A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Alice Springs vs. Newcastle for Hiking, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Alice Springs or Newcastle?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Alice Springs and Newcastle 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.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a charming, friendly, and laid back town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a high energy, trendy, and coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Alice Springs and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options


Is there more to do in Alice Springs or Newcastle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newcastle. Although Alice Springs and Newcastle are popular destinations, Newcastle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newcastle is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Alice Springs attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alice Springs is more touristy than Newcastle and is popular for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Newcastle is famous for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. It is also well known for the Bathers Way.

How is Alice Springs different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alice Springs or Newcastle?

Alice Springs
Newcastle

Newcastle is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Newcastle. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.


Is the Food Better in Alice Springs or Newcastle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alice Springs
Newcastle

Newcastle is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Newcastle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Alice Springs or Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Alice Springs
Newcastle

Newcastle is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Newcastle has something for everybody. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Alice Springs or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Alice Springs
Newcastle

Newcastle is a great city for the beach. However, Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Newcastle attract visitors from all over. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Alice Springs is not a beach destination.


Is Alice Springs or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs
Newcastle

Alice Springs is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Alice Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Many people include a hike when visiting Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Is the Shopping Better in Alice Springs or Newcastle?

Alice Springs
Newcastle

Newcastle is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Alice Springs or Newcastle Better for Families?

Alice Springs
Newcastle

Alice Springs is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Alice Springs is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Newcastle is a family-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Alice Springs or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Alice Springs
Newcastle

Alice Springs is a well-known place for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Alice Springs is a very popular place to visit for couples. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Is Alice Springs or Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alice Springs
Newcastle

Alice Springs is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Alice Springs is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

Is Alice Springs or Newcastle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Alice Springs
Newcastle

Newcastle is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known for its public transit.

While Newcastle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.


Is Alice Springs or Newcastle a more walkable city?

Alice Springs
Newcastle

Alice Springs and Newcastle are nice when it comes to walkability.

Alice Springs is a somewhat walkable town. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Newcastle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Alice Springs?

How long in Alice Springs or Newcastle?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle than Alice Springs 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 Newcastle.


  • How many days in Alice Springs or Newcastle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Alice Springs 2-4 
    Newcastle 2-4

One day in Alice Springs or Newcastle?

Even though Alice Springs is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Newcastle. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Alice Springs or Newcastle?

Alice Springs is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.


Five days in Alice Springs or Newcastle?

Alice Springs is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the trendy destination of Newcastle. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Alice Springs or Newcastle?

Alice Springs is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Newcastle. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


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 in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Newcastle or Alice Springs?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alice Springs is $95, while the average daily cost in Newcastle is $91. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Alice Springs and Newcastle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alice Springs $50
    Newcastle $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alice Springs $100
    Newcastle $88
Compare Hotels in Alice Springs and Newcastle

Looking for a hotel in Alice Springs or Newcastle? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Alice Springs


Hotels in Newcastle


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Alice Springs Hotel Prices and Newcastle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alice Springs $20
    Newcastle $8.34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alice Springs

Also for Alice Springs, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Uluru to Alice Springs or Alice to Uluru 1-Way Luxe Transfer: $125

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:

  • Bimbadgen Lunch Tour with Helicopter Transfers: $738
  • Tandem Beach Skydive with Optional Transfers: $243
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney City Hotels: $88
  • Private Transfer - Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney Airport (SYD): $88
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $29
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle city hotels: $28
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $28
  • Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Alice Springs or Newcastle?

Prices for flights to both Newcastle and Alice Springs change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Alice Springs $24
    Newcastle $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alice Springs

For Alice Springs, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • From Day Trip to Uluru with BBQ Dinner: $216
  • Ayers Rock Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner: $233

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alice Springs $14
    Newcastle $15

Tours and Activities in Alice Springs

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alice Springs.

  • Skip the Line: Alice Springs School of the Air Guided Tour Ticket: $9.26
  • Australia’s Red Centre: A Self-Guided West Macs Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Outback Adventure: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • West MacDonnell Ranges: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $9.99
  • Alice Springs Desert Park Nocturnal Tour: $21
  • Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket: $26
  • Alice Springs Camel Tour: $60
  • West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group: $92
  • A Town Like Alice: Half-Day Tour of Alice Springs: $93
  • From Alice Spring: West MacDonnell Ranges Half-Day Tour: $96
  • Historical Alice Tour: $108
  • Alice Springs Highlights Tour : $109

Tours and Activities in Newcastle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Newcastle are as follows:

  • 3- Hour Wine and Harvest the Hunter Horse Tour in Pokolbin: $92
  • 3-Hour Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Tour Including 3-Course Lunch from Cessnock: $251
  • Architecture, Street Art & Hidden Secrets Walking Tour of Newcastle: $33
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $36
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard: Fromage and Fortified Wine Experience: $50
  • Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience: $147
  • Eat And Drink Newcastle History Walking Tour: $59
  • Family Pass: Fighter World Museum Admission Ticket: $30
  • From Hunter Valley Beer & Wine Group Tour: $160
  • Full Day Tour in Country Towns, Rivers and Aussie Farm: $157
  • Helicopter Tour of Hunter Valley in New South Wales with Lunch: $278
  • Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alice Springs $17
    Newcastle $10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Alice Springs

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Alice Springs:


  • Glass of Wine in Alice Springs
    $4.54

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:

  • Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Broke: $5.23
  • Boutique Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $6.62
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting Masterclass: $9.80
  • Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $20
  • 30-Minute Distillery Guided Tour in Carrington : $23
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $26
  • Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $26
  • Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $33
  • Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $33
  • Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $50
  • Snapshot Half Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour: $71
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate: $102


When comparing the travel costs between Alice Springs and Newcastle, we can see that Alice Springs 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 Alice Springs Expensive? and Is Newcastle Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alice Springs or Newcastle?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Alice Springs and Newcastle, 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.