A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Darwin vs. Byron Bay for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Darwin or Byron Bay?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Darwin or Byron Bay, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Darwin or Byron Bay?

Darwin

Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.

Byron Bay

South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.

Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay or Darwin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Darwin is $110, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $137. 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 Darwin and Byron Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Darwin $61
    Byron Bay $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Darwin $122
    Byron Bay $132
Compare Hotels in Darwin and Byron Bay

Looking for a hotel in Darwin or Byron Bay? 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 Darwin


Hotels in Byron Bay


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: Darwin Hotel Prices and Byron Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Darwin $12
    Byron Bay $32
Typical Local Transportation prices in Darwin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:


  • Shuttle to Train Station
    $9.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:

  • Private Transfer from Darwin City Hotels to Darwin Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $58
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $58
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $58
  • Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Arrival Private Transfer: $70
  • Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
  • Crocodile Jumping Wetlands Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $88
  • Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Darwin or Byron Bay?

Prices for flights to both Byron Bay and Darwin 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
    Darwin $37
    Byron Bay $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.

  • Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $64
  • Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $84
  • Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $85
  • Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise on Cape Adieu: $101
  • Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $103
  • 3.5 Hour Small Group Walking Food & Art Tour with LUNCH or DINNER: $162

Typical Food prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
    $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Darwin $15
    Byron Bay $35

Tours and Activities in Darwin

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

  • Skyline Precinct Tickets in Stokes Hill Wharf, Australia: $9.76
  • Darwin Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Delightful Darwin Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Royal Flying Doctor Service Entry Ticket: $19
  • Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility: Two Iconic Territory Stories: $20
  • Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $24
  • Darwin Shore Excursion: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $28
  • 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $29
  • Darwin Harbour Sightseeing Cruise: $29
  • Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $31
  • 45-Minute Darwin Harbor Sightseeing Cruise: $32
  • Darwin Walking Tour: World War II Reflections: $32

Typical Entertainment prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)
    $122
  • Surf Lesson
    $42

Tours and Activities in Byron Bay

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

  • Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $32
  • Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $39
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $42
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $42
  • Experience E-bike at Byron Bay: $43
  • Sunset Brunswick River Nature Kayak Tour: $45
  • Brunswick River Nature Kayak Tour from Byron Bay: $45
  • Experience The Thrill Half Day Surf School in Byron Bay: $45
  • Brunswick Heads Rainforest Eco-Cruise: $45
  • Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $46
  • Byron Surrounds: Nimbin Waterfall Adventure - Swimming Tour: $49
  • Sea Kayak Tour with Dolphins and Turtles: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Darwin $13
    Byron Bay $13
Typical Alcohol prices in Darwin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:


  • Evening at a Bar
    $15
  • Glass of Wine
    $4.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay

Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $97
  • Half Day Brewery & Distillery Shared Group Tour in Byron Bay: $116
  • Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $127
  • Full Day Brewery & Distillery Shared Group Tour in Byron Bay: $129

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Darwin and Byron Bay, we can see that Byron Bay is more expensive. And not only is Darwin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Darwin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Darwin 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 Darwin.

Which is Bigger, Darwin or Byron Bay?

Darwin is bigger, and its population is about 13.8 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the population of Darwin vs. Byron Bay, 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 and the activities that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Darwin or Byron Bay?

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 Darwin or Byron Bay in the Summer?

Both Byron Bay and Darwin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Darwin is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (83°F) in January, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. It's quite rainy in Darwin. In January, Darwin usually receives more rain than Byron Bay. Darwin gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Darwin 29°C (83°F) 
    Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Darwin or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

Both Byron Bay and Darwin during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Darwin is a little warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Darwin in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 20°C (69°F).

Byron Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Darwin usually gets less rain in April than Byron Bay. Darwin gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Darwin 29°C (84°F) 
    Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)

Should I visit Darwin or Byron Bay in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Darwin and Byron Bay.

In July, Darwin is generally much warmer than Byron Bay. Daily temperatures in Darwin average around 25°C (77°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In July, Darwin usually receives less rain than Byron Bay. Darwin gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Darwin 25°C (77°F) 
    Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Darwin or Byron Bay in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Darwin as well as Byron Bay.

Darwin is much warmer than Byron Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (85°F) in October, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Darwin usually gets less rain in October than Byron Bay. Darwin gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Darwin 29°C (85°F) 
    Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Darwin

Darwin Byron Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°C (83°F) 437 mm (17.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 343 mm (13.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 342 mm (13.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 29°C (85°F) 76 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 30°C (85°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 29°C (85°F) 234 mm (9.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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Darwin vs. Byron Bay Travel Comparison

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