A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coffs Harbour vs. Arrowtown for Hiking, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown?

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 Arrowtown 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 nature-filled, lively, and relaxing vacation town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a charming, quaint, and quirky town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Coffs Harbour and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Coffs Harbour and Arrowtown are both popular with visitors, Coffs Harbour has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Coffs Harbour is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Arrowtown is known for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. 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. Arrowtown is popular for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes.

How is Coffs Harbour different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Coffs Harbour is not a skiing destination.

Arrowtown offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Coffs Harbour is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown.

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.

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

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

Both Coffs Harbour and Arrowtown offer superb local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Coffs Harbour. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Is Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Coffs Harbour is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Coffs Harbour has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Arrowtown has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Coffs Harbour. 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.

Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Coffs Harbour is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown Better for Beaches?

Coffs Harbour is terrific for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Coffs Harbour is a very popular vacation 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.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Coffs Harbour does not have a historic old town.

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Coffs Harbour does not have a historic old town.

Is Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

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

Around Arrowtown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

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 Arrowtown?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Coffs Harbour and Arrowtown.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Coffs Harbour. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Arrowtown is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Is Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Coffs Harbour is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Arrowtown is a very kid-friendly vacation town. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

Is Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Both Coffs Harbour and Arrowtown are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Coffs Harbour makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Arrowtown frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Is Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Coffs Harbour and Arrowtown are both superb 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.

Arrowtown is a great vacation town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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

Arrowtown 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.

Arrowtown has some public transit options. There are public buses throughout the region.

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 Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Arrowtown is a town with good options for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Arrowtown is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

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 Arrowtown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Coffs Harbour?

How long in Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Coffs Harbour than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Coffs Harbour, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arrowtown than Coffs Harbour if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Arrowtown.

One day in Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown?

You'll find nightlife and food around the vacation town of Coffs Harbour. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Even though Arrowtown is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the lively destination of Coffs Harbour. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This vacation town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arrowtown. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxing vacation town of Coffs Harbour. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this vacation town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation town has to offer.

Arrowtown is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown?

Coffs Harbour is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Coffs Harbour, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arrowtown is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coffs Harbour and Arrowtown, we can see that Coffs Harbour is more expensive. And not only is Arrowtown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Arrowtown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arrowtown and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Coffs Harbour would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coffs Harbour than you might in Arrowtown.

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 Arrowtown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Coffs Harbour or Arrowtown?

Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Coffs Harbour and Arrowtown, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.