A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Fraser Island vs. Coffs Harbour for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fraser Island and Coffs Harbour. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a stunning, serene, and breathtaking island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

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 nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Fraser Island and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Fraser Island and Coffs Harbour are popular destinations, Coffs Harbour has more sights and attractions for tourists. Coffs Harbour is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Fraser Island attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is more touristy than Fraser Island and is popular 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. Fraser Island is famous for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

How is Fraser Island different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Fraser Island is not a good island 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Fraser Island. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.


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

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island 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.

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

Is Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

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.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Fraser Island 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.

Fraser Island is not a resort destination.


Is Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for snorkeling and scuba diving.

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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Fraser Island. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Is Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

Fraser Island and Coffs Harbour both offer fantastic beaches.

Fraser Island offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Coffs Harbour. 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.

Is Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

Hiking trails can be found around both Fraser Island and Coffs Harbour, and they are very good.

Fraser Island is a popular spot for hiking. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour?

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Coffs Harbour is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Fraser Island is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fraser Island. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.

Is Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

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

Fraser Island is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

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 Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

Both Fraser Island and Coffs Harbour are very good destinations for backpackers.

Fraser Island is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Coffs Harbour. 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 Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a moderate vacation town for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.

Is Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Fraser Island
Coffs Harbour

Fraser Island is a decent place to visit for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable island. 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 Fraser Island Worth Visiting? and Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Fraser Island?

How long in Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour?

Both Fraser Island and Coffs Harbour have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Coffs Harbour than in Fraser Island. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fraser Island, and 3-7 days is enough time in Coffs Harbour.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Fraser Island 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.


  • How many days in Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour? Ideal Length of Stay
    Fraser Island 3-5 
    Coffs Harbour 3-7

One day in Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the serene destination of Fraser Island. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the nature-filled destination of Coffs Harbour. 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 Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fraser Island. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Coffs Harbour. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the serene destination of Fraser Island. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the lively destination of Coffs Harbour. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This vacation 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 Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour?

You'll find around the beautiful island of Fraser Island. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vacation town of Coffs Harbour. 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Coffs Harbour or Fraser Island?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Fraser Island is $207, while the average daily cost in Coffs Harbour is $136. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fraser Island and Coffs Harbour in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fraser Island $102
    Coffs Harbour $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fraser Island $204
    Coffs Harbour $126
Compare Hotels in Fraser Island and Coffs Harbour

Looking for a hotel in Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Fraser Island


Hotels in Coffs Harbour


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Coffs Harbour Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fraser Island $93
    Coffs Harbour $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour?

Prices for flights to both Coffs Harbour and Fraser Island change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Fraser Island $48
    Coffs Harbour $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Fraser Island $44
    Coffs Harbour $42

Tours and Activities in Fraser Island

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Fraser Island are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Hervey Bay Funset Cruise: $53
  • Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watching Cruise: $73
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $99
  • Hervey Bay: Half Day Whale watching & Island Stop Tour: $111
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour: $181
  • Remote Fraser Island Experience: $143
  • Remote K'gari (Fraser Island) & Whale Experience: $165

Typical Entertainment Prices in Coffs Harbour

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Coffs Harbour's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Surfing Museum (for 2)
    $7.17

Tours and Activities in Coffs Harbour

For Coffs Harbour, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Sunset Kayak Eco Tour with Marine Scientist: $40
  • Daytime Kayak Eco Tour of New South Wales: $40
  • Coffs Harbour Whale Watch Experience: $63
  • Sunset Experience: $77
  • Rainforest & Waterfall Experience: $125
  • Coastal Adventure: $125

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Fraser Island $21
    Coffs Harbour $8.38


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fraser Island and Coffs Harbour, we can see that Fraser Island is more expensive. And not only is Coffs Harbour much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Coffs Harbour would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Coffs Harbour 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 Fraser Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fraser Island than you might in Coffs Harbour.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fraser Island Expensive? and Is Coffs Harbour Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour?

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 Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

Both Coffs Harbour and Fraser Island during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fraser Island for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Fraser Island is generally a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Daily temperatures in Fraser Island average around 26°C (78°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fraser Island. Fraser Island usually gets less rain in January than Coffs Harbour. Fraser Island gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Fraser Island 26°C (78°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Fraser Island and Coffs Harbour. The autumn months attract visitors to Fraser Island because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

Fraser Island is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fraser Island averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Fraser Island usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Fraser Island gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Fraser Island 22°C (72°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Fraser Island as well as Coffs Harbour. The cuisine are the main draw to Fraser Island this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Fraser Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Coffs Harbour. Fraser Island gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Fraser Island 15°C (59°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Fraser Island or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

Both Coffs Harbour and Fraser Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Fraser Island for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In October, Fraser Island is generally a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Daily temperatures in Fraser Island average around 21°C (71°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. In October, Fraser Island usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Fraser Island gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Fraser Island 21°C (71°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Fraser Island

Fraser Island Coffs Harbour
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Feb 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Mar 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)