A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Katoomba vs. Coffs Harbour for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Katoomba 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 Katoomba 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.

Where Should I go: Katoomba or Coffs Harbour?

Katoomba

Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.

This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.

The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is in New South Wales between Brisbane and Sydney. Historically, Coffs Harbour has been a popular vacation destination among families, particularly Australian families. Most visitors today are families that are carrying on a longstanding tradition and bringing their children to the holiday destination of their childhood. You'll also find backpackers who spend up to a week here, dividing the trip between Sydney and Brisbane. The area has a well established tourist infrastructure that is not as trendy as that in Byron Bay, but it remains a wonderful community to visit if you're not looking for the party atmosphere.

Which place is cheaper, Coffs Harbour or Katoomba?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Katoomba is $133, while the average daily cost in Coffs Harbour is $134. 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 Katoomba and Coffs Harbour in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Katoomba $77
    Coffs Harbour $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Katoomba $154
    Coffs Harbour $124
Compare Hotels in Katoomba and Coffs Harbour

Looking for a hotel in Katoomba 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 Katoomba


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: Katoomba Hotel Prices and Coffs Harbour Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Katoomba $49
    Coffs Harbour $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katoomba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katoomba:

  • Blue Mountains Limousine Airport to Blue Mountains transfer: $342

Is it cheaper to fly into Katoomba or Coffs Harbour?

Prices for flights to both Coffs Harbour and Katoomba 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
    Katoomba $17
    Coffs Harbour $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Katoomba $53
    Coffs Harbour $41

Tours and Activities in Katoomba

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

  • 2-Hour Truffle Hunt and Taste Experience in Oberon, NSW Australia: $115
  • Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $84
  • Blue Labyrinth PRIVATE Tour: Sydney Blue Mountains by E-Bike : $244
  • Blue Mountains & Sydney Photography Tour: $260
  • Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $106
  • Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $75
  • Blue Mountains BarNSW Local Produce Tasting Experience: $37
  • Blue Mountains Full Day Guided Tour : $189
  • Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $32
  • Blue Mountains Private Tour From Sydney, & Featherdale Aussie Animal Park Option: $231
  • Blue Mountains Vintage Cadillac Tour with Local Guide: $453
  • Blue Mountains: Private Scenic Tour with Optional Stops: $228

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)
    $7.07

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: $39
  • Coffs Harbour Whale Watch Experience: $62
  • Sunset Experience: $76
  • Rainforest & Waterfall Experience: $123
  • Coastal Adventure: $123

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Katoomba -
    Coffs Harbour $8.27


When comparing the travel costs between Katoomba and Coffs Harbour, we can see that Coffs Harbour 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.

Which is Bigger, Katoomba or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour is bigger, and its population is about 3.4 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the population of Katoomba vs. 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Katoomba 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 Katoomba or Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

Both Coffs Harbour and Katoomba during the summer are popular places to visit.

Katoomba is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour in the summer. The daily temperature in Katoomba averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Katoomba. In the summer, Katoomba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour. Katoomba gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 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 Katoomba. Katoomba usually gets less rain in January than Coffs Harbour. Katoomba gets 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Katoomba 24°C (74°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Katoomba or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Katoomba and Coffs Harbour.

In the autumn, Katoomba is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Katoomba in April average around 18°C (65°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. Katoomba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour during autumn. Katoomba gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Katoomba usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Katoomba gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Katoomba 18°C (65°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Katoomba or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Katoomba as well as Coffs Harbour.

In July, Katoomba is generally cooler than Coffs Harbour. Daily temperatures in Katoomba average around 11°C (51°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In the winter, Katoomba often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour. Katoomba gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun.

Katoomba usually gets less rain in July than Coffs Harbour. Katoomba gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Katoomba 11°C (51°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Katoomba or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

Both Coffs Harbour and Katoomba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Katoomba is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour in the spring. The daily temperature in Katoomba averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. Katoomba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour during spring. Katoomba gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. In October, Katoomba usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Katoomba gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Katoomba 18°C (64°F) 
    Coffs Harbour 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Katoomba

Katoomba Coffs Harbour
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Feb 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 195 mm (7.7 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 136 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Katoomba vs. Coffs Harbour Travel Comparison

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