A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coffs Harbour vs. Nelson for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Coffs Harbour or Nelson?

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 Nelson 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nelson

Nelson is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Coffs Harbour and Nelson: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Coffs Harbour or Nelson?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Coffs Harbour and Nelson are roughly the same size, Coffs Harbour has more sights and attractions for tourists. Coffs Harbour is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Nelson is known for its 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. Nelson is popular for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures.

How is Coffs Harbour different from Nelson?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Nelson offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

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

Both Coffs Harbour and Nelson offer great 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 Nelson. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

Is Coffs Harbour or Nelson Better for Nightlife?

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Nelson. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

Is Coffs Harbour or Nelson Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Nelson is not a resort destination.

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.

Nelson is not a resort destination.

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

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Nelson 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.

Nelson is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Nelson Better for Beaches?

Both Coffs Harbour and Nelson 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.

Nelson offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

Is Coffs Harbour or Nelson Better for Hiking?

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

Around Nelson visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

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 Nelson?

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city 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 Nelson. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Coffs Harbour or Nelson Better for Families?

Both Coffs Harbour and Nelson are world-class to visit with kids.

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.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Nelson is very family-friendly. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders Park.

Is Coffs Harbour or Nelson Better for Couples?

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

Nelson is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

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 Nelson Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nelson is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Nelson. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town to visit for backpackers. 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.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Coffs Harbour and Nelson.

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 Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Is Coffs Harbour or Nelson a more walkable city?

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

Nelson is very walkable. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

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 Nelson Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nelson or Coffs Harbour?

How long in Coffs Harbour or Nelson?

In either Coffs Harbour or Nelson, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Nelson because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Coffs Harbour, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nelson.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nelson 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 Nelson.

One day in Coffs Harbour or Nelson?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Coffs Harbour. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Nelson. 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 Nelson?

Coffs Harbour is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nelson. 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 Nelson?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Coffs Harbour. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Nelson. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city 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 Nelson?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively destination of Coffs Harbour. This vacation town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Nelson. 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 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 Nelson, we can see that Coffs Harbour is more expensive. And not only is Nelson much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nelson would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nelson 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 Nelson.

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 Nelson Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Coffs Harbour or Nelson?

Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Nelson. When comparing the sizes of Coffs Harbour and Nelson, 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.