Your Perfect Spring Escape
The Observatory • August 26, 2025
Spring is the perfect time to escape to Coffs Harbour, when the days are warm, the air is fresh, and the coastline is buzzing with life. With endless beaches, lush hinterland, and plenty of local experiences, it’s the ideal season for a weekend getaway. Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in Coffs Harbour this spring.
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!
Coffs Harbour is made for exploring on two wheels. With our unique mix of coastline, creeks, forest trails and scenic pathways, riders of all ages and skill levels will find a track to fall in love with. Whether you’re here for a relaxing beachside break, a family holiday, or an active couple’s escape, cycling is one of the best ways to see the Coffs Coast at its finest. 1. The Coffs Creek & Harbour Loop Perfect for: Families, casual riders, morning cruisers, photography lovers This scenic loop is one of Coffs Harbour’s most accessible and enjoyable rides. The track follows the curves of Coffs Creek, passing through mangroves, boardwalk sections, shady pockets and open foreshore pathways. It’s relatively flat and perfect for all confidence levels. Highlights: Easy riding with beautiful water views Passes the Jetty Foreshore, Park Beach, Botanic Garden and CBD Great for spotting wildlife and enjoying quiet morning rides 2. Jetty to Sawtell Ride Perfect for: Couples, relaxed riders, families, café-hoppers This is a stunning, easy-to-moderate ride that begins right from our doorstep. Guests can follow the network of shared paths and quiet coastal trails heading south toward Sawtell. With a mix of creekside sections, leafy pathways and flat cycle tracks, it’s a smooth and enjoyable journey suitable for most ages. Once in Sawtell, riders can enjoy a relaxed lunch on the iconic main street, packed with cafés, boutique eateries and beautiful shady fig trees, making it a perfect ride-and-restaurant outing. Highlights: Direct access from our apartments Safe shared paths most of the way Plenty of scenic spots to stop for photos A delicious lunch reward at Sawtell’s popular cafés and restaurants This ride is ideal for guests wanting a gentle adventure without needing a mountain bike or car 3. The Sawmill – Pine Creek State Forest (Advanced) Perfect for: Experienced mountain bikers For those who love technical riding, The Sawmill in Pine Creek State Forest offers blue-rated trails with challenging features, flowing descents and a deep-forest atmosphere. Riders wanting a high-adrenaline experience will love this network. Highlights: Technical features and single-track riding Fast sections mixed with climbs and drops Loved by the local mountain biking community Best suited to confident riders with proper gear and experience. 4. Cascade Mountain Bike Trail Perfect for: Couples, older riders, relaxed adventurers Located in Cascade National Park, this peaceful gravel ride is perfect for riders who want to connect with nature without technical difficulty. With gentle undulation and beautiful forest scenery, it’s an excellent choice for a quiet morning ride. Highlights: Wide gravel trail suitable for hybrid or gravel bikes Calm, scenic and low-impact Gorgeous forest outlooks and opportunities for wildlife spotting A great option for guests looking to escape into nature for a few hours. 5. Road Cycling & Scenic Coastal Routes Perfect for: Fitness riders, long-distance cyclists For guests bringing their own bikes or hiring locally, Coffs Harbour offers lovely early-morning coastal stretches and rolling hinterland roads. There are several scenic on-road routes where riders can take in ocean breezes, river crossings and quiet rural views. Stay With Us for Your Cycling Getaway After a few hours of pedalling, our guests love returning to comfort and coastal views. Spacious self-contained apartments with full kitchens Private east-facing balconies to relax after a ride Spa apartments for soothing tired legs Walking distance to the Jetty Foreshore, where many rides begin Short stroll to the best Restaurants and Cafes Plan Your Pedal-Perfect Stay Whether you’re cruising along Coffs Creek, pedalling down to Sawtell for lunch, or exploring forest trails, Coffs Harbour offers something for every rider. Book your stay at The Observatory Apartments and make cycling part of your summer adventure. If you’d like help choosing a route or want recommendations for bike hire, our team is here to help.
There’s something truly special about the bond between grandparents and grandchildren, the laughter, the storytelling, and those simple, joy-filled moments spent together. So why not make some new memories on a multi-generational getaway. Just the grandparents and the grandkids, right here in beautiful Coffs Harbour. Travel Made Easy Leave the car at home and make the journey part of the adventure by catching the train to Coffs Harbour. Kids will love watching the changing scenery along the coast, and grandparents can sit back, relax, and enjoy a stress-free trip. Once you arrive, our apartments are just across the road from the station for your convenience, everything you need is right here within walking distance of the Jetty precinct, cafés, and the beach. It’s the perfect way to slow down, travel sustainably, and start your holiday as soon as you step aboard. Stay in Comfort and Ease Our spacious ground-floor apartments are designed with comfort and convenience in mind. With no stairs to navigate, they’re perfect for little legs and for grandparents who prefer easy access. Each apartment includes full kitchen facilities, so you can whip up breakfast together or enjoy a relaxed dinner after a big day of exploring. Step outside onto your private patio to enjoy the morning sunshine, or relax in the cool sea breeze in the evening — it’s a peaceful space to connect, chat, and plan the next day’s adventures. Jetty Beach and Foreshore Fun Just a short stroll from our apartments, Jetty Beach is calm, protected, and perfect for swimming or building sandcastles. Bring a picnic, watch the boats come in, and enjoy an ice cream together from one of the local cafés along the foreshore. North Coast Regional Botanical Gardens A lovely, peaceful outing for all ages. Wander the shady paths, spot colourful birds, and perhaps pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake. The easy walking trails make it ideal for prams or those wanting a leisurely stroll. The Playhouse playground When it’s time to burn off some energy, head to The Playhouse, an indoor play centre where the grandkids can climb, slide, and explore in a safe, air-conditioned space. There’s a café on-site too, so grandparents can relax with a coffee while keeping an eye on the fun. Harbourside Markets If you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss the Harbourside Markets. With live music, handmade crafts, and delicious treats, it’s a wonderful way to spend a relaxed morning. Let the grandkids pick a special souvenir to take home as a reminder of your trip. Relax and Recharge After a day of fun, return to your comfortable ground-floor apartment. Cook up a family-favorite meal in your full kitchen, or head out to one of the many nearby family-friendly restaurants. Play a board game, watch a movie, or simply enjoy a quiet cuppa while the kids wind down. Make Memories to Last a Lifetime Spending time together without the parents can be a special adventure for both generations filled with stories, giggles, and shared experiences that will be remembered for years to come. Catch the train, leave the car behind, and stay in our easy-access, fully self-contained apartments the perfect base for a relaxing, fun-filled coastal escape for grandparents and grandkids alike.
