A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Byron Bay vs. Arrowtown for Hiking, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Byron Bay or Arrowtown?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Byron Bay and Arrowtown 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.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a vegan-friendly, carefree, and Bohemian town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic, charming, and quaint town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Byron Bay and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Byron Bay or Arrowtown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Byron Bay and Arrowtown are popular destinations, Arrowtown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arrowtown is very popular for its skiing, museums & sights, food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Byron Bay attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Byron Bay is famous for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals. Arrowtown is famous for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also well known for the Chinese Settlement.

How is Byron Bay different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Byron Bay or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Byron Bay is not a skiing destination.

People head to Arrowtown specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Byron Bay is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Byron Bay or Arrowtown?

Arrowtown is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for its museums and history.

Arrowtown offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

While most people don't head to Byron Bay specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

Is the Food Better in Byron Bay or Arrowtown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arrowtown. 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.

Byron Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

Is Byron Bay or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

Byron Bay is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Byron Bay has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

Arrowtown has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Byron Bay or Arrowtown Better for Resorts?

Byron Bay is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Byron Bay. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Arrowtown is not a resort destination.

Is Byron Bay or Arrowtown Better for Beaches?

Byron Bay is terrific for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Byron Bay is a very popular vacation destination. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Byron Bay or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

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

Arrowtown is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Byron Bay does not have a historic old town.

Is Byron Bay or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Arrowtown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Byron Bay offers some nice hiking trails. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Is the Shopping Better in Byron Bay or Arrowtown?

Both Byron Bay and Arrowtown are superb shopping destinations.

Byron Bay is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Arrowtown. 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.

Is Byron Bay or Arrowtown Better for Families?

Arrowtown is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Arrowtown is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

Byron Bay is a family-friendly town. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Byron Bay or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Both Byron Bay and Arrowtown are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Byron Bay is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

Arrowtown makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Byron Bay or Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Byron Bay and Arrowtown are superb destinations for backpackers.

Byron Bay is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arrowtown. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

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

Arrowtown is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

Is Byron Bay or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Byron Bay and Arrowtown both are nice when exploring on foot.

Byron Bay is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Byron Bay Worth Visiting? and Is Arrowtown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Byron Bay?

How long in Byron Bay or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Byron Bay or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Byron Bay than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Byron Bay, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arrowtown than Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay or Arrowtown?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Byron Bay. 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.

Even though Arrowtown is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arrowtown has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Byron Bay or Arrowtown?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the carefree destination of Byron Bay. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Arrowtown is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. 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.

Five days in Byron Bay or Arrowtown?

You'll find nightlife and food around the mellow town of Byron Bay. 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. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Arrowtown 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Byron Bay or Arrowtown?

Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Arrowtown is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Byron Bay and Arrowtown, we can see that Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay Expensive? and Is Arrowtown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Byron Bay or Arrowtown?

Byron Bay has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Byron Bay and Arrowtown, 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.