A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Sydney vs. Coffs Harbour for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Sydney or Coffs Harbour?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney 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.

Sydney

Sydney is a diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a lively, relaxing, and fun vacation town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Sydney and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Coffs Harbour?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sydney than Coffs Harbour. Sydney is bigger than Coffs Harbour, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sydney is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Coffs Harbour is more popular for its resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. Sydney is well known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House. Coffs Harbour is well known for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana".

How is Sydney different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Sydney from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Sydney and Coffs Harbour can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

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

Sydney is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

Coffs Harbour is well known for its resorts. However, Sydney is not a resort destination.

Coffs Harbour is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Sydney is not a resort destination.

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

Coffs Harbour is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Coffs Harbour to enjoy 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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Is Sydney or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

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 Sydney or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Sydney and Coffs Harbour are both places where visitors can find high quality hiking trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Coffs Harbour?

Sydney 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 Sydney. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

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

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Sydney is very popular for romance. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Sydney is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney 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 Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage 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 Sydney or Coffs Harbour Better for Students?

Sydney is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

Sydney is a very popular city for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is very popular for times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

Sydney has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

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

Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Coffs Harbour?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Sydney or Coffs Harbour?

Sydney is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Coffs Harbour. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Coffs Harbour is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Coffs Harbour?

Sydney is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Coffs Harbour. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Coffs Harbour?

Sydney is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Coffs Harbour. This vacation town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sydney and Coffs Harbour, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Coffs Harbour much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Coffs Harbour would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Coffs Harbour 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 Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney than you might in Coffs Harbour.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Coffs Harbour?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney 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 Sydney or Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Coffs Harbour. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sydney 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, Sydney is around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sydney in January average around 23°C (73°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the summer, Sydney often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sydney usually gets less rain in January than Coffs Harbour. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

Both Coffs Harbour and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sydney for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Sydney is generally around the same temperature as Coffs Harbour. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 19°C (65°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. Sydney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. It's quite rainy in Sydney. In April, Sydney usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

Both Coffs Harbour and Sydney during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sydney 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.

Sydney is cooler than Coffs Harbour in the winter. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 12°C (53°F) in July, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the winter, Sydney often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Coffs Harbour. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Coffs Harbour. Most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Coffs Harbour during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun in the spring.

Coffs Harbour receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Sydney usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbour. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 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 Sydney