A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Adelaide vs. Katoomba for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Adelaide or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba 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 elegant, welcoming, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a natural, relaxing, and breathtaking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Adelaide and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Katoomba?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Adelaide. Although Adelaide and Katoomba are both popular with visitors, Adelaide has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Adelaide is more popular for its beaches and shopping, while Katoomba is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Katoomba is more touristy than Adelaide and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Adelaide is popular for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. It is also home to the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

How is Adelaide different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Adelaide or Katoomba.

Adelaide is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Adelaide and Katoomba.

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 Katoomba. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Adelaide or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Adelaide and Katoomba.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adelaide. 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.

Katoomba has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Adelaide or Katoomba Better for Beaches?

Adelaide is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

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.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Adelaide or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

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 Katoomba?

Adelaide is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Adelaide is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Adelaide or Katoomba Better for Families?

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

Katoomba is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

Katoomba is a very popular place for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

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 Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Katoomba is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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 Katoomba Better for Students?

Adelaide is a good destination for students. However, Katoomba is not popular with students.

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

Katoomba is not popular with students.

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

Adelaide is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Adelaide. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Katoomba has some public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Adelaide or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Adelaide is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Adelaide or Katoomba. In our opinion, Adelaide has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Adelaide than Katoomba. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Adelaide or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Katoomba, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Katoomba?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?

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 Adelaide or Katoomba in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Katoomba. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Adelaide is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the summer, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Katoomba. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Katoomba. Adelaide usually gets less rain in January than Katoomba. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Katoomba in the Autumn?

Both Katoomba and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Adelaide is around the same temperature as Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Adelaide in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Katoomba during autumn. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Katoomba. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Adelaide or Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba and Adelaide during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In July, Adelaide is generally around the same temperature as Katoomba. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 11°C (52°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Adelaide often gets less sunshine than Katoomba. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets more rain in July than Katoomba. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Katoomba in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Katoomba. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Adelaide is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Katoomba during spring. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Katoomba. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Adelaide