Travel Budget for Coffs Harbour Visit Coffs Harbour on a Budget or Travel in Style

Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
Pacific / Australia / New South Wales /
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Coffs Harbour is a lively vacation town known for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana". In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, enjoying the nightlife, or scuba diving with your friends, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Coffs Harbour, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Coffs Harbour?

You should plan to spend around $171 (AU$265) per day on your vacation in Coffs Harbour. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $88 (AU$136) on meals
  • $22 (AU$34) on local transportation
  • $125 (AU$193) on hotels

A one week trip to Coffs Harbour for two people costs, on average, $2,399 (AU$3,710). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $171
    AU$265
  • One Week Per person
    $1,200
    AU$1,855
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,399
    AU$3,710
  • One Month Per person
    $5,141
    AU$7,950
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,399
    AU$3,710
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,799
    AU$7,420
  • One Month For a couple
    $10,283
    AU$15,900
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Coffs Harbour cost?

A one week trip to Coffs Harbour usually costs around $1,200 (AU$1,855) for one person and $2,399 (AU$3,710) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Coffs Harbour on average costs around $2,399 (AU$3,710) for one person and $4,799 (AU$7,420) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Coffs Harbour will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Coffs Harbour on average costs around $5,141 (AU$7,950) for one person and $10,283 (AU$15,900) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Coffs Harbour expensive to visit?

Coffs Harbour is a popular vacation town that attracts a diverse array of travelers, reflecting a mix of travel styles and spending habits. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.

While Coffs Harbour can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.

On average, budget travelers spend $77 (AU$116) per day, mid-range travelers spend $176 (AU$265) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $335 (AU$507) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Coffs Harbour.

Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Coffs Harbour is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Kaikoura or Byron Bay.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Coffs Harbour Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Coffs Harbour?

The average Coffs Harbour trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Coffs Harbour travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Coffs Harbour cost?

Coffs Harbour on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$27
(AU$42) 		$62
(AU$96) 		$119
(AU$184)
Local Transportation 1 $10
(AU$15) 		$22
(AU$34) 		$42
(AU$66)
Food 2 $38
(AU$59) 		$88
(AU$136) 		$168
(AU$260)
Entertainment 1 $18
(AU$28) 		$41
(AU$64) 		$77
(AU$119)
Alcohol 2 $2-5
(AU$3-8) 		$4-12
(AU$6-19) 		$8-24
(AU$12-37)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Coffs Harbour without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.

Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $77 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Visitors to Coffs Harbour often find food to be a highlight, but budget travelers may only indulge in street food or cook their own meals in hostels, missing some of the area's best culinary experiences.

Is Your Travel Style Average?

If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, dine at well-known restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Coffs Harbour will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come with a cost. Therefore, it's reasonable to anticipate that your daily budget will be around $176 per person, per day.

Coffs Harbour offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Royal Palms Motor Inn is an excellent choice, while Bosuns Inn Motel is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Coffs Harbour.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $335. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the vacation town will require a premium budget.

Accommodation Budget in Coffs Harbour

Hotel rates in Coffs Harbour vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season (summer) brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $110 to $205. Expect prices to range from $83 for budget hotels to $315 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Coffs Harbour for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $125 (AU$193). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $62 (AU$96) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $62
    AU$96
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $125
    AU$193

Hotels in Coffs Harbour

Looking for a hotel in Coffs Harbour? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Coffs Harbour

The average hotel room price in Coffs Harbour based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $110 in the low season and $205 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Coffs Harbour include:

  • Korora Bay Village Resort starting at $137
  • Club Wyndham Coffs Harbour starting at $139
  • CBD Motor Inn starting at $102
  • Royal Palms Motor Inn starting at $90
  • Pacific Towers Beach Resort starting at $175
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a very family friendly vacation town. If you're traveling with kids, you'll likely want to find an apartment or accommodation with more space.

This vacation town is home to various resorts. You might find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many resorts have dining options onsite.

With many visitors staying up to a week in Coffs Harbour, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option for longer stays, allowing you to cook meals.

If you plan to avoid summer and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Coffs Harbour

The public transit system in Coffs Harbour is not very good. 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.

Sadly, the vacation town isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly. 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.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (poor)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $22 (AU$34) per person, per day, on local transportation in Coffs Harbour. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Coffs Harbour is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $22
    AU$34

Transportation Tips

Check that your hotel has accessible parking if you're planning on driving.



Flights to Coffs Harbour
How much does it cost to go to Coffs Harbour? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Coffs Harbour
The price of renting a car in Coffs Harbour will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Coffs Harbour

In Coffs Harbour, the food is fantastic, and you should definitely take the opportunity to enjoy all the local flavors. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Coffs Harbour can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Coffs Harbour is $88 (AU$136) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $88
    AU$136

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Coffs Harbour is around $90 (AU$136) per person, with previous travelers spending from $39 to $172. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Coffs Harbour are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $9 to $27
  • Lunch: $14 to $36
  • Dinner: $27 to $63
  • Coffee: $7
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $14

There are plenty of restaurants in Coffs Harbour that range from budget to high end. You can find anything from seafood to barbecue, or you can grab a drink at any of the many cafes and coffee bars around town. There's also a great juice bar if that's more your style.

Many of the restaurants are located in the Jetty area on Harbour Drive. This area has a reputation for having the best dining options in town. If you want to pick up some local ingredients then head to one of the town's several produce markets. These include Growers Markets, Parkbeach Markets, and Harbourside Markets.

