A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Darwin vs. Picton for Food, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Darwin or Picton?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Darwin or Picton, 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.

Darwin

Darwin is a tropical, multicultural, and authentic town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Picton

Picton is a scenic, quaint, and relaxing town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the museums, food, and beaches.

Darwin and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Darwin or Picton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Picton. Although Darwin and Picton are both popular with visitors, Picton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Picton is more popular for its food, beaches, and small town charm, while Darwin is known for its nightlife. Picton is more touristy than Darwin and is known for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also home to the Queen Charlotte Track. Darwin is popular for its outdoor markets and tropical weather.

How is Darwin different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Darwin or Picton?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Darwin and Picton.

Darwin offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Picton. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

Is the Food Better in Darwin or Picton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picton is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Darwin 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 Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Darwin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

Is Darwin or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Darwin is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Darwin. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Darwin or Picton Better for Beaches?

Picton is notable for the beache. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Picton. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Darwin. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

Is Darwin or Picton Better for Hiking?

Darwin and Picton are both places where visitors can find great hiking trails.

Darwin is a popular spot for hiking. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Picton. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Darwin or Picton?

Both Darwin and Picton are good shopping destinations.

Darwin offers some nice shopping areas. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

Picton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Darwin or Picton Better for Families?

Darwin and Picton are both great destinations for the whole family.

Darwin is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Picton. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Darwin or Picton Better for Couples?

Picton is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Picton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Darwin is a good town for couples to visit. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

Is Darwin or Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Picton is notable for backpackers. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Picton is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

Darwin is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.

Is Darwin or Picton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Darwin and Picton offer good public transit options.

Darwin has a few public transit options. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

Picton has some public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Darwin or Picton a more walkable city?

Picton is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Picton is a very walkable town. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

Darwin is a somewhat walkable town. There are biking and walking paths around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Darwin Worth Visiting? and Is Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Darwin?

How long in Darwin or Picton?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Picton than Darwin 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 Picton.

One day in Darwin or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Darwin. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Picton. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Darwin or Picton?

Darwin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Picton is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Darwin or Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Darwin. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Picton. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Darwin or Picton?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Darwin. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Picton. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Darwin or Picton?

Darwin has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Darwin and Picton, 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 Darwin or Picton?

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 Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton and Darwin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Darwin for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Darwin is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Darwin in January average around 29°C (83°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Darwin. In January, Darwin usually receives more rain than Picton. Darwin gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Darwin or Picton in the Autumn?

Both Picton and Darwin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Darwin in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In April, Darwin is generally much warmer than Picton. Daily temperatures in Darwin average around 29°C (84°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Darwin usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Picton. Darwin gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Darwin or Picton in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Darwin and Picton. Most visitors come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Picton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Darwin is much warmer than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Picton receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Darwin usually receives less rain than Picton. Darwin gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Darwin or Picton in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Darwin as well as Picton. The spring months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

In the spring, Darwin is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Darwin in October average around 29°C (85°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Darwin usually gets less rain in October than Picton. Darwin gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Picton and Darwin