A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Bromo vs. Coffs Harbour for Families, Food, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo 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.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a scenic, spectacular, and breathtaking volcano. Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a relaxing, fun, and nature-filled vacation town. Coffs Harbour is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Coffs Harbour travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
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
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Mount Bromo and Coffs Harbour are both popular with visitors, Coffs Harbour has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Coffs Harbour is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Bromo is known for its impressive beauty. Mount Bromo is popular for its sunrise views and scenic setting. Coffs Harbour is popular for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also home to the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

How is Mount Bromo different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Coffs Harbour has something for everybody. 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.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town for its luxury resorts. However, Mount Bromo 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.

Mount Bromo is not a resort destination.


Is Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Bromo 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.

Mount Bromo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

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.

Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

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

Many visitors go to Mount Bromo for the hiking trails. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

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 Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour?

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

Mount Bromo is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

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.

Is Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano 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.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!


Is Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

With fun activities for couples, both Mount Bromo and Coffs Harbour make for a excellent place to visit.

Mount Bromo is a great volcano if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano 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.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

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

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

Mount Bromo and Coffs Harbour both offer decent public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

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 Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo
Coffs Harbour

Mount Bromo is a volcano with good options for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Mount Bromo is somewhat walkable. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable volcano. 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 Mount Bromo Worth Visiting? and Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour?

Both Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mount Bromo, and 3-7 days is enough time in Coffs Harbour.

Families should spend more time in Coffs Harbour than Mount Bromo. 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 Mount Bromo. 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 Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mount Bromo 1-2 
    Coffs Harbour 3-7

One day in Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the scenic destination of Mount Bromo. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the lively vacation town of Coffs Harbour. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mount Bromo. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the nature-filled destination of Coffs Harbour. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This vacation town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the breathtaking destination of Mount Bromo. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This volcano 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the lively vacation town of Coffs Harbour. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour?

You'll find around the beautiful volcano of Mount Bromo. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Coffs Harbour. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this vacation town.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Coffs Harbour or Mount Bromo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mount Bromo is $25, while the average daily cost in Coffs Harbour is $174. 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 Mount Bromo and Coffs Harbour in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mount Bromo $10
    Coffs Harbour $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mount Bromo $20
    Coffs Harbour $126
Compare Hotels in Mount Bromo and Coffs Harbour

Looking for a hotel in Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo


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.
    Mount Bromo $7.03
    Coffs Harbour $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Mount Bromo or Coffs Harbour?

Prices for flights to both Coffs Harbour and Mount Bromo 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
    Mount Bromo $8.84
    Coffs Harbour $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mount Bromo $7.88
    Coffs Harbour $42

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)
    $7.20

Tours and Activities in Coffs Harbour

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

  • Treetops Adventure Tree Ropes Course: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mount Bromo $4.43
    Coffs Harbour $8.41


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Bromo and Coffs Harbour, we can see that Coffs Harbour is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mount Bromo is in Asia and Coffs Harbour is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo 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 Mount Bromo.

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