Food in Coffs Harbour

Food & Dining Tips

If you're on a trip with your kids, find restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can really help you save money since those options are typically much more affordable. Some places might not show the kids' meals on their menu, so be sure to check with your waiter first.

Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.

Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.

Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Coffs Harbour

Tourists can't resist Coffs Harbour, especially for its well-known beaches, family-friendly activities, food, and nightlife.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Coffs Harbour typically cost an average of $41 (AU$64) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $41
    AU$64

People really come to Coffs Harbour for the beaches and the ocean, but there are a handful of sights, not least of which is the Big Banana. It is, literally, a big banana and you can pull off the road and have your photo taken at this famous landmark. There are also a few shops to pick up tacky tourist souvenirs or buy yourself a banana smoothie. Other sights of interest in town include the Pet Porpoise Pool, where you can see dolphins and seals, the Butterfly House, which houses an indoor rainforest, and a Creek-side Boardwalk with a nearby botanical garden. Muttonbird Island is actually a peninsula that juts out from the marina area. It is a nesting site for a type of migratory bird called the wedge-tailed shearwaters (or muttonbirds). The birds mate during the month of November and the eggs hatch at the end of the summer. It's worth visiting Muttonbird Island to see the area. Whales may also be seen during certain times of the year.

There are several beaches where you can swim or sun bath, but the main beach in town is Park Beach. You'll also find a well protected beach that's great for small children just inside Coffs Creek.



Most of the town's activities are centered around the beach and ocean. You can scuba dive in the Solitary Islands Marine Park just off the coast. There are also dolphin and whale watching cruises available. The whale season runs between June and November but dolphins can be seen year around. Helicopter tours of the area are also available and let you see the beautiful beaches and the area's rainforests.

There are also a handful of markets around town where you can buy anything from beach clothes and supplies to cheesy tourist souvenirs. Popular options include Jetty Markets, Harbourside Markets, Growers Markets, and Parkbeach Markets.

Sightseeing Tips

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Discovering the underwater wonders through scuba diving is a major draw 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.

Beaches:
Beaches in Coffs HarbourA great many tourists venture to Coffs Harbour to enjoy its sandy beaches. 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.

Hiking:
Hiking in Coffs HarbourThe hiking scene in Coffs Harbour is truly remarkable. 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.

Shopping:
Shopping in Coffs HarbourMake sure to check out the shopping here, as it's a fun experience. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

A nice way to explore destinations in Coffs Harbour is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Sunset Kayak Eco Tour with Marine Scientist for $40 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in Coffs Harbour?

Listed below are some typical prices for attractions, activities, and entry fees in Coffs Harbour, sourced from actual travelers. These costs give you an idea of how much you might spend. However, your personal expenses will depend on the activities you choose, the museums or landmarks you visit, and how frequently you opt for free or low-cost options.


  • Surfing Museum (for 2)
    AU$11


Nightlife Budget in Coffs Harbour

Visitors in Coffs Harbour can't get enough of the fun nightlife, spending their evenings at local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $8.31 (AU$13) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Coffs Harbour per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $8.31
    AU$13
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.

Enjoy the nightlife, but stay cautious, especially if you're drinking. Thieves or criminals may target you, so stay close to trusted friends and avoid wandering off alone.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Coffs Harbour

  • Prices often increase and the vacation town becomes more congested during peak season in summer. For a more affordable and less crowded experience, consider traveling in the shoulder or low seasons.
  • As a big city, Coffs Harbour generally offers a range of prices for hotels, food, and fun activities. You can save money by being proactive—compare prices, book early, and seek out free experiences.
  • Traveling at a slower pace can help you save money and truly appreciate the beauty around you. Overloading your itinerary with activities can lead to excessive spending. However, taking it easy and enjoying the moment usually results in a lighter wallet.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Many travelers are drawn to Coffs Harbour for the remarkable scuba diving. However, it can be pricey, leaving little opportunity to cut back on spending. Dive trips, gear rentals, and boating excursions can take a big bite out of your budget. Don't forget to check your travel insurance to ensure coverage for accidents or weather-related cancellations.
  • Coffs Harbour doesn't have many public transport options available. You may want to consider renting a car or setting up transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour. Just be aware that this might affect your budget elsewhere.
  • Coffs Harbour isn't exactly a hotspot for hostels, so if you're expecting to stay in a cheap dorm to save money, you might want to adjust your plans. Instead, find a cheap hotel or apartment rental.
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Traveling in Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is in New South Wales between Brisbane and Sydney. Historically, Coffs Harbour has been a popular vacation destination among families, particularly Australian families. Most visitors today are families that are carrying on a longstanding tradition and bringing their children to the holiday destination of their childhood. You'll also find backpackers who spend up to a week here, dividing the trip between Sydney and Brisbane. The area has a well established tourist infrastructure that is not as trendy as that in Byron Bay, but it remains a wonderful community to visit if you're not looking for the party atmosphere.

Coffs Harbour has a humid subtropical climate. The city is sunny most of the year but winters can be somewhat damp with mild temperatures.



Neighborhoods & Around

Coffs Harbour is located on the Pacific Highway with many coastal resorts and apartments in the surrounding areas. Coffs Harbour has several suburbs including Boambee, Toormina, North Boambee Valley, Diggers Beach, Korora, Moonee Beach, Park Beach, Red Hill, South Coffs, West Coffs, West Korora, and Sapphire Beach. Coffs Harbour Jetty is also near the city center.

The area has a variety of accommodation options ranging from hostels to family oriented hotels. The prices are highly variable as well, but it is possible to get a good deal at a more affordable place to stay, particularly if you stay farther from the beach.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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