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

Should you visit Newcastle or Coffs Harbour?

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

Should I visit Newcastle 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.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a coastal, vibrant, and high energy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a fun, nature-filled, and lively vacation town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle or Coffs Harbour?

You'll generally find more things to do in Newcastle than Coffs Harbour. Newcastle is bigger than Coffs Harbour, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Newcastle is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Coffs Harbour is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Coffs Harbour is more touristy than Newcastle and is popular for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". Newcastle is well known for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. Also, Newcastle is famous for the Bathers Way.

How is Newcastle different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Newcastle 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 Newcastle. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Newcastle and Coffs Harbour.

Dining out in Newcastle is an experience not to be missed. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

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.

Is Newcastle or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Both Newcastle and Coffs Harbour are excellent when it comes to partying.

Newcastle offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

Coffs Harbour has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Newcastle or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

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

Newcastle is not a resort destination.

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

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Newcastle or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Coffs Harbour is terrific for the beach. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Newcastle is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Is Newcastle or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle or Coffs Harbour?

Both Newcastle and Coffs Harbour are excellent shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

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.

Is Newcastle or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Newcastle is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Newcastle or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

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

Coffs Harbour is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Coffs Harbour is a very popular vacation town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

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

Newcastle is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

Newcastle has some public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

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 Newcastle or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Newcastle is a city with good options for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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 Newcastle Worth Visiting? and Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Newcastle?

How long in Newcastle or Coffs Harbour?

Both Newcastle 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 Newcastle. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle, and 3-7 days is enough time in Coffs Harbour.

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Newcastle. 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 Newcastle or Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle. 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 nature-filled 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 Newcastle or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Newcastle. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city 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.

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 Newcastle or Coffs Harbour?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Newcastle. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Newcastle or Coffs Harbour?

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

Both Coffs Harbour and Newcastle during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Newcastle in the summer for the beaches, 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, Newcastle is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Newcastle. In the summer, Newcastle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour. Newcastle gets 232 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 Newcastle. Newcastle usually gets less rain in January than Coffs Harbour. Newcastle gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle and Coffs Harbour. Most visitors come to Newcastle for the hiking trails, 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.

In April, Newcastle is generally around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour. Daily temperatures in Newcastle average around 19°C (67°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. Newcastle usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour during autumn. Newcastle gets 199 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. Newcastle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Newcastle usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Newcastle gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Newcastle as well as Coffs Harbour. The winter months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

Newcastle is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, 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 Newcastle this time of the year. In the winter, Newcastle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour. Newcastle gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun.

Newcastle usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Coffs Harbour. Newcastle gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

Both Coffs Harbour and Newcastle are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Newcastle is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. Newcastle usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during spring. Newcastle gets 237 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, Newcastle usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Newcastle gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Newcastle