A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Surfers Paradise vs. Coffs Harbour for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a high energy, thrilling, and active city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a nature-filled, lively, and relaxing vacation town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Surfers Paradise and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise than Coffs Harbour, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Surfers Paradise is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Coffs Harbour is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Coffs Harbour and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Also, Surfers Paradise is famous for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Coffs Harbour is well known for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana".

How is Surfers Paradise different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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 Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Coffs Harbour makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for nightlife. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Surfers Paradise is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

The people in Coffs Harbour know how to have a good time. 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 Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Surfers Paradise is a world class resort vacation destination. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

There are plenty of resorts in Coffs Harbour to choose from. 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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find high quality snorkeling or scuba diving in both Surfers Paradise and Coffs Harbour.

Many visitors go to Surfers Paradise to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

Both Surfers Paradise and Coffs Harbour have first-rate beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Surfers Paradise are among the best in the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Coffs Harbour is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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 Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for shopping. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Surfers Paradise. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Coffs Harbour is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise and Coffs Harbour are both first-rate destinations for the whole family.

Surfers Paradise is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

Coffs Harbour is an extremely popular city 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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise and Coffs Harbour are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Surfers Paradise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Couples visit Coffs Harbour frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Surfers Paradise. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Coffs Harbour is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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 Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise has some public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

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 Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

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

Surfers Paradise is somewhat walkable. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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 Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting? and Is Coffs Harbour Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour?

Both Surfers Paradise and Coffs Harbour have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Surfers Paradise has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Coffs Harbour. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Coffs Harbour. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Surfers Paradise, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Coffs Harbour. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Surfers Paradise that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Coffs Harbour 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the glamourous destination of Surfers Paradise. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxing destination of Coffs Harbour. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This vacation town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the lively vacation town of Coffs Harbour. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the thrilling destination of Surfers Paradise. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Coffs Harbour is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the city of Surfers Paradise. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Coffs Harbour is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

Both Coffs Harbour and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour. Typically, the summer temperatures in Surfers Paradise in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually receives more sunshine than Coffs Harbour during summer. Surfers Paradise gets 256 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. It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. In January, Surfers Paradise usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

Both Coffs Harbour and Surfers Paradise during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Surfers Paradise is generally a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 22°C (71°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. In the autumn, Surfers Paradise often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour. Surfers Paradise gets 214 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets less rain in April than Coffs Harbour. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Coffs Harbour. Many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Surfers Paradise is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the winter. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour during winter. Surfers Paradise gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbour. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Coffs Harbour. Most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour. Typically, the spring temperatures in Surfers Paradise in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 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 Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In the spring, Surfers Paradise often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour. Surfers Paradise gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the spring. Surfers Paradise usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Coffs Harbour. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (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 Surfers Paradise