October Long Weekend Coffs Escape Itinerary Sorted!

Luke Young • August 29, 2022

The October long weekend is one that elicits excitement in a lot of us. The impending summer, the change to daylight savings and the general buzz of the upcoming Christmas holidays.

 

If you just can’t wait until Christmas for a quick Coffs getaway, then we highly recommend booking for this long weekend coming up. In fact, we’ve made it super easy for you by providing you with an itinerary, so all you have to do is book your accommodation and turn up!

 

Friday evening

Arrive and check in at The Observatory. Settle in, unpack and then head to Tahruah Thai & Vietnamese Restaurant around the corner for some well-deserved dinner.

 

Saturday

After a really great sleep in (the sound of the ocean will do that to you!) start the day with a hearty breakfast at Old John’s. With great coffee and an excellent selection of delicious breakfasts, it’s only a short 2 minute walk from The Observatory.

 

From there, make your way to the Coffs Harbour Buskers and Comedy Festival, and enjoy a day being entertained.

 

If you’re still hungry after that brekkie, you can pick up some decadent OMG Donuts, located in Cinema Walk Arcade.

 

Continue to explore the Coffs CBD and the Buskers and Comedy Festival, then make time for another coffee and lunch at Lady A Café.

 

Before you leave the CBD to head back to your apartment, pick up some supplies from Fresco Marketplace to put together the most amazing antipasto plate. Fresco’s deli has a huge range of deli meats and cheeses, as well as olives, tapenades, quinces and jellies.

 

Unwind back at your apartment by enjoying a glass of wine or beer (we stock a great range of local options at Reception) and antipasto platter on your private balcony.

 

Keep the holiday buzz happening by booking in for dinner at Fiasco Restaurant, located about 5 minutes walk from The Observatory. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine including some of the best pizza and pasta on the Coffs Coast!

 

Retire back to the apartment for a good night’s sleep.


Sunday

 

Time to try another fantastic café on the Jetty Strip for your breakfast, and we think Urban Espresso Lounge fits the bill! After a good feed and even better coffee, it’s time to head down to the Jetty for the Sunday Harbourside Market’s! These markets offer a huge range of unique art and craft, local produce, delicious food and a great range of beverages. You’ll also enjoy fun and entertainment with loads of activities, live music and more!


After you’ve spent enough time perusing the market stalls, it’s time to enjoy a coastal walk from the markets along Ocean Parade. Take your time and enjoy the sights of the beautiful Coffs Coast as you make your way to Ernie’s Kitchen for lunch. Enjoy food with an Aussie Vibe and relax on their outdoor deck as you watch the world pass by


Time to get your culture on by visiting the National Cartoon Gallery where there are two amazing exhibitions happening. Behind The Lines, a broad selection of political cartoons from around Australia and a comprehensive collection of works from iconic cartoonist Emile Mercier.


After an enjoyable afternoon wandering around the National Cartoon gallery, head back to your apartment and enjoy some downtime before dinner. Read a book, enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony or have a short nap!


Dinner and cocktails is next at Element Bar, right around the corner on the Jetty Strip! With fantastic ambiance and a vast selection of cocktails, gather upstairs for a pre-dinner cocktail before heading downstairs for an unbeatable dinner. 

 

Monday


The final day of your long weekend Coffs getaway! Today is a day to wind down and enjoy a more relaxed morning before you head back home.


Get up early and enjoy a short morning stroll to Supply for breakfast before heading off for the Coffs Creek Walk! Whether you do the full walk or just a portion of it, it’s a fantastic way to soak up the beautiful natural surrounds of Coffs Harbour.


Time to head back to the accommodation, pack, check out and make your way back home.


To find out more about our different apartments, visit the Accommodation page.

The Humpback Highway, Coffs Harbour

By The Observatory • May 3, 2025
Don't Bypass the Humpback Highway this June. Each year The Coffs Coast becomes a prime location to witness the majestic migration of humpback whales. Starting in June, these gentle giants begin their journey from the cold Antarctic waters to the warmer breeding grounds in the north, passing close to the shores of Coffs Harbour. Top Whale Watching Vantage Points. Coffs Harbour offers several excellent spots for whale watching, whether you prefer land-based viewing or boat tours. Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve (Giidany Miirlarl) Located in the heart of Coffs Harbour, Muttonbird Island provides panoramic views of the ocean and is a prime vantage point for whale watching. Woolgoolga Headland. Just north of Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga Headland offers elevated views, making it one of the best spots for observing whales breaching close to shore. Look At Me Now Headland (Emerald Beach) This coastal headland is not only famous for its free-roaming kangaroos but also provides excellent whale watching opportunities during the migration season. Sawtell Headland. Located just south of Coffs Harbour, Sawtell Headland offers grassy picnic spots with both northern and southern views, ideal for spotting migrating whales. The Observatory Apartments. If you would prefer the comfort of home, sitting on your own private balcony spotting the whales as they cruise past the harbour. Whale Watching Tours Whale Watch Experience Operating from June to November, they offer daily cruises at 8:30 am and 11:00 am aboard the "Pacific Explorer," accommodating up to 23 guests for an intimate experience . Jetty Dive Known for their super fast and comfortable boat "Mega Wild," they provide adventure whale watch trips, getting you to the whales quickly and ensuring a thrilling experience, offering 2 - 3 trips a day. If you are brave enough you can also swim with the giants of the sea with Jetty Dive. Whether you're a local or a visitor, witnessing the humpback whale migration in Coffs Harbour is an unforgettable experience. From the serene vantage points on land to the exhilarating boat tours, there's an option for everyone to connect with these magnificent creatures. Don't forget to bring your binoculars, camera, and a sense of wonder as you partake in this annual natural spectacle. Book your next stay with us in our Ocean View Apartments or Ocean View Studios and we will put binoculars in your room for the best viewing from your balcony.

Coffs Harbour - Best Eco - Tourism Destination in New South Wales

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.