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

Should you visit Perth or Coffs Harbour?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Perth and Coffs Harbour can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a easy-going, isolated, and sunny city. 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 gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Perth and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Coffs Harbour?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Coffs Harbour than Perth. While Perth is larger than Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Coffs Harbour is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Perth is known for its museums. Coffs Harbour is more touristy than Perth and is known 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. Perth is popular for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Perth 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 Perth. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

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

Coffs Harbour is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Is Perth or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Coffs Harbour is great for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Coffs Harbour for the nightlife scene. 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 Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Perth or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour is great for its luxury resorts. However, Perth is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Coffs Harbour. 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.

Perth is not a resort destination.

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

Coffs Harbour is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Perth or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Perth and Coffs Harbour are amazing choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Perth is a very popular vacation destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

The beaches in Coffs Harbour are among the best in 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 Perth or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour is great for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails. 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.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour is great for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Perth or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Coffs Harbour is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Is Perth or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Coffs Harbour is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Coffs Harbour is a great vacation town if you're traveling as 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.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

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

Coffs Harbour is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Perth or Coffs Harbour Better for Students?

Perth is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

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

Perth 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.

Perth has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

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 Perth or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

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

Perth is somewhat walkable. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore 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 Perth Worth Visiting? and Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Perth?

How long in Perth or Coffs Harbour?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the isolated destination of Perth. 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.

In Coffs Harbour, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this fun destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This vacation town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Perth or Coffs Harbour?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Coffs Harbour. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Perth or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the isolated destination of Perth. 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.

Coffs Harbour is a fun place to experience. In Coffs Harbour, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Perth or Coffs Harbour?

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

In Coffs Harbour, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this fun destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Perth 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Coffs Harbour?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Perth 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 Perth 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 Perth or Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Coffs Harbour. Many travelers come to Perth for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Perth is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour in the summer. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Coffs Harbour during summer. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun in the summer.

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Perth usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Perth or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Perth as well as Coffs Harbour. Many visitors come to Perth in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Perth is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Perth in April average around 19°C (67°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In the autumn, Perth often gets more sunshine than Coffs Harbour. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Perth usually gets less rain in April than Coffs Harbour. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

Both Coffs Harbour and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Perth for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Perth is generally around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 13°C (55°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. Perth usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during winter. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Perth. In July, Perth usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbour. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Perth or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

Both Coffs Harbour and Perth during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Perth because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

Perth is cooler than Coffs Harbour in the spring. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Perth. In the spring, Perth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun.

Coffs Harbour gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Perth usually gets less rain in October than Coffs Harbour. Perth 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 Perth