A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hiroshima vs. Fraser Island for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hiroshima or Fraser Island?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hiroshima and Fraser Island 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.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a memorable, meaningful, and park-filled city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a breathtaking, idyllic, and stunning island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include beaches and hiking.

Hiroshima and Fraser Island: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • 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
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Hiroshima or Fraser Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hiroshima. Although Hiroshima and Fraser Island are popular destinations, Hiroshima has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hiroshima is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Fraser Island attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hiroshima is famous for being the sight of the world's first atomic bomb detonation. It is also well known for Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Fraser Island is famous for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

How is Hiroshima different from Fraser Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hiroshima or Fraser Island?

Hiroshima
Fraser Island

Hiroshima is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Hiroshima are among the most recognizable in the world. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was built to commemorate the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. The park also serves as a sight to promote long term peace. In the park you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, the Memorial Cenotaph, the Atom Bomb Dome, and the Flame of Peace. Other sights in Hiroshima include the Itsukushima shrine, the Hiroshima Castle, and Mitaki-dera Temple.

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.


Is the Food Better in Hiroshima or Fraser Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hiroshima
Fraser Island

Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima. There are many local dishes that you'll find in restaurants around town. Some of the best dining areas are around Hiroshima Station and in downtown Hiroshima. Make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, the local oysters, and tsukemen.

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.

Is Hiroshima or Fraser Island Better for Nightlife?

Hiroshima
Fraser Island

Hiroshima is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hiroshima. The city has many hidden pubs and traditional Japanese bars. The most vibrant nightlife scene is in the Chugoku-Shikoku district, particularly around Nagarekawa Street.

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.

Is Hiroshima or Fraser Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hiroshima
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hiroshima is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling 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.

Hiroshima is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Hiroshima or Fraser Island Better for Beaches?

Hiroshima
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Fraser Island is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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).

Hiroshima is not a beach destination.

Is Hiroshima or Fraser Island Better for Hiking?

Hiroshima
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a great island for hiking. However, Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Fraser Island for the hiking trails. 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.

Hiroshima is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hiroshima or Fraser Island?

Hiroshima
Fraser Island

Hiroshima is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hiroshima is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are outlet malls as well as morning markets, that make for interesting shopping. Head to old Sanyodo Road to shop where the locals shop and for international brands head to Hondori Central Shopping District.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Hiroshima or Fraser Island Better for Families?

Hiroshima
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Fraser Island is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hiroshima is a family-friendly place to visit. Tragedy often comes to mind when you think of this city, as it was the sight of the first atomic bomb detonation. Older kids will learn a lot from a visit, but it may be a bit overwhelming for younger kids. There are still many things to do with kids of all ages in the city though, such as feeding the koi fish at Shukeien Park or visiting the floating Itsukushima shrine.

Is Hiroshima or Fraser Island Better for Couples?

Hiroshima
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Fraser Island is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Hiroshima makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is plenty of nature and green space in the city. Couples will enjoy visiting the Hiroshima Castle or wandering through the gardens such as Shukkeien or the Hiroshima Botanical Garden.

Is Hiroshima or Fraser Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hiroshima
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a great island for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hiroshima is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Fraser Island is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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 backpackers visit Hiroshima. There are many hostels around town and plenty of things to see an do.


Is Hiroshima or Fraser Island Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hiroshima
Fraser Island

Hiroshima is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

Hiroshima has some very good public transit options. There's a good tram and streetcar network around town as well as a ferry connecting the city to Miyajima Island. There are also 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.

Is Hiroshima or Fraser Island a more walkable city?

Hiroshima
Fraser Island

Hiroshima 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.

Hiroshima is a very walkable city. If you base yourself in downtown Hiroshima, you can explore many areas on foot.

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Hiroshima Worth Visiting? and Is Fraser Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fraser Island or Hiroshima?

How long in Hiroshima or Fraser Island?

In either Hiroshima or Fraser Island, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fraser Island than Hiroshima because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hiroshima, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fraser Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fraser Island than Hiroshima 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 Fraser Island.


  • How many days in Hiroshima or Fraser Island? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hiroshima 2-3 
    Fraser Island 3-5

One day in Hiroshima or Fraser Island?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the meaningful destination of Hiroshima. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find around the island of Fraser Island. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.


A weekend in Hiroshima or Fraser Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hiroshima. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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.

You'll find around the serene destination of Fraser Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Hiroshima or Fraser Island?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the park-filled destination of Hiroshima. This city 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.

You'll find around the breathtaking island of Fraser Island. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Hiroshima or Fraser Island?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Hiroshima. 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.

