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.

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.
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.