A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Gold Coast vs. Coffs Harbour for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour?

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

Should I visit Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a glamourous, vibrant, and colorful coastline. 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

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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour?

You'll generally find more things to do in Gold Coast than Coffs Harbour. Gold Coast is bigger than Coffs Harbour, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Gold Coast is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and big city activities, while Coffs Harbour is more popular for its impressive beauty. Gold Coast is more touristy than Coffs Harbour and is known for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. Also, Gold Coast is famous for the long sandy beaches. Coffs Harbour is well known for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana".

How is Gold Coast different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

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 Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour both to be excellent destinations.

Gold Coast has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Coffs Harbour makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast is very popular for nightlife. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Gold Coast is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

The people in Coffs Harbour know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Gold Coast is a world class resort vacation destination. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

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.

Is Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's excellent scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Gold Coast. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

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.

Is Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour are terrific choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gold Coast. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

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.

Is Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour both have excellent trails.

Many visitors go to Gold Coast for the hiking trails. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour?

If you're looking to go shopping, Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour both offer plenty of excellent spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Gold Coast. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

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.

Is Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Gold Coast is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

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.

Is Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

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

Gold Coast is a great coastline for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

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 Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

Coffs Harbour is a great coastline 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 Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gold Coast is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Gold Coast is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

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 Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Gold Coast is a coastline with good options for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Gold Coast is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable coastline. 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 Gold Coast Worth Visiting? and Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Gold Coast?

How long in Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour?

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

Families should spend more time in Gold Coast than Coffs Harbour. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Gold Coast, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the colorful destination of Gold Coast. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the nature-filled vacation town of Coffs Harbour, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gold Coast. 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.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Coffs Harbour, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the fun-filled destination of Gold Coast. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastline 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.

Coffs Harbour, a popular vacation town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this vacation town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the coastline of Gold Coast. 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.

Coffs Harbour is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this vacation town makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour, 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 Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour?

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 Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Gold Coast is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gold Coast in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 23°C (74°F).

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

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Gold Coast usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Gold Coast gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

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

In April, Gold Coast is generally a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Daily temperatures in Gold Coast average around 22°C (71°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Gold Coast usually gets less rain in April than Coffs Harbour. Gold Coast gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

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

Gold Coast is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the winter. The daily temperature in Gold Coast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. Gold Coast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour during winter. Gold Coast gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Gold Coast usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbour. Gold Coast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Gold Coast is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gold Coast in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 19°C (66°F).

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

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. Gold Coast usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Coffs Harbour. Gold Coast gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Gold Coast