Fraser Island is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Fraser Island or Hiroshima?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hiroshima is $100, while the average daily cost in Fraser Island is $206. 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 Hiroshima and Fraser Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hiroshima $64
    Fraser Island $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hiroshima $128
    Fraser Island $204
Compare Hotels in Hiroshima and Fraser Island

Looking for a hotel in Hiroshima or Fraser Island? 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 Hiroshima


Hotels in Fraser Island


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: Hiroshima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hiroshima $9.71
    Fraser Island $92

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hiroshima

Also for Hiroshima, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Port to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ): $54
  • Private Transfer from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to Hiroshima Port: $59
  • Hiroshima Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $171
  • Private Arrival Transfer From Hiroshima International Airport to Hiroshima City: $215
  • Private Departure Transfer Hiroshima City to Hiroshima International Airport: $215
  • Iwakuni Airport to/from Hiroshima City Private Transfer: $228
  • Hiroshima port Shore excursion Private transfer: $472

Is it cheaper to fly into Hiroshima or Fraser Island?

Prices for flights to both Fraser Island and Hiroshima 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
    Hiroshima $29
    Fraser Island $47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hiroshima

For Hiroshima, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hiroshima No1 food!! 'Okonomiyaki'-cooking class: $40
  • Local Favorites Private Night Food Tour: $66
  • Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner: $73
  • Bar Hopping Food Tour: $79
  • Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour: $81
  • Enjoy a Private Japanese Cooking Class with a Local Hiroshima Family: $90
  • Dinner Cruise on HANAIKADA (Raft-Type Boat) with Scenic View of Miyajima: $94
  • Best of Hiroshima Food Tour: $153

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hiroshima $5.39
    Fraser Island $44

Tours and Activities in Hiroshima

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hiroshima.

  • Hiroshima:Visit Tourist Pass(1, 2, 3day and 3day middlearea): $6.32
  • Hiroshima Hidden Gems Walking Tour with Locals: $17
  • Visit World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine by sea & Oyster raft tour: $25
  • Kumano Brush Factory Tour and Brush-Making Experience: $25
  • Mihara Goshushi Tour-Walking around the castle town Mihara-: $26
  • Peace Park Tour VR/Hiroshima: $32
  • Original Amulet Making Experience: $32
  • Guided Virtual Tour of Peace Park in Hiroshima/PEACE PARK TOUR VR: $32
  • Traditional Japanese Archery Experience: $35
  • Japanese Traditional Archery Experience Hiroshima : $36
  • Field Archery Experience in Hiroshima, Japan: $37
  • Tea ceremony experience near Atomic Bomb Dome: $41

Tours and Activities in Fraser Island

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

  • 2 Hours Hervey Bay Funset Cruise: $52
  • Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watching Cruise: $72
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $98
  • Hervey Bay: Best Value Half Day Whale Watching Cruise : $79
  • Hervey Bay: Half Day Whale watching & Island Stop Tour: $109
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour: $180
  • K'gari/2-Day Tagalong Tour from Hervey Bay: $340
  • Remote Fraser Island Experience: $164
  • Remote K'gari (Fraser Island) & Whale Experience: $164

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hiroshima $12
    Fraser Island $20


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hiroshima and Fraser Island, we can see that Fraser Island is more expensive. And not only is Hiroshima much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hiroshima is in Asia and Fraser Island is in Pacific, 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 Hiroshima would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hiroshima 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 Hiroshima.

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



When is the best time to visit Hiroshima or Fraser Island?

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

Should I visit Hiroshima or Fraser Island in the Summer?

Both Fraser Island and Hiroshima during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hiroshima this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fraser Island for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hiroshima is around the same temperature as Fraser Island. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hiroshima in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 26°C (78°F)in January.

Fraser Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hiroshima. Hiroshima usually gets more rain in July than Fraser Islandin January. Hiroshima gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Hiroshima 26°C (79°F) 
    Fraser Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Fraser Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hiroshima and Fraser Island. Many travelers come to Hiroshima for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Fraser Island in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hiroshima is generally cooler than Fraser Islandin April. Daily temperatures in Hiroshima average around 17°C (63°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Hiroshima gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Fraser Islandin April. Hiroshima gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Hiroshima 17°C (63°F) 
    Fraser Island 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Fraser Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hiroshima as well as Fraser Island. Many visitors come to Hiroshima in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Fraser Island for the cuisine during these months.

Hiroshima can get quite cold in the winter. Hiroshima is much colder than Fraser Island in the winter. The daily temperature in Hiroshima averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 15°C (59°F)in July.

Hiroshima usually gets less rain in January than Fraser Islandin July. Hiroshima gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Hiroshima 4°C (40°F) 
    Fraser Island 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Hiroshima or Fraser Island in the Spring?

Both Fraser Island and Hiroshima are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fraser Island because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hiroshima is much colder than Fraser Island. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hiroshima in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 21°C (71°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Hiroshima. In April, Hiroshima usually receives more rain than Fraser Islandin October. Hiroshima gets 168 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Hiroshima 14°C (56°F) 
    Fraser Island 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Fraser Island and Hiroshima

Hiroshima Fraser Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 102 mm (4 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)