A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ise vs. Noosa Heads for Beaches, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ise or Noosa Heads?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Ise and Noosa Heads 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.

Ise

Ise is a overlooked, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path city. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches. See Ise travel costs.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a natural, charming, and laid back coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of Noosa Heads is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Noosa Heads travel costs.

Ise and Noosa Heads: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Ise or Noosa Heads?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Noosa Heads than Ise, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Noosa Heads is better known for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Ise is more popular for its museums and attractions. Noosa Heads is more touristy than Ise and is popular for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. Also, Noosa Heads is famous for Noosa Main Beach. Ise is well known for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Ise different from Noosa Heads?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ise or Noosa Heads?

Ise
Noosa Heads

Ise is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Noosa Heads is not known for its sights and museums.

Ise offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While this is an often overlooked part of Japan for tourists, those who venture here will enjoy strolling through the forest and visiting the shrine complex of Ise Jingu.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.


Is the Food Better in Ise or Noosa Heads? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ise
Noosa Heads

Both Ise and Noosa Heads offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ise. You'll find some of Japan's best seafood around town and there are many local delicacies. Head to the downtown area around Iseshi Station to find a high concentration of places. One local specialty is the Japanese spiny lobster (also known as the Ise lobster).

Noosa Heads has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Is Ise or Noosa Heads Better for Nightlife?

Ise
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a coastal town with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Ise is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Noosa Heads has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Ise doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Most visitors don't stay long enough to take in the nightlife, which is limited.

Is Ise or Noosa Heads Better for Beaches?

Ise
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Noosa Heads is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

Ise offers a nice beach destination. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.


Is Ise or Noosa Heads Better for Hiking?

Ise
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Ise is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Noosa Heads. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

Ise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ise or Noosa Heads?

Ise
Noosa Heads

Shopping is a popular activity in both Noosa Heads and Ise.

Ise offers some nice shopping areas. There's a shopping street in town with many of the shops housed in traditional buildings, giving the area a nice character.

Noosa Heads has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Is Ise or Noosa Heads More Beautiful?

Ise
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Ise is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Noosa Heads is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's stunning natural beauty, breathtaking beaches, and nearby green spaces have made this a popular holiday destination.

Ise is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Ise or Noosa Heads Better for Families?

Ise
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Noosa Heads is a very kid-friendly coastal town. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

Ise offers lots of family activities. The Ise Jingu Shrine complex is large and sprawling, and has the feel of a park. The kids will likely find visiting all of the temples tedious, but the forest is peaceful and the setting is beautiful.

Is Ise or Noosa Heads Better for Couples?

Ise
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Noosa Heads frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

Ise is a good city for couples to visit. This is an off-the-beaten path destination that is far more than a shrine - it's a complex of shrines. It's spread out over a large space and filled with forest and peaceful walks that couples will enjoy.

Is Ise or Noosa Heads Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ise
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is well known for backpackers. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Noosa Heads is a great coastal town to visit for backpackers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ise. It's off the radar for many backpackers, but those that make it here will find a couple of hostels and affordable accommodation options.


Is Ise or Noosa Heads Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ise
Noosa Heads

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ise and Noosa Heads.

You'll find some public transit in Ise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

While Noosa Heads offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

Is Ise or Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

Ise
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Noosa Heads is a very walkable coastal town. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

Ise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking paths through the complex that connect the shrines, but some of the distances can be significant.

For even more information, also check out Is Ise Worth Visiting? and Is Noosa Heads Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Noosa Heads or Ise?

How long in Ise or Noosa Heads?

It's fun to spend time in either Ise or Noosa Heads. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Noosa Heads due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ise, and 2-4 days is enough time in Noosa Heads.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Noosa Heads than Ise 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 Noosa Heads.


  • How many days in Ise or Noosa Heads? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ise 1-3 
    Noosa Heads 2-4

One day in Ise or Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the overlooked city of Ise. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Noosa Heads is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A weekend in Ise or Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the overlooked destination of Ise. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many people visit Noosa Heads for a weekend. Noosa Heads might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ise or Noosa Heads?

The authentic city of Ise offers museums and food. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Because Noosa Heads is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

A week in Ise or Noosa Heads?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Ise. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Noosa Heads, a popular coastal town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Noosa Heads or Ise?

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 Ise is $110, while the average daily cost in Noosa Heads is $135. 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 Ise and Noosa Heads in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ise $43
    Noosa Heads $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ise $86
    Noosa Heads $116
Compare Hotels in Ise and Noosa Heads

Looking for a hotel in Ise or Noosa Heads? 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 Ise


Hotels in Noosa Heads


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: Ise Hotel Prices and Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ise $45
    Noosa Heads $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Noosa Heads

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

  • Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa and Sunshine Coast: $91
  • Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast & Noosa : $32
  • Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $91
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $238
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 13 pax: $262
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (2pax): $97

Is it cheaper to fly into Ise or Noosa Heads?

Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads and Ise 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
    Ise $43
    Noosa Heads $58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Noosa Heads

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

  • Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ise $6.04
    Noosa Heads $40

Tours and Activities in Ise

Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Express Tour of Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine: $47
  • Full-Day Guided Tour of Shrines and Oharaimachi: $138
  • Guided Bar-Hopping Tour with Food and Drinks: $85
  • Ise Grand Shrine Morning Tour: $81
  • Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho Guided Tour: $149
  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $47
  • Toba Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $215

Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads

For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Surf Lesson
    $43
  • Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)
    $85
  • Sunset Cruise (for 2)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads

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

  • Noosa Queen Sunset Cruise River: $22
  • 1 Hour Tour Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise: $24
  • The Original 1-Hour Mooloolaba Canal Cruise: $24
  • SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium Entrance Ticket: $26
  • Maleny Botanic Gardens Bird Aviary Experience Ticket: $32
  • Sunset Cruise Mooloolaba: $33
  • Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $34
  • The Ginger Factory Play, Taste & Discover Bundle Experience: $36
  • Stillwater Luxury Noosa Sunset Cruise : $37
  • Noosa Stand Up Paddle & Mangrove Tunnel Tour (Self Guided): $39
  • Seafood Lunch Cruise: $46
  • Sunshine Coast Adventure Park TreeTop Challenge: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ise $4.68
    Noosa Heads $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads

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

  • Sunshine Coast Bar Crawl Sippin on Sunshine: $15
  • Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $164
  • Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $188


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

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


Which is Bigger, Ise or Noosa Heads?

Ise has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Ise and Noosa Heads, 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 Ise or Noosa Heads?

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

Should I visit Ise or Noosa Heads in the Summer?

Both Noosa Heads and Ise during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.

Ise is a little warmer than Noosa Heads in the summer. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F)in January.

Noosa Heads gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. Ise usually gets more rain in July than Noosa Headsin January. Ise gets 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Ise 26°C (79°F) 
    Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Ise or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ise and Noosa Heads. The shopping scene are the main draw to Ise this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ise is a little warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ise in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (58°F)in April.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ise usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin April. Ise gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Ise 17°C (63°F) 
    Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Ise or Noosa Heads in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ise as well as Noosa Heads. Many travelers come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ise. In January, Ise is generally cooler than Noosa Headsin July. Daily temperatures in Ise average around 5°C (40°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Ise usually gets less rain in January than Noosa Headsin July. Ise gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Ise 5°C (40°F) 
    Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Ise or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

Both Noosa Heads and Ise are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ise in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Ise is around the same temperature as Noosa Heads in the spring. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Ise. In April, Ise usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin October. Ise gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Ise 13°C (56°F) 
    Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Ise

Ise Noosa Heads
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)