A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arrowtown vs. Airlie Beach for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Arrowtown or Airlie Beach?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Arrowtown and Airlie Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic, charming, and quaint town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a paradise, laid back, and slow-paced town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Arrowtown and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arrowtown or Airlie Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Arrowtown and Airlie Beach are both popular with visitors, Arrowtown has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arrowtown is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Airlie Beach is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Arrowtown is popular for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also home to the Chinese Settlement. Airlie Beach is popular for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands.

How is Arrowtown different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arrowtown or Airlie Beach Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Airlie Beach is not a skiing destination.

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Airlie Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arrowtown or Airlie Beach?

Arrowtown is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Airlie Beach is not a good town for its museums and history.

Arrowtown is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Arrowtown or Airlie Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arrowtown is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arrowtown makes for a great culinary experience. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Is Arrowtown or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Both Arrowtown and Airlie Beach have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Airlie Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

Is Arrowtown or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Airlie Beach is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Airlie Beach is a perfect choice. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

Is Arrowtown or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Airlie Beach is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Airlie Beach is not to be missed. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Arrowtown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Arrowtown or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Airlie Beach is terrific for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Airlie Beach is a very popular vacation destination. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Arrowtown or Airlie Beach Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Airlie Beach does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Arrowtown. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Airlie Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Arrowtown or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

You'll find first-rate hiking in both Arrowtown and Airlie Beach.

Many people visit Arrowtown specifically for its hiking. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Known for its hiking, Airlie Beach draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

Is the Shopping Better in Arrowtown or Airlie Beach?

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

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Airlie Beach. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Is Arrowtown or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Arrowtown or Airlie Beach.

Arrowtown is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

Airlie Beach is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

Is Arrowtown or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Airlie Beach is terrific for romance. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Airlie Beach has plenty to offer. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Couples visit Arrowtown frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Is Arrowtown or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arrowtown and Airlie Beach are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Arrowtown is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

Airlie Beach is a great town to visit for backpackers. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

Is Arrowtown or Airlie Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Arrowtown and Airlie Beach.

Arrowtown has some public transit options. There are public buses throughout the region.

You'll find some public transit in Airlie Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

Is Arrowtown or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Airlie Beach is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Airlie Beach is very walkable. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Arrowtown Worth Visiting? and Is Airlie Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Arrowtown?

How long in Arrowtown or Airlie Beach?

Both Arrowtown and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Arrowtown. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Arrowtown, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arrowtown than Airlie Beach 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 Arrowtown.

One day in Arrowtown or Airlie Beach?

Arrowtown is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the town of Airlie Beach. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Arrowtown or Airlie Beach?

Arrowtown is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the slow-paced destination of Airlie Beach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Arrowtown or Airlie Beach?

Arrowtown is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find nightlife and food around the laid back town of Airlie Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Arrowtown or Airlie Beach?

Arrowtown is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Airlie Beach is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Airlie Beach, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.

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

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