A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Noosa Heads vs. Coffs Harbour for Beaches, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Noosa Heads and Coffs Harbour can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a scenic, natural, and charming coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a relaxing, fun, and nature-filled vacation town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Noosa Heads and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Coffs Harbour. Although Noosa Heads and Coffs Harbour are popular destinations, Coffs Harbour has more sights and attractions for tourists. Coffs Harbour is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Noosa Heads attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Noosa Heads is famous for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. Coffs Harbour is famous for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". It is also well known for the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

How is Noosa Heads different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Coffs Harbour is a vacation town with good options for its historical sights. However, Noosa Heads is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

Is the Food Better in Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Noosa Heads and Coffs Harbour offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Noosa Heads has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

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 Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town for nightlife and partying. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Is Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town for its luxury resorts. However, Noosa Heads is not a resort destination.

In Coffs Harbour, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Noosa Heads is not a resort destination.

Is Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Noosa Heads is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Coffs Harbour is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Noosa Heads is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Both Noosa Heads and Coffs Harbour are considered to be world-class beach destinations.

Noosa Heads is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

Coffs Harbour offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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 Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Both Noosa Heads and Coffs Harbour are destinations which offer great hiking.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads for the hiking trails. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

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 Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town for its shopping opportunities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Coffs Harbour is well-known for its shopping. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads to go shopping. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Is Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

Coffs Harbour is an extremely popular vacation town to visit for families. 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.

Noosa Heads is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

Is Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Both Noosa Heads and Coffs Harbour are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Noosa Heads is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

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 Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Noosa Heads and Coffs Harbour are great places to visit.

Many backpackers visit Noosa Heads. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

Coffs Harbour is a very popular coastal 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.

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

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

Noosa Heads has some public transit options. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

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 Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

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

Noosa Heads is very walkable. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable coastal town. 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 Noosa Heads Worth Visiting? and Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Noosa Heads?

How long in Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour?

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

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

Even though Noosa Heads is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxing 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 Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Noosa Heads. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 lively 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 Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour?

Noosa Heads is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal town 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 fun 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 Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour?

Noosa Heads is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Noosa Heads and Coffs Harbour. The summer months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

In January, Noosa Heads is generally cooler than Coffs Harbour. Daily temperatures in Noosa Heads average around 20°C (67°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the summer. Noosa Heads gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Noosa Heads usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Noosa Heads gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Noosa Heads as well as Coffs Harbour. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Noosa Heads is cooler than Coffs Harbour in the autumn. The daily temperature in Noosa Heads averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Noosa Heads usually gets less rain in April than Coffs Harbour. Noosa Heads gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

Both Coffs Harbour and Noosa Heads are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Noosa Heads is much colder than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the winter temperatures in Noosa Heads in July average around 7°C (44°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In July, Noosa Heads usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Noosa Heads gets 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

Both Coffs Harbour and Noosa Heads during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Noosa Heads usually gets less rain in October than Coffs Harbour. Noosa Heads gets 76 mm (3 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 Noosa Heads