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

Should you visit Coffs Harbour or Picton?

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 Picton 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Picton

Picton is a quaint, relaxing, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Coffs Harbour and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Coffs Harbour or Picton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Coffs Harbour than Picton, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Coffs Harbour is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Picton is more popular for its small town charm. Coffs Harbour is well known for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". Also, Coffs Harbour is famous for the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Picton is well known for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails.

How is Coffs Harbour different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Coffs Harbour or Picton.

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.

Picton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

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

Both Coffs Harbour and Picton offer very good 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 Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Coffs Harbour or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Coffs Harbour or Picton Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Picton is not a resort destination.

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

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

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.

Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Coffs Harbour or Picton Better for Beaches?

Coffs Harbour is very popular for the beach. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

Coffs Harbour offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Is Coffs Harbour or Picton Better for Hiking?

Both Coffs Harbour and Picton are destinations which offer very good hiking.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Coffs Harbour or Picton?

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Coffs Harbour or Picton Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Picton 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.

Picton is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Coffs Harbour or Picton Better for Couples?

Both Coffs Harbour and Picton are very good 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 Picton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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

Coffs Harbour and Picton 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.

Picton is a great vacation town to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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

Picton 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.

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

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 Picton a more walkable city?

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

Picton is very walkable. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy 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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Coffs Harbour?

How long in Coffs Harbour or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Coffs Harbour or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Coffs Harbour than Picton 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 Picton.

Families should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Picton. 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 Picton. 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 Picton 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 Picton?

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 museums and food when visiting the scenic destination of Picton. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Picton?

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 Picton. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Picton?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Picton. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nature-filled 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 museums and food around the town of Picton. 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 3-Week Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Coffs Harbour and Picton, we can see that Coffs Harbour is more expensive. And not only is Picton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Picton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Picton 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 Picton.

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 Picton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Coffs Harbour or Picton?

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

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 Picton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Coffs Harbour as well as Picton. 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 Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Coffs Harbour is generally a little warmer than Picton. Daily temperatures in Coffs Harbour average around 23°C (74°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the summer. Coffs Harbour usually gets more rain in January than Picton. Coffs Harbour gets 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton 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 Picton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Coffs Harbour is a little warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Coffs Harbour averages around 20°C (67°F) in April, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. In April, Coffs Harbour usually receives more rain than Picton. Coffs Harbour gets 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Picton in the Winter?

Both Picton 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 Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Coffs Harbour is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Coffs Harbour in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Picton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Coffs Harbour usually gets less rain in July than Picton. Coffs Harbour gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Coffs Harbour or Picton in the Spring?

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

In October, Coffs Harbour is generally a little warmer than Picton. Daily temperatures in Coffs Harbour average around 19°C (66°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Coffs Harbour usually receives more rain than Picton. Coffs Harbour gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Picton and Coffs Harbour