Live music and where to find it in Coffs Harbour
Luke Young • April 26, 2021
Live music is something many of us can’t live without. When on holiday, it’s perhaps a better time than ever to indulge in the amazing moments only a live musician can create. While Coffs Harbour is certainly no metropolis, there’s still a vibrant and spirited music scene hidden beneath the surface and that’s what we’ll uncover in this blog! It’s your guide to unearthing and enjoying live music on our coastline. On that note, here’s our list (ranked in no particular order!).
- RED-C
See local and touring talents play this beautiful venue upon a headland, featuring full dining and bar facilities. There’s always something on worth watching, from a wacky 60’s themed event with best-dressed prizes and similarly themed musical acts one night, to open mics seeing up-and-comers take to the stage in a friendly and supportive setting another night! If live music in a beautiful venue is your thing, here’s the link to their website. - The Hoey Moey
A long-held staple of Coffs Culture boasting a constantly rotating roster of performers hailing from near and far to have their music heard. Whether it’s incredible cover or tribute bands to original touring and local artists, you’ll no doubt have a great time accompanied by good crowds and beverages at this venue. Here’s the link to their website. - Element Bar
If you’re looking for the hip-venue just around the corner from our Observatory Holiday Apartments then the search ends here! Element Bar is not just a venue endowed with laid-back atmosphere, creative drinks menus and delicious food, but also a bustling playground for local musicians. Nearly every day there’s a musical act worth witnessing, and to see what’s up next in the line-up, here’s the link to their website. - Jetty Theatre
If you want to see musicals, live shows, and other events within a theatre built for performance, then the Jetty Theatre is the place to go. Words cannot describe the incredible array of productions that have taken to stage over Coffs’ history, and you can be sure that no matter when you visit Coffs Harbour, there’ll be something coming up that will whisk you away for a fabulous time! To keep up to date and view the 2021 program, here’s a link to their website. - Markets
In Coffs and surrounding suburbs like Bellingen and Sawtell, there’s markets of some kind going all year ‘round on a recurring basis. From the Twilight Food Markets which frequent through the summer months, to Made With Love Markets every quarter. There’s a strong community spirit here you should get amongst and almost always will you find live musicians doing what they do best, playing for a crowd! For the full low-down we’ve written a up a blog on our 5 favourite local markets, and you can read that with this link.
You could pick any one of these places and have yourself an incredible time with the people you love, or surrounded by other locals and travellers, as all of these venues are sociable and welcoming. If you’re thinking of staying on the Coffs Coast for a time and are in the search for accommodation, consider staying with us at The Observatory Self Contained Apartments. We’ve got an incredible array of room options which you can view with this link, all situated just a short walk-away from everything you’d ever need during your stay.
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.
Whether you’re after sweeping ocean views, lush rainforest escapes, or a peaceful walk through native bushland, Coffs Harbour delivers some of the most scenic and accessible walking tracks on the NSW coast. Perfect for visitors looking to stretch their legs, connect with nature, and discover the stunning landscapes that make this region so special. Solitary Islands Coastal Walk Stretching approximately 60 km from Red Rock to Sawtell, this iconic trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, and lush headlands. This one is for the more adventurous hikers, pack a backpack as this one can take up to 4 days to complete, or jump in and do any part of it you like just follow the signposts. Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve Walk This short but rewarding walk will get the heart rate going with the sleep incline to begin with, The raised path ascends to the Eastern Side Lookout, offering panoramic views of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and the Pacific Ocean. Between May and November, it's a prime spot for whale watching. The island is a significant Aboriginal site and home to thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters (muttonbirds) that nest here annually. Interpretive signage along the trail provides insights into the island's cultural and ecological importance. North Coast Regional Botanical Gardens A 20-hectare oasis in the heart of Coffs Harbour, featuring a mix of natural coastal forests, planted gardens, discovery walks, and picnic areas. Highlights include the Japanese Friendship Garden and a collection of rare and endangered plant species. Macauleys Headland Walking Track A scenic clifftop walk connecting Park Beach with North Diggers Beach, offering expansive ocean views and opportunities for birdwatching. The well-maintained path is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Coffs Creek and Cycleway This shared path meanders through a bush setting, along side Coffs Creek on a raised boardwalk linking the CBD with major attractions like the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, Coffs Wildlife Sanctuary and Jetty Beach total loop is about 8.6 km with plenty of spots for a picnic along or a cafe lunch along the way. Bluff Loop Walking Track Located in Bongil Bongil National Park near Repton, the Bluff Loop Walking Track is a 2.25 km circuit that winds through lush coastal rainforest, featuring vines, palms, and towering trees. The trail offers opportunities to spot local birdlife and, with some luck, koalas in the treetops. A short side track leads to a secluded timber viewing platform overlooking Bundageree Creek. The Bluff Loop Picnic Area provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. With so many incredible walks waiting to be discovered, Coffs Harbour is the perfect destination for your next nature-filled escape. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, our centrally located apartments put you within easy reach of all the top trails. Book directly with us for the best rates and personalised local tips to help you make the most of your adventure. We can't wait to welcome you!
