Aims The aim of this study was to describe the postoperative care pathway, with phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) delivery, for adult patients following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery at one large hospital in Queensland, Australia. Design and methods This observational study involved structured observations, patient electronic medical record audits, and field notes to gather postoperative data. Four continuous hours of patient and healthcare professional (HCP) observations gathered at 30-min intervals occurred on 12 separate days over a 1-month period (February–March 2023). We observed post-CABG patients and HCPs involved in delivering direct care. Data were gathered on the clinical care, timing, delivery mode, and education content. Results Ten post-CABG patients and nine HCPs were observed. Postoperative care delivered by HCPs focussed on clinical care tasks and patient education activities. Patients participated in education focussed on respiratory exercises, wound care, anticoagulant therapy, and thromboembolic deterrent education. HCPs discussed pain management with two patients. Conclusion Education was the primary strategy delivered by HCPs to CABG patients during the postoperative care pathway and phase 1 CR; however, many patients were overwhelmed by the complicated information they received. Opportunities exist to improve the postoperative care pathway with phase 1 CR delivery by developing patient-centred education interventions.