Plan your 2024 Coffs Harbour Family Holiday
Luke Young • November 23, 2023
Thinking about taking a break after the chaos of Christmas and heading on your family holiday in January? Look no further than Coffs Harbour, just 6hrs from Sydney or 4hrs from Brisbane it is the perfect location to spend a week to recoup before 2024 really kicks into gear.
Here's our top recommendations for a four night visit:
Day 1: Arrive in Coffs Harbour
- Arrive in Coffs Harbour and check into your accommodation at the Observatory apartments. We have a range of room options to suit every family.
- Get your bearings by heading out for a walk down to Jetty Beach, along the break wall and out to Muttonbird Island.
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or check out the Friday night Twilight Food Markets at Park Beach Reserve (weather permitting).
Day 2: Beach Day and Butterfly House
- Start your day with a visit to the Coffs Harbour Jetty, a popular spot for a morning stroll and quick dip. Daze Coffee is perfect spot for a coffee and light breakfast
- Head to the Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, a fascinating and family-friendly attraction. Learn about various species of butterflies and admire the lush gardens.
- Afterward, you can have a picnic lunch in the garden or enjoy a nearby cafe.
Day 3: Explore the Rainforest
- This is the day to hop on the "Rainforest Rattler" scenic train. (Make sure you check train times as they are only in Coffs for a limited time each January)
- Enjoy the breathtaking views of the countryside, lush rainforests, and possibly some waterfalls along the way.
- Feeling up to a short, picturesque drive today? Head to Dorrigo and explore the National Park, including the Rainforest Centre, and various walking trails.
- After a busy day out and about grab a seafood platter from the Fisherman's Co-op and relax on the balcony overlooking amazing ocean views.
Day 4: Big Banana Fun Park
- Visit the iconic Big Banana Fun Park, which offers various attractions and activities for the family, including a water park, ice skating, and a giant slide.
- Have lunch at the park's cafe and enjoy a banana split while getting an iconic photo in front of the Big Banana.
- Take the afternoon to unwind and relax, try fishing at the Jetty or grab a picnic basket from reception and enjoy one of our many beautiful headland lookouts.
Day 5: Final Moments
- You can't go past the Butterscotch Pancakes at Coffs Harbour Surf Club before heading home. The view is unreal and will have you missing Coffs already.
Remember to book your accommodation and any train tickets well in advance, especially if you plan to take the "Rainforest Rattler." Also, keep an eye on any updates or changes to local attractions and services as you get closer to your travel dates. Enjoy your family holiday in Coffs Harbour.
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.
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!
