Which place is cheaper, Picton or Fraser Island?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fraser Island and Picton. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Fraser Island is a idyllic, stunning, and serene island. You'll find world class beauty in Fraser Island as well. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking. See Fraser Island travel costs.
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 beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Picton travel costs.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Picton. Although Fraser Island and Picton are both popular with visitors, Picton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Picton is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Fraser Island is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Picton is more touristy than Fraser Island and is known for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also home to the Queen Charlotte Track. Fraser Island is popular for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Picton and Fraser Island. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Picton is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its museums and history.
Picton offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.
If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Fraser Island. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.
Picton is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island 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.
Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.
Picton is a moderate town for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.
Most people don't head to Picton specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.
Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.
Fraser Island is a moderate island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Snorkeling is an option in Fraser Island. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.
Picton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Fraser Island is very popular for the beach. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.
Fraser Island offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).
Picton is considered a top beach destination. 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.
Hiking trails can be found around both Fraser Island and Picton, and they are excellent.
Fraser Island is a popular spot for hiking. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.
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.
Picton is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Picton offers some nice shopping areas. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.
Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.
Fraser Island is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.
You'll find world class beauty in Fraser Island as well. With its strikingly blue water and white sand, this is truly a bucket list destination for many travelers. You'll be immersed in one of the world's most beautiful environments.
Picton is not a destination known for its beauty.
Both Fraser Island and Picton are excellent family-friendly destinations.
Fraser Island is a very kid-friendly island. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.
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.
Fraser Island is very popular for couples. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.
Fraser Island is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.
Picton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.
Both Fraser Island and Picton are excellent destinations for backpackers.
Fraser Island is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.
Picton is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.
Picton has a few public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.
Public transit is quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.
Picton is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Fraser Island is not a good island 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.
Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.
For even more information, also check out Is Fraser Island Worth Visiting? and Is Picton Worth Visiting?.
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fraser Island or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fraser Island than Picton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fraser Island, and 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.
Families should spend more time in Picton than Fraser Island. 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.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Picton than Fraser Island 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.
Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Fraser Island. 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 museums and food when visiting the picturesque destination of Picton. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Fraser Island is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, 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.
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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fraser Island. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Picton. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.
Travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Fraser Island. This island 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.
You'll find museums and food around the town of Picton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Fraser Island is $243, while the average daily cost in Picton is $101. 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 Fraser Island and Picton in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Fraser Island or Picton? 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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:
Prices for flights to both Picton and Fraser Island 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Picton.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Fraser Island are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fraser Island and Picton, we can see that Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island Expensive? and Is Picton Expensive?.
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.
Both Picton and Fraser Island are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Fraser Island because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Picton this time of year.
In the summer, Fraser Island is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Fraser Island in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Fraser Island. In January, Fraser Island usually receives more rain than Picton. Fraser Island gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Picton and Fraser Island during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fraser Island this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.
In April, Fraser Island is generally much warmer than Picton. Daily temperatures in Fraser Island average around 22°C (72°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
Fraser Island usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Picton. Fraser Island gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fraser Island and Picton. Many travelers come to Fraser Island for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Picton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Fraser Island is much warmer than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Fraser Island averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Picton receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Fraser Island usually receives less rain than Picton. Fraser Island gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Fraser Island as well as Picton. Many visitors come to Fraser Island in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Picton for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.
In the spring, Fraser Island is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Fraser Island in October average around 21°C (71°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F).
Fraser Island usually gets less rain in October than Picton. Fraser Island gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Fraser Island | Picton | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Feb | 25°C (78°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Mar | 24°C (76°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
May | 19°C (66°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
Sep | 19°C (65°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Oct | 21°C (71°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |