A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Darwin vs. Shiretoko National Park for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Darwin or Shiretoko National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Darwin or Shiretoko National Park, 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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Darwin and Shiretoko National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Darwin or Shiretoko National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Darwin. Although Darwin and Shiretoko National Park are both popular with visitors, Darwin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Darwin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Shiretoko National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Darwin is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is known for its outdoor markets and tropical weather. It is also home to Mindil Beach. Shiretoko National Park is popular for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Darwin different from Shiretoko National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?

Darwin
Shiretoko National Park

Darwin is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Darwin. 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Darwin or Shiretoko National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Darwin
Shiretoko National Park

Darwin is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Darwin area. 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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Darwin or Shiretoko National Park Better for Nightlife?

Darwin
Shiretoko National Park

Darwin is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Darwin or Shiretoko National Park Better for Beaches?

Darwin
Shiretoko National Park

Darwin is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

Darwin has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Darwin or Shiretoko National Park Better for Hiking?

Darwin
Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Shiretoko National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Darwin. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Darwin or Shiretoko National Park?

Darwin
Shiretoko National Park

Darwin is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Darwin to go shopping. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Darwin or Shiretoko National Park Better for Families?

Darwin
Shiretoko National Park

Darwin is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Darwin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly town. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.


Is Darwin or Shiretoko National Park Better for Couples?

Darwin
Shiretoko National Park

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

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Darwin
Shiretoko National Park

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

Shiretoko National Park is a great remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for backpackers. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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 Shiretoko National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Darwin
Shiretoko National Park

Darwin is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.


Is Darwin or Shiretoko National Park a more walkable city?

Darwin
Shiretoko National Park

Darwin and Shiretoko National Park both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable town. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

For even more information, also check out Is Darwin Worth Visiting? and Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Shiretoko National Park or Darwin?

How long in Darwin or Shiretoko National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Darwin or Shiretoko National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shiretoko National Park due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Darwin, and 3-4 days is enough time in Shiretoko National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Darwin than Shiretoko National Park 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 Darwin.


  • How many days in Darwin or Shiretoko National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Darwin 2-3 
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4

One day in Darwin or Shiretoko National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the tropical town of Darwin. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Shiretoko National Park. 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.

A weekend in Darwin or Shiretoko National Park?

Darwin is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Shiretoko National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Darwin or Shiretoko National Park?

Darwin is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shiretoko National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Darwin. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Darwin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Darwin is $111, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $74. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Darwin $62
    Shiretoko National Park $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Darwin $124
    Shiretoko National Park $66
Compare Hotels in Darwin and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Darwin or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Shiretoko National Park


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 Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Darwin $12
    Shiretoko National Park $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin

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


  • Shuttle to Train Station
    $9.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:

  • Private Transfer from Darwin City Hotels to Darwin Cruise Port: $59
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $59
  • Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $59
  • Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Crocodile Jumping Boat Cruise with Transfer from Darwin: $92
  • Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Darwin or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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
    Shiretoko National Park $25

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: $71
  • Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $85
  • Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $90
  • Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise on Cape Adieu: $96
  • Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $112

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Darwin $15
    Shiretoko National Park $15

Tours and Activities in Darwin

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

  • Darwin Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
  • 1 Hour Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $26
  • 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $30
  • Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $31
  • Darwin Shore Excursion: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $31
  • Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $31
  • Darwin Harbour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $39
  • Jumping Crocodile Cruise At Crocodylus Park : $40
  • 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $42
  • Discover Darwin Harbour: Darwin Harbour Afternoon Cruise: $42
  • Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruises - 1.5 hour Morning cruise: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Darwin $13
    Shiretoko National Park $10
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
    $16
  • Glass of Wine
    $4.54


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Darwin and Shiretoko National Park, we can see that Darwin is more expensive. And not only is Shiretoko National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Darwin is in Pacific and Shiretoko National Park is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Shiretoko National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Darwin or Shiretoko National Park?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Darwin is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shiretoko National Park has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Darwin or Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Darwin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.

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

Darwin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shiretoko National Park during summer. Darwin gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Darwin. In January, Darwin usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Parkin July. Darwin gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Darwin 29°C (83°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Darwin or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Darwin during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Darwin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In April, Darwin is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Parkin October. Daily temperatures in Darwin average around 29°C (84°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Darwin. In the autumn, Darwin often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Parkin October. Darwin gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun.

Darwin usually gets more rain in April than Shiretoko National Parkin October. Darwin gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Darwin 29°C (84°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Darwin or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Darwin and Shiretoko National Park. Many travelers come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shiretoko National Park can get quite cold in the winter. Darwin is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F)in January.

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during winter. Darwin gets 312 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Darwin usually receives less rain than Shiretoko National Parkin January. Darwin gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Darwin 25°C (77°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Darwin or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Darwin as well as Shiretoko National Park. Many visitors come to Darwin in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Darwin is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Darwin in October average around 29°C (85°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 5°C (40°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. In the spring, Darwin often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Parkin April. Darwin gets 291 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

Darwin usually gets more rain in October than Shiretoko National Parkin April. Darwin gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Darwin 29°C (85°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Darwin

Darwin Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 29°C (83°F) 437 mm (17.2 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 28°C (83°F) 343 mm (13.5 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 342 mm (13.5 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 29°C (85°F) 76 mm (3 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 30°C (85°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 29°C (85°F) 234 mm (9.2 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)