A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Adelaide vs. Gold Coast for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Adelaide or Gold Coast?

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 Gold Coast 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.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a glamourous, vibrant, and colorful coastline. 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 Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Gold Coast?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Gold Coast than Adelaide. While Adelaide is larger than Gold Coast, Gold Coast has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Gold Coast is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. Also, Gold Coast is famous for the long sandy beaches. Adelaide is well known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Adelaide different from Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

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 Gold Coast? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Gold Coast. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Adelaide or Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast is renowned for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Gold Coast is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

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 Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Adelaide is not a resort destination.

Gold Coast is a world class resort vacation destination. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Adelaide is not a resort destination.

Is Adelaide or Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Gold Coast is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Adelaide or Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast is renowned for its beaches. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Gold Coast is considered to be a world-class beach destination. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

Many people visit Adelaide for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Is Adelaide or Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

Gold Coast is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Gold Coast. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Adelaide offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Gold Coast?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Adelaide and Gold Coast.

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.

Gold Coast is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Is Adelaide or Gold Coast Better for Families?

Gold Coast is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Gold Coast is an extremely popular coastline to visit for families. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

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 Gold Coast Better for Couples?

Gold Coast is renowned for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Gold Coast is a great coastline for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Adelaide or Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gold Coast is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Gold Coast. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

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 Gold Coast Better for Students?

Adelaide is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Gold Coast is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Gold Coast is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Adelaide and Gold Coast.

Public transit in Adelaide is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Gold Coast has some very good public transit options. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

Is Adelaide or Gold Coast a more walkable city?

Adelaide is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for its walkability.

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

Gold Coast is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Gold Coast?

Both Adelaide and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Gold Coast than in Adelaide. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 3-7 days is enough time in Gold Coast.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Adelaide or Gold Coast?

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Adelaide, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The coastline of Gold Coast offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Gold Coast?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Adelaide, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Gold Coast is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Gold Coast?

Adelaide, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Gold Coast is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gold Coast, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Gold Coast?

Adelaide is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Gold Coast is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Gold Coast has to offer. This coastline offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Adelaide and Gold Coast, we can see that Adelaide 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 Adelaide Expensive? and Is Gold Coast Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Gold Coast?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?

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 Gold Coast in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Gold Coast. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Gold Coast. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Adelaide or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Gold Coast. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. 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 Gold Coast. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Gold Coast. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Gold Coast in the Winter?

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

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

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

In July, Adelaide usually receives around the same amount of rain as Gold Coast. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Adelaide or Gold Coast in the Spring?

Both Gold Coast and Adelaide during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.

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

In Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Gold Coast. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Adelaide