A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Coffs Harbour vs. Byron Bay for Beaches, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay?

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 Byron Bay 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 beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a Bohemian, relaxed, and mellow town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay are popular destinations, Coffs Harbour has more sights and attractions for tourists. Coffs Harbour is very popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Byron Bay attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is famous for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also well known for the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Byron Bay is famous for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals.

How is Coffs Harbour different from Byron Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Coffs Harbour is a vacation town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Byron Bay specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Byron Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

Is Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay Better for Nightlife?

Both Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay have great 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 Byron Bay know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

Is Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay have great options.

In Coffs Harbour, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

There are plenty of resorts in Byron Bay to choose from. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Is Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Byron Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Coffs Harbour is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Byron Bay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay Better for Beaches?

Both Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay are considered to be world-class 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.

Byron Bay offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

Is Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Coffs Harbour is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Byron Bay offers some nice hiking trails. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Is the Shopping Better in Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay.

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.

Byron Bay is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

Is Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Coffs Harbour is an extremely popular vacation town to visit for families. 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.

Byron Bay is a family-friendly vacation town. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay Better for Couples?

Both Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay are great 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 Byron Bay frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

Is Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay are both great 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.

Byron Bay is a great vacation town to visit for backpackers. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

Is Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay a more walkable city?

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

Byron Bay is somewhat walkable. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

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 Byron Bay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Byron Bay or Coffs Harbour?

How long in Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay?

Both Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Coffs Harbour has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Byron Bay. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Byron Bay. 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 Byron Bay. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Byron Bay 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 Coffs Harbour.

One day in Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the mellow destination of Byron Bay. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Byron Bay?

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 Byron Bay. Most people come for the beaches. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 Byron Bay?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxed destination of Byron Bay. 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 Byron Bay?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beautiful town of Byron Bay. 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 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 Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay?

Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?

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 Byron Bay in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Coffs Harbour as well as Byron Bay. The summer months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

In the summer, Coffs Harbour is around the same temperature as Byron Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Coffs Harbour in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite rainy in Byron Bay. Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the summer. Coffs Harbour usually gets more rain in January than Byron Bay. Coffs Harbour gets 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

Both Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Coffs Harbour is generally around the same temperature as Byron Bay. Daily temperatures in Coffs Harbour average around 20°C (67°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. In April, Coffs Harbour usually receives more rain than Byron Bay. Coffs Harbour gets 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay in the Winter?

Both Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Coffs Harbour is around the same temperature as Byron Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Coffs Harbour averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Coffs Harbour usually gets more rain in July than Byron Bay. Coffs Harbour gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay. Many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Coffs Harbour is around the same temperature as Byron Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Coffs Harbour in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 19°C (67°F).

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Coffs Harbour usually receives more rain than Byron Bay. Coffs Harbour gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour