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.
Coffs Coast has been globally recognised as an ECO Destination by Ecotourism Australia, surrounded by lush, heritage-listed national parks that form part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, and the Solitary Island Marine Park. Solitary Island Marine Park One of Coffs Harbour’s crown jewels is the Solitary Islands Marine Park , the oldest and one of the largest marine parks in New South Wales. Stretching over 75 km of pristine coastline, this protected area is where tropical and temperate waters meet creating one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in Australia. Snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs, swim alongside turtles, rays, and over 500 species of fish, or take a whale-watching cruise during the migration season. This marine sanctuary is not only a dream for underwater adventurers, but also a prime example of sustainable marine conservation in action. Heritage Listed National Parks Beyond the coastline, Coffs Harbour is surrounded by lush, heritage-listed national parks that form part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Some must-visit spots include: Bindarri National Park - A remote and rugged escape with rainforest-cloaked valleys and crystal-clear creeks perfect for bushwalking and picnicking. Bongil Bongil National Park - A coastal forest where you can spot koalas in the treetops and paddle through mangrove-lined estuaries. Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve - Muttonbird Island offers spectacular views of the Solitary Islands and is great spot for whale watching in the heart of Coffs Harbour. Rich Aboriginal Cultural connections Eco-tourism here goes hand-in-hand with respect for Indigenous culture. Visitors can take part in authentic cultural experiences with Gumbaynggirr guides. Wajaana Yaam Gumbaynggirr Adventure Tours - Stand up paddle boarding exploring the creeks and wetlands on Gumbaynggirr country. Walk along the Gumgali Track at Sealy Lookout, which tells Dreaming stories through art and interpretive signage. Whether you're hiking through ancient rainforests, swimming in clear blue waters, or learning about the deep cultural roots of the region, Coffs Harbour offers an eco-holiday that nourishes both the soul and the planet. Travel light, tread gently, and let nature lead the way on the Coffs Coast.
As the summer heat eases and the crisp, golden hues of autumn take over, Coffs Harbour becomes an outdoor lover’s paradise. Nestled on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, this laid-back coastal town offers the perfect blend of lush hinterland, sparkling beaches, and scenic coastal trails. And if you're a fan of hiking or coastal walks, autumn is hands down the best time to visit. Autumn (March to May) brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for hitting the trails. Daytime temps hover comfortably in the low to mid-20s°C, and the landscape is at its most vibrant. Summer’s intensity fades, but the ocean is still warm enough for a post-walk swim, and the skies are often clear and bright. Whether you're into panoramic views, forested tracks, or breezy ocean strolls, there’s something here for everyone. Here are our top picks: 1, Mutton Bird Island Nature Reserve This short but iconic walk takes you along a breakwall and up to the top of Muttonbird Island, where the view over the harbour and out to the Pacific is absolutely stunning. In autumn, the migratory birds are active, and the sunsets here are something else — think pastel skies and warm ocean breezes. Distance: 600m one way. Easy and perfect for a pre-dinner stroll. 2, Dorrigo National Park About an hour inland from Coffs, world heritage listed Gondwana Rainforest is an absolute must. Autumn is ideal, no summer leeches, fewer mozzies, and the waterfalls are full and flowing flowing. The Wonga Walk takes you past Crystal Shower Falls and Tristania Falls, all under a dense canopy of ancient trees. Bonus: On cooler mornings, mist hovers over the valleys, giving the whole area a magical, otherworldly feel. 3, Solitary Islands Coastal Walk Spanning over 60km, this is one of the best coastal walks in NSW. You don’t need to tackle the whole thing — choose a section between Sawtell, Coffs Creek, or Woolgoolga for a rewarding few hours. The trail weaves past beaches, headlands, and pockets of rainforest, with plenty of opportunities to spot whales (late May onwards), dolphins, and birdlife and stop for a bit to eat in a beachside cafe along the way. Autumn tip: Mornings and late afternoons are beautifully cool, and the golden light makes the ocean views pop. 4, Bongil Bongil National Park A bit under the radar, this park offers lush forest trails, quiet picnic spots, and access to uncrowded beaches. The Bluff Loop walking track is a great option — it’s flat, easy, and meanders through coastal rainforest and paperbark swamp. Autumn brings out the birdsong, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a koala snoozing in the treetops. 5, Sealy Lookout & Forest Sky Pier Just a short drive from the city centre, the Sealy Lookout in Bruxner Park Flora Reserve offers sweeping views over the coastline and the Great Dividing Range. In autumn, the walk through the subtropical rainforest is shaded, peaceful, and rich with birdsong. Don’t miss the Forest Sky Pier — it juts out over the escarpment and gives you that classic “wow” view of Coffs Harbour below. Tip: Perfect for sunrise or sunset for the perfect photo opportunity. Autumn in Coffs Harbour is the sweet spot — not too hot, not too cold, and with nature at its most inviting. Whether you're here for a weekend escape or a longer break, this is the time to dust off your hiking shoes, grab your camera, and explore some of the best coastal and hinterland walks New South Wales has to offer. So go on breathe in the ocean air, listen to the bushland come alive, and fall in love with Coffs this autumn. Book your next escape with us The Observatory Apartments
