A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Melbourne vs. Coffs Harbour for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Melbourne or Coffs Harbour?

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

Should I visit Melbourne 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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a friendly, cultural, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Melbourne travel costs.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a nature-filled, lively, and relaxing vacation town. Coffs Harbour is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Coffs Harbour travel costs.

Melbourne and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Coffs Harbour?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Melbourne than Coffs Harbour. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Melbourne is very popular for its museums and attractions and big city activities, while Coffs Harbour attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Melbourne different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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 Melbourne or Coffs Harbour? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Melbourne and Coffs Harbour offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Dining out in Coffs Harbour is an experience not to be missed. 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 Melbourne or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Coffs Harbour.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Coffs Harbour is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Melbourne or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Coffs Harbour is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Melbourne is not a resort destination.

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

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Melbourne or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Coffs Harbour is very popular for the beach. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Is Melbourne or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Coffs Harbour?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Melbourne and Coffs Harbour.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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.

Is Melbourne or Coffs Harbour More Beautiful?

Coffs Harbour is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Coffs Harbour is a beautiful place to visit, too. With its beautiful coastline and nice mountain landscapes, there is plenty of beauty to explore. There are also nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries where you can immerse yourself in the natural environment.

Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Melbourne or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Coffs Harbour is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Melbourne or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

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

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

Many 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Coffs Harbour Better for Students?

Melbourne is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne 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 Melbourne is fairly effecient and thorough. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

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

Melbourne is very walkable. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable city. 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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Coffs Harbour?

Both Melbourne 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 Melbourne. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 3-7 days is enough time in Coffs Harbour.

Families should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne. 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Coffs Harbour?

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the vacation town of Coffs Harbour. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the lively destination of Coffs Harbour. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This vacation town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Coffs Harbour?

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the nature-filled vacation town of Coffs Harbour. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this vacation town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this vacation town has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Coffs Harbour?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Melbourne. 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.

Coffs Harbour is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Coffs Harbour, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Coffs Harbour?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

Both Coffs Harbour and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Melbourne is generally cooler than Coffs Harbour. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 20°C (68°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Melbourne. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Coffs Harbour during summer. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. In January, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Melbourne or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

Both Coffs Harbour and Melbourne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Melbourne is cooler than Coffs Harbour in the autumn. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Coffs Harbour. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun.

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Melbourne usually gets less rain in April than Coffs Harbour. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Coffs Harbour. The winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

In the winter, Melbourne is cooler than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the winter temperatures in Melbourne in July average around 9°C (49°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during winter. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Melbourne or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Coffs Harbour. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In October, Melbourne is generally cooler than Coffs Harbour. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 14°C (57°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In the spring, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Coffs Harbour. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Melbourne usually gets less rain in October than Coffs Harbour. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 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 Melbourne