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.
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.
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.
