A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Coffs Harbour vs. Airlie Beach for Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Coffs Harbour and Airlie Beach can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a fun, nature-filled, and lively vacation town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a paradise, laid back, and slow-paced town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Coffs Harbour and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Coffs Harbour and Airlie Beach are both popular with visitors, Coffs Harbour has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Coffs Harbour is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Airlie Beach is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is popular for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also home to the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Airlie Beach is popular for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands.

How is Coffs Harbour different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Airlie Beach and Coffs Harbour. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach?

Coffs Harbour is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Airlie Beach is not a good town for its museums and history.

Coffs Harbour is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Coffs Harbour makes for a great culinary experience. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Is Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Coffs Harbour offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

Is Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Airlie Beach is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Airlie Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

There are plenty of resorts in Coffs Harbour to choose from. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Is Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Airlie Beach is very popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its diving and snorkeling.

Airlie Beach is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Is Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Both Coffs Harbour and Airlie Beach are considered to be fantastic beach destinations.

Coffs Harbour is considered to be a world-class beach destination. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Airlie Beach offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Is Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Airlie Beach is very popular for its hiking trails. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Airlie Beach visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach?

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Coffs Harbour is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Airlie Beach. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Is Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Coffs Harbour is very family-friendly. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Airlie Beach is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

Is Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Airlie Beach is very popular for romance. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Airlie Beach is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Couples visit Coffs Harbour frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Is Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Coffs Harbour and Airlie Beach are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Coffs Harbour is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

Airlie Beach is a great vacation town to visit for backpackers. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

Is Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Airlie Beach is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

Airlie Beach has some public transit options. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

Public transit is generally limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Airlie Beach is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Airlie Beach is very walkable. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable vacation town. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting? and Is Airlie Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Coffs Harbour?

How long in Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach?

Both Coffs Harbour and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Airlie Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Airlie Beach than Coffs Harbour. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Coffs Harbour, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

Families should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Airlie Beach. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Coffs Harbour, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Coffs Harbour. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Airlie Beach that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach?

In Coffs Harbour, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing vacation town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Airlie Beach. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach?

Coffs Harbour is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Airlie Beach. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach?

In Coffs Harbour, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this fun destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the paradise destination of Airlie Beach. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach?

Coffs Harbour is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful town of Airlie Beach. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Coffs Harbour and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Coffs Harbour Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Coffs Harbour as well as Airlie Beach. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Coffs Harbour is cooler than Airlie Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Coffs Harbour averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In the summer, Coffs Harbour often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beach. Coffs Harbour gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Airlie Beach. Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the summer. Coffs Harbour usually gets less rain in January than Airlie Beach. Coffs Harbour gets 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

Both Airlie Beach and Coffs Harbour are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Airlie Beach in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Coffs Harbour is cooler than Airlie Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Coffs Harbour in April average around 20°C (67°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. Coffs Harbour usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Airlie Beach during autumn. Coffs Harbour gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. In April, Coffs Harbour usually receives more rain than Airlie Beach. Coffs Harbour gets 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

Both Airlie Beach and Coffs Harbour during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In July, Coffs Harbour is generally cooler than Airlie Beach. Daily temperatures in Coffs Harbour average around 13°C (55°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. In the winter, Coffs Harbour often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Airlie Beach. Coffs Harbour gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun.

Coffs Harbour usually gets more rain in July than Airlie Beach. Coffs Harbour gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Coffs Harbour and Airlie Beach. Most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Coffs Harbour is cooler than Airlie Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Coffs Harbour averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coffs Harbour usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during spring. Coffs Harbour gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun in the spring.

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Coffs Harbour usually receives more rain than Airlie Beach. Coffs Harbour gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Coffs Harbour