Planning your Christmas Holiday on the Coffs Coast!

Luke Young • April 26, 2021

So, the time has finally come to get ready to pack the bags, bikes and beach towels for your annual family holiday staying with us at The Observatory. Hooray! If you’re an “out-of-towner” or it’s your first trip to the area, you’ll want to know what’s good and where to go to make the most of this special family time! We know how important a memorable Christmas lunch is (for all the right reasons!) so we’ve put together some recommendations for where to buy the best local ingredients in Coffs Harbour for a beautiful Christmas feast for the whole family!



  • For the love of seafood! 
    Experience an ocean to plate experience like no other! Set out on a short 10 minute stroll from your apartment at The Observatory to the Jetty Marina, there you will find some of the finest seafood Coffs Harbour has to offer at The Fisherman’s Coop. Selling quality, locally caught seafood this is THE spot to pick up the best fish & chips in town or take home a bag of prawns for the kids to peel at Christmas lunch! Christmas just wouldn’t be right without fresh, beautiful prawns and seafood! 
  • World-class local grocer. 
    You’ve got the proteins sorted from the Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Coop, now where to go to get quality produce and speciality deli and grocery items? Fresco Marketplace just down the road, that’s where! This place has some seriously unique delicatessen products (think beautifully fragrant cheeses, delicately cured meats and the likes!) Fresco is always stocked up on fresh, local produce from growers and farmers around the Mid North Coast. Fresco is located just a 2-minute drive away at Coffs Central shopping centre, the perfect place to pick up last-minute gifts or anything you may have forgotten to pack!


Our family apartments have a fully self-contained kitchen area for you to whip up a storm. The Observatory Holiday Apartment kitchens are fully equipped with utensils and cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery… all you need to bring is the food! Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on where to go to get the very best ingredients for an unforgettable Christmas lunch all that’s left is to get on the road to Coffs Harbour. See you soon!


By The Observatory February 25, 2026
Get ready, Coffs Coast March is set to roar to life with an action-packed weekend that will have motorsport fans, families, and thrill-seekers flocking to the region. From 13–15 March, the Coffs Coast goes full throttle with three epic events: Summer Beach Hop, the Australian Kart Championships, and Freestyle Kings Live. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast, a classic car lover, or simply looking for an exciting weekend escape by the beach, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss. Summer Beach Hop – Classic Cars Meet Coastal Cool The Summer Beach Hop brings together stunning classic cars, hot rods, and custom builds in a vibrant celebration of automotive culture. Expect polished chrome, roaring engines, and a laid-back coastal vibe as car enthusiasts roll into Coffs Harbour to showcase their pride and joy. With cruising events, displays, and a festival-style atmosphere, it’s a fantastic event for families and visitors to wander through, take photos, and soak up the nostalgia. Australian Kart Championships – High-Speed Racing Action Feel the adrenaline as Australia’s best karters take to the track for the Australian Kart Championships. These rising stars and elite drivers compete in fast-paced, wheel-to-wheel racing that’s thrilling to watch, whether you’re a motorsport fan or a first-time spectator. The event brings competitors and spectators from across the country, creating an electric atmosphere and a huge buzz around the region. Freestyle Kings Live – Extreme Stunts and Live Entertainment For the ultimate adrenaline hit, Freestyle Kings Live delivers jaw-dropping motocross stunts, massive jumps, and heart-stopping tricks performed by world-class riders. Add live music and entertainment, and you’ve got an unforgettable night out for all ages. It’s a high-energy spectacle that perfectly caps off a weekend of speed, style, and excitement. Make It a Weekend Getaway on the Coffs Coast. With world-class events, stunning beaches, great dining, and plenty of family-friendly attractions, this is the perfect time to plan a getaway to the Coffs Coast. Book your accommodation early, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and experience the region at full throttle. Mark your calendar: 13–15 March. Coffs Coast is the place to be for fast cars, fast bikes, and an unforgettable coastal weekend.
By The Observatory December 5, 2025
Christmas is just around the corner and our self-contained apartments, with stunning ocean views, easy access to beautiful beaches are a perfect base for all your coffs coast adventures. We’ve put together five amazing day trips that are perfect for the whole family, or just a relaxing escape for you. Day Trip 1: Chasing Waterfalls - A Scenic Escape to Scouts Falls Just 45 minutes from our apartments, hidden within the lush Sherwood Forest, Scouts Falls is the perfect Christmas holiday adventure. This peaceful spot offers cool freshwater pools, a short rainforest walk, and a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Pack a picnic, bring your swimmers, and spend the day unwinding in nature as you chase one of the Coffs Coast’s most magical waterfalls. Day Trip 2: Culinary Delights - Cheese Making with the Artisan Cheese School For a deliciously different Christmas holiday experience, spend a day learning the art of cheese making at the Artisan Cheese School. Just a short drive from the Jetty, this hands-on workshop teaches you how to craft beautiful cheeses from scratch while sampling fresh local flavours along the way. It’s the perfect slow-paced, creative escape ideal for couples, food lovers, or anyone wanting to try something new during their Coffs Coast getaway. Day Trip 3: Beach Days – Sun, Sand & Simple Summer Magic at Jetty Beach Nothing says Christmas holidays like a long, lazy beach day. Pack an umbrella, plenty of sunscreen, and a picnic basket, then wander down to stunning Jetty Beach, just moments from your apartment. With calm waters, soft sand, and those iconic jetty views, it’s the perfect spot to swim, relax, read a book, or simply soak up the sunshine. Day Trip 4: Trike Tour - Rainforests, Beaches & Pure Adventure Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure aboard a Boom Mustang Trike. Feel the cool breeze on your face as you cruise through lush rainforests, past pristine beaches , and some of the Coffs Coast’s most breathtaking scenery. This scenic tour is equal parts thrill and relaxation, an exciting way to explore the region from a whole new perspective during your Christmas holiday escape. Day Trip 5: A Day of Adventure at the Big Banana – Fun for All Ages No Christmas holiday on the Coffs Coast is complete without a visit to the iconic Big Banana. Spend the day zooming down water slides, racing on the toboggan track, and experiencing the brand-new roller coaster that winds its way through the banana plantation. Packed with fun for kids and adults alike, it’s the perfect way to add a little thrill and plenty of laughter to your festive getaway. After each day of adventure, come back and relax in our self-contained apartments with stunning ocean views. Just minutes from the best local restaurants and cafes, you can refuel for your next day of exploration, or simply unwind and soak in the sunset over the water. With everything you need right at your doorstep, your Christmas holiday in Coffs Harbour will be unforgettable.