A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Adelaide vs. Brisbane for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Adelaide or Brisbane?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Brisbane 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.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a under-rated, elegant, and welcoming city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Adelaide and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Brisbane?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Brisbane than Adelaide, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Adelaide is well known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. Also, Brisbane is famous for the Cultural Centre.

How is Adelaide different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Brisbane?

Brisbane is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide 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 Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Brisbane? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Adelaide and Brisbane.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Brisbane. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Adelaide or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Brisbane has a large number of nightlife venues. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Adelaide or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Adelaide or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Both Adelaide and Brisbane are considered to be superb beach destinations.

The beaches at Adelaide attract visitors from all over. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Many people visit Brisbane for it's beautiful beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Is Adelaide or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Both Adelaide and Brisbane are destinations which offer notable hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Adelaide. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Brisbane offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Brisbane?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Adelaide and Brisbane.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Brisbane is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Adelaide or Brisbane Better for Families?

Brisbane is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Brisbane is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Both Adelaide and Brisbane are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Adelaide is a nice destination for couples. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Brisbane makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Adelaide or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Brisbane is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Adelaide or Brisbane Better for Students?

Brisbane is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Is Adelaide or Brisbane Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

The public transit in Adelaide can get you to most places easily. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Adelaide or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Adelaide and Brisbane are superb when it comes to walkability.

Adelaide is very walkable. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Brisbane is a very walkable city. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Brisbane?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Adelaide and Brisbane. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Adelaide than in Brisbane. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 2-3 days is enough time in Brisbane.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane than Adelaide 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 Brisbane.

One day in Adelaide or Brisbane?

The city of Adelaide offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The coastal city of Brisbane offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Adelaide or Brisbane?

Adelaide is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Adelaide, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Brisbane is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brisbane, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Brisbane?

Adelaide is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Brisbane is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Brisbane?

Adelaide is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Brisbane is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Brisbane?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Brisbane, 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 Adelaide or Brisbane?

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 Adelaide or Brisbane in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Brisbane. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Adelaide is generally cooler than Brisbane. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 22°C (72°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Brisbane. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Adelaide or Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Brisbane. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Adelaide is cooler than Brisbane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Brisbane. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

In the winter, Adelaide is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Adelaide in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Brisbane averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Adelaide usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Adelaide usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brisbane. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Adelaide or Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Adelaide during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In October, Adelaide is generally cooler than Brisbane. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 16°C (61°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the spring, Adelaide often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Brisbane. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Adelaide