A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Adelaide vs. Torquay for Beaches, Hiking, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Adelaide or Torquay?

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 Torquay 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. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Torquay

Torquay is a trendy, casual, and laid back surf town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Adelaide and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Torquay?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Torquay. Although Adelaide and Torquay are popular destinations, Torquay has more sights and attractions for tourists. Torquay is very popular for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Adelaide attracts visitors for its shopping. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. Torquay is famous for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. It is also well known for Bells Beach.

How is Adelaide different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Adelaide or Torquay.

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.

Torquay offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Adelaide and Torquay.

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 Torquay. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Adelaide or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Adelaide and Torquay.

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.

Torquay has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Adelaide or Torquay Better for Beaches?

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

Torquay is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

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 Torquay Better for Hiking?

Torquay 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 Torquay. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful 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 Torquay?

Adelaide is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its shopping areas.

Adelaide is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Adelaide or Torquay Better for Families?

Both Adelaide and Torquay are nice to visit with kids.

Adelaide is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Torquay. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Adelaide or Torquay Better for Couples?

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

Torquay makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

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 Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide and Torquay are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Adelaide is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Torquay. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Is Adelaide or Torquay Better for Students?

Adelaide is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Torquay 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.

Torquay is not popular with students.

Is Adelaide or Torquay 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, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its public transit.

Adelaide has some very good public transit options. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Adelaide or Torquay a more walkable city?

Adelaide and Torquay are high quality 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.

Torquay is a very walkable city. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Torquay?

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

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

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

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

One day in Adelaide or Torquay?

In Adelaide, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The surf town of Torquay offers 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 Torquay?

In Adelaide, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Adelaide has to offer.

Torquay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this surf town 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 Torquay, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Torquay?

Adelaide is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Torquay is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches 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 Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Adelaide. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Torquay is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches 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 surf 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 Torquay, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. And not only is Torquay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Torquay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Torquay 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 Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide than you might in Torquay.

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

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Torquay?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

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 Torquay in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Torquay. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Torquay because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Adelaide is cooler than Torquay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Adelaide in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Torquay averages at about 26°C (78°F).

Torquay receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Torquay. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Adelaide or Torquay in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Torquay. The autumn months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In April, Adelaide is generally cooler than Torquay. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 18°C (64°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Torquay. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Torquay for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Adelaide is cooler than Torquay in the winter. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In July, Adelaide usually receives more rain than Torquay. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Adelaide or Torquay in the Spring?

Both Torquay and Adelaide during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Torquay in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Adelaide is cooler than Torquay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Adelaide in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Torquay averages at about 21°C (71°F).

Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Torquay. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Torquay and Adelaide