the Coast - The Best Bike Riding Tracks in Coffs Harbour

By The Observatory • November 18, 2025
Coffs Harbour is made for exploring on two wheels. With our unique mix of coastline, creeks, forest trails and scenic pathways, riders of all ages and skill levels will find a track to fall in love with. Whether you’re here for a relaxing beachside break, a family holiday, or an active couple’s escape, cycling is one of the best ways to see the Coffs Coast at its finest. 1. The Coffs Creek & Harbour Loop Perfect for: Families, casual riders, morning cruisers, photography lovers This scenic loop is one of Coffs Harbour’s most accessible and enjoyable rides. The track follows the curves of Coffs Creek, passing through mangroves, boardwalk sections, shady pockets and open foreshore pathways. It’s relatively flat and perfect for all confidence levels. Highlights: Easy riding with beautiful water views Passes the Jetty Foreshore, Park Beach, Botanic Garden and CBD Great for spotting wildlife and enjoying quiet morning rides 2. Jetty to Sawtell Ride Perfect for: Couples, relaxed riders, families, café-hoppers This is a stunning, easy-to-moderate ride that begins right from our doorstep. Guests can follow the network of shared paths and quiet coastal trails heading south toward Sawtell. With a mix of creekside sections, leafy pathways and flat cycle tracks, it’s a smooth and enjoyable journey suitable for most ages. Once in Sawtell, riders can enjoy a relaxed lunch on the iconic main street, packed with cafés, boutique eateries and beautiful shady fig trees, making it a perfect ride-and-restaurant outing. Highlights: Direct access from our apartments Safe shared paths most of the way Plenty of scenic spots to stop for photos A delicious lunch reward at Sawtell’s popular cafés and restaurants This ride is ideal for guests wanting a gentle adventure without needing a mountain bike or car 3. The Sawmill – Pine Creek State Forest (Advanced) Perfect for: Experienced mountain bikers For those who love technical riding, The Sawmill in Pine Creek State Forest offers blue-rated trails with challenging features, flowing descents and a deep-forest atmosphere. Riders wanting a high-adrenaline experience will love this network. Highlights: Technical features and single-track riding Fast sections mixed with climbs and drops Loved by the local mountain biking community Best suited to confident riders with proper gear and experience. 4. Cascade Mountain Bike Trail Perfect for: Couples, older riders, relaxed adventurers Located in Cascade National Park, this peaceful gravel ride is perfect for riders who want to connect with nature without technical difficulty. With gentle undulation and beautiful forest scenery, it’s an excellent choice for a quiet morning ride. Highlights: Wide gravel trail suitable for hybrid or gravel bikes Calm, scenic and low-impact Gorgeous forest outlooks and opportunities for wildlife spotting A great option for guests looking to escape into nature for a few hours. 5. Road Cycling & Scenic Coastal Routes Perfect for: Fitness riders, long-distance cyclists For guests bringing their own bikes or hiring locally, Coffs Harbour offers lovely early-morning coastal stretches and rolling hinterland roads. There are several scenic on-road routes where riders can take in ocean breezes, river crossings and quiet rural views. Stay With Us for Your Cycling Getaway After a few hours of pedalling, our guests love returning to comfort and coastal views. Spacious self-contained apartments with full kitchens Private east-facing balconies to relax after a ride Spa apartments for soothing tired legs Walking distance to the Jetty Foreshore, where many rides begin Short stroll to the best Restaurants and Cafes Plan Your Pedal-Perfect Stay Whether you’re cruising along Coffs Creek, pedalling down to Sawtell for lunch, or exploring forest trails, Coffs Harbour offers something for every rider. Book your stay at The Observatory Apartments and make cycling part of your summer adventure. If you’d like help choosing a route or want recommendations for bike hire, our team is here to help.