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.

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.

A Grand Adventure - Where Grandparents and Grandkids create coastal memories

By The Observatory • November 7, 2025
There’s something truly special about the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, the laughter, the storytelling, and those simple, joy-filled moments spent together. So why not make some new memories on a multi-generational getaway. Just the grandparents and the grandkids, right here in beautiful Coffs Harbour. Travel Made Easy Leave the car at home and make the journey part of the adventure by catching the train to Coffs Harbour. Kids will love watching the changing scenery along the coast, and grandparents can sit back, relax, and enjoy a stress-free trip. Once you arrive, our apartments are just across the road from the station for your convenience, everything you need is right here within walking distance of the Jetty precinct, cafés, and the beach. It’s the perfect way to slow down, travel sustainably, and start your holiday as soon as you step aboard. Stay in Comfort and Ease Our spacious ground-floor apartments are designed with comfort and convenience in mind. With no stairs to navigate, they’re perfect for little legs and for grandparents who prefer easy access. Each apartment includes full kitchen facilities, so you can whip up breakfast together or enjoy a relaxed dinner after a big day of exploring. Step outside onto your private patio to enjoy the morning sunshine, or relax in the cool sea breeze in the evening — it’s a peaceful space to connect, chat, and plan the next day’s adventures. Jetty Beach and Foreshore Fun Just a short stroll from our apartments, Jetty Beach is calm, protected, and perfect for swimming or building sandcastles. Bring a picnic, watch the boats come in, and enjoy an ice cream together from one of the local cafés along the foreshore. North Coast Regional Botanical Gardens A lovely, peaceful outing for all ages. Wander the shady paths, spot colourful birds, and perhaps pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake. The easy walking trails make it ideal for prams or those wanting a leisurely stroll. The Playhouse playground When it’s time to burn off some energy, head to The Playhouse, an indoor play centre where the grandkids can climb, slide, and explore in a safe, air-conditioned space. There’s a café on-site too, so grandparents can relax with a coffee while keeping an eye on the fun. Harbourside Markets If you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss the Harbourside Markets. With live music, handmade crafts, and delicious treats, it’s a wonderful way to spend a relaxed morning. Let the grandkids pick a special souvenir to take home as a reminder of your trip. Relax and Recharge After a day of fun, return to your comfortable ground-floor apartment. Cook up a family-favorite meal in your full kitchen, or head out to one of the many nearby family-friendly restaurants. Play a board game, watch a movie, or simply enjoy a quiet cuppa while the kids wind down. Make Memories to Last a Lifetime Spending time together without the parents can be a special adventure for both generations filled with stories, giggles, and shared experiences that will be remembered for years to come. Catch the train, leave the car behind, and stay in our easy-access, fully self-contained apartments the perfect base for a relaxing, fun-filled coastal escape for grandparents and grandkids alike.