A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Coffs Harbour vs. Brisbane for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Coffs Harbour or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane 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 relaxing, fun, and nature-filled vacation town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Coffs Harbour and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Coffs Harbour or Brisbane?

You'll generally find more things to do in Brisbane than Coffs Harbour. Brisbane is bigger than Coffs Harbour, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Brisbane is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Coffs Harbour is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. Also, Brisbane is famous for the Cultural Centre.

How is Coffs Harbour different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Brisbane 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 Brisbane?

Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Coffs Harbour is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Coffs Harbour has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Coffs Harbour or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

Both Coffs Harbour and Brisbane have superb vibes after the sun sets.

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.

The people in Brisbane know how to have a good time. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Is Coffs Harbour or Brisbane Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour is great for its luxury resorts. However, Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is not a resort destination.

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

Coffs Harbour is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Brisbane has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Is Coffs Harbour or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Coffs Harbour is an amazing vacation town to visit for the beach. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Brisbane. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Is Coffs Harbour or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour is great for hiking. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails. 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.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Coffs Harbour or Brisbane?

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

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.

Brisbane is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Coffs Harbour or Brisbane Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is an amazing vacation town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Brisbane is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Coffs Harbour or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Coffs Harbour is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town if you're traveling as 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

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

Coffs Harbour and Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is a great vacation town to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Is Coffs Harbour or Brisbane Better for Students?

Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

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

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

Brisbane has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

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 Brisbane a more walkable city?

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

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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 Brisbane Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Coffs Harbour?

How long in Coffs Harbour or Brisbane?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Coffs Harbour and Brisbane. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Coffs Harbour than in Brisbane. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Coffs Harbour, and 2-3 days is enough time in Brisbane.

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

One day in Coffs Harbour or Brisbane?

The vacation town of Coffs Harbour offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxed destination of Brisbane. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Brisbane?

Coffs Harbour is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Brisbane?

Coffs Harbour is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Coffs Harbour, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the cultural destination of Brisbane. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal city 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 Brisbane?

Coffs Harbour is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Coffs Harbour has to offer. This vacation town offers something for everyone.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Brisbane. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Coffs Harbour and Brisbane, we can see that Coffs Harbour 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 Brisbane Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Coffs Harbour or Brisbane?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Coffs Harbour and Brisbane, 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.

When is the best time to visit Coffs Harbour or Brisbane?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Brisbane in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Coffs Harbour and Brisbane. Many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Coffs Harbour is generally around the same temperature as Brisbane. Daily temperatures in Coffs Harbour average around 23°C (74°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. Coffs Harbour usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Coffs Harbour gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Coffs Harbour usually receives more rain than Brisbane. Coffs Harbour gets 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Coffs Harbour as well as Brisbane. Most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Coffs Harbour is cooler than Brisbane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coffs Harbour averages around 20°C (67°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In the autumn, Coffs Harbour often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane. Coffs Harbour gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Coffs Harbour usually gets more rain in April than Brisbane. Coffs Harbour gets 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Coffs Harbour are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

In the winter, Coffs Harbour is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coffs Harbour in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Brisbane averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. 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 Brisbane during winter. Coffs Harbour gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Coffs Harbour usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brisbane. Coffs Harbour gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Coffs Harbour during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In October, Coffs Harbour is generally around the same temperature as Brisbane. Daily temperatures in Coffs Harbour average around 19°C (66°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. In the spring, Coffs Harbour often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane. Coffs Harbour gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. Coffs Harbour usually gets more rain in October than Brisbane. Coffs Harbour gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Coffs Harbour