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!


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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.