Coffs Harbour's Best Picnic Locations

Luke Young • October 26, 2023

Are you ready to embark on a delightful journey through the stunning landscapes of Coffs Harbour?


Look no further – our exclusive guide is here to unveil the most picturesque picnic spots that our coastal paradise has to offer. From the breathtaking vistas of McCauley's Headland to the serene beauty of Sawtell Lookout, get ready to elevate your picnic experience to new heights. Get the scoop on lesser-known picnic spots that locals adore.


As a bonus, we share some of the area's best-kept secrets for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. These hidden gems are perfect for those who seek solitude and a deeper connection with nature.


McCauley's Headland


The paved walkway with a fairly steep incline will take you up to a grassed area overlooking McCauley's Beach to the south and Diggers beach to the north, with amazing views of Muttonbird Island and the Solitary Islands as your backdrop. all you need to do is find a nice shady spot under one of the trees that scatter the headland and lay out your picnic rug and Relax. There are toilets locates in the carpark at McCauley's and Diggers Beach, There are no picnic tables or BBQs so you will need to take a rug and your picnic basket full of goodies. There are a couple of spots on your way up the hill with seats to sit and rest on your way up. This is an ideal spot for a couple just wanting a nice relaxing picnic.


Moonee Beach Reserve




 

Moonee Beach, where the creek meets the beach, Located only 10kms from our apartments is the picturesque Moonee Beach Reserve equipped with picnic tables, free electric BBQs, toilets, shower facilities, kids playground and plenty of parking.


Moonee has something to offer everyone from the keen surfer to the families with young kids. The protected creek offers a safe haven for swimming for the littlies or venture further for the beautiful deep water holes with rope swings. Great place for kayaking or just relaxing under the shade of the Norfolk Island Pines. This location has great facilities and is very family friendly, perfect for large gatherings, even take the dog this is an on leash pet-friendly area.


Look at me Now Headland


Look at me Now headland is where you can get up close and personnel with the wildlife. Sit with kangaroos while watching the whales swim past, and for the keen bird watcher don't forget your binoculars. There is plenty of parking and the track is an easy paved walkway where you will easily find a nice flat grassy area to lay a picnic rug. There are no facilities here so take plenty of water and all your essentials for a scrumptious picnic, and please don't share your picnic with the wildlife.


Boambee Bay Reserve


Boambee Bay is known for its beautiful turquoise water coming in from the ocean while being protected from rougher seas making it the perfect place for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. There are shelters for hire for larger groups and plenty of picnic tables around the reserve. Electric BBQs are available or if you prefer there is café for food and drinks. Parking is $5 per car to enter. Playground for the kids and on leash pet friendly.


If you would would like somewhere a bit more private and quiet just head up the hill from the reserve to Sawtell Headland Lookout. Take your picnic basket, and your rug and relax while you take in the amazing view of Boambee Beach.


Swans Picnic area


If it's rainforest you are after and want to escape the summer heat then Swans Picnic Area just below Sealy Lookout is a must, just off the road, but you would think you were deep within the rainforest with the huge trees surrounding you and a picnic table just by the freshwater creek. There is only a picnic table here so you will need to take everything with you, very easily accessible from where you park your car. This one is a hidden gem, definitely worth a visit.


When you book with us we are ready to make your picnic adventures as hassle-free as possible, pick up a picnic basket from our reception team when you check in and fill it with goodies from some of our local favourites. Our top recommendations are: 


  • Jetty SPAR Supermarket for various pre-made sandwiches, wraps and salads as well as a great selection of cheeses. (Just a short 2minute walk from the Apartments)
  • Happy Frog on Park Ave has a great selection of salads and vegetarian options.
  • If you would like a platter made, you can pre-order with Platter Effect and have your platter dropped off at reception
  • BYO Jetty Village Cellars has a great selection of local beers and wine
  • Our reception has a range of cheeses, biscuits, local beer, wine or soft drinks to add to your picnic basket. 


If you're ready for that couples getaway with romantic picnic check out our accommodation options. We recommend the Ocean View King SPA Studio for an extra special touch. Check out our room options HERE.

Christmas Holidays are coming.

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.

Pedal the Coast - The Best Bike Riding Tracks in Coffs Harbour

By The Observatory • November 18, 2025
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.