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.



By The Observatory May 25, 2025
If you’re a fan of craft beers and unique spirits, Coffs Harbour offers an incredible blend of local flavors and scenic beauty to enhance your tasting experience.
By The Observatory May 18, 2025
If your idea of a great holiday includes heart-pounding thrills, rugged terrain, high-flying feats, and deep-sea adventures, then Coffs Harbour is your ultimate playground. Nestled between lush hinterland and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, this coastal gem offers an unbeatable mix of action-packed experiences to get your adrenaline pumping. Here's how to turn your visit into the ultimate adventure. Skydive over Paradise with Coffs Skydivers . Ready to really take the plunge? Skydive Australia offers tandem skydives over Coffs Harbour with breathtaking views of the coastline, mountains, and islands. Freefall from up to 15,000 feet and experience up to 60 seconds of pure exhilaration before floating back down to earth with sweeping views of the Jetty and Solitary Islands. Adrenaline Rating: 10/10. This is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list thrill, and Coffs’ spectacular landscape makes it unforgettable. Hit the Dirt: 4WD Adventures in the Hinterland. Get off the beaten track with a 4WD adventure into the wild, rugged beauty of the Coffs Coast hinterland. Head out to Orara East State Forest or take on the scenic and challenging tracks in Bindarri National Park. Creek crossings, rocky climbs, and remote picnic spots await those with the right wheels and the spirit for exploration. For all your FWD gear visit ARB Coffs Harbour . Dive into the Deep: Scuba Diving the Solitary Islands with Jetty Dive For a different kind of thrill, plunge beneath the surface and explore the world-class dive sites of the Solitary Islands Marine Park. This unique meeting point of tropical and temperate waters offers dazzling biodiversity, think vibrant corals, manta rays, turtles, sharks, and schools of fish in every colour imaginable. Jetty Dive offer dive trips and certification courses, with sites suitable for all experience levels. Conquer the Coramba Trails: Mountain Biking at Its Best. Just a short drive from Coffs Harbour, the quiet village of Coramba is home to some of the region’s most exciting and scenic mountain biking terrain. Nestled in the Orara Valley, these trails weave through native bushland, offering a mix of fast-flowing singletrack, technical descents, and challenging climbs. The Coramba trail network is well-regarded for its natural terrain and is maintained by a passionate local riding community. Whether you're an experienced rider or just keen to test your skills, Coramba delivers a rewarding ride with incredible views. Need Bike Gear? Check out Bob Wallis Cycles for all your cycling needs. Deep Sea Fishing: Big Bites and Bigger Battles. Feel the thrill of the chase with Deep-Sea Fishing Charters off the Coffs Harbour coast. The warm waters are teeming with game fish like marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, and kingfish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, there's nothing quite like the moment a big one strikes and the fight is on. Ride the Radids: White Water Rafting on the Nymboida River . For a wild and unforgettable ride, head inland to the mighty Nymboida River, home to some of Australia’s best white water rafting. Fed by natural springs and mountain runoff, the Nymboida carves its way through granite gorges, rainforest, and rugged bushland, creating thrilling grade 3–5 rapids. Whether you're plummeting from the sky, tearing down a mountain trail, or diving into a whole new world beneath the waves, Coffs Harbour delivers adrenaline in spades. It’s the ultimate destination for thrill seekers who want to mix natural beauty with high-octane fun. After all the action, you'll need a comfortable base to rest and recharge. Our ocean view apartments offer the perfect place to unwind with private balconies, full kitchen facilities, and a location close to the Jetty, restaurants, and cafes.