A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ise vs. Rockhampton for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ise or Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton 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 authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and overlooked city. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a rural, traditional, and charming town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ise and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Ise or Rockhampton?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rockhampton than Ise. While Ise is larger than Rockhampton, Rockhampton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rockhampton is more touristy than Ise and is popular for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks. It is also home to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. Ise is popular for its important Shinto shrines and its coastal setting.

How is Ise different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton?

Ise
Rockhampton

Rockhampton is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Ise is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Rockhampton. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ise. 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.


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

Ise
Rockhampton

Both Ise and Rockhampton offer a number of excellent 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).

Rockhampton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

Is Ise or Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Ise
Rockhampton

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

Rockhampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

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 Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Ise
Rockhampton

Both Ise and Rockhampton are considered to be good beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Ise. There are several nice and sandy beaches in the area that make for a nice break from the sightseeing.

Rockhampton offers a nice beach destination. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.


Is Ise or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Ise
Rockhampton

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Rockhampton. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

Ise is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ise or Rockhampton?

Ise
Rockhampton

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Ise or Rockhampton Better for Families?

Ise
Rockhampton

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

Rockhampton is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

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 Rockhampton Better for Couples?

Ise
Rockhampton

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

Couples visit Rockhampton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

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 Rockhampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ise
Rockhampton

Ise and Rockhampton are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Rockhampton. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Ise or Rockhampton Better for Students?

Ise
Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a town with good options for students. However, Ise is not popular with students.

Rockhampton is popular with students. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Ise is not popular with students.


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

Ise
Rockhampton

Ise is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in options for its public transit.

Ise has some public transit options. The CAN Bus is a tourist bus that connects the train stations to the main attractions and runs every half hour.

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Ise or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Ise
Rockhampton

Ise and Rockhampton both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Rockhampton is a somewhat walkable city. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Ise?

How long in Ise or Rockhampton?

It's fun to spend time in either Ise or Rockhampton. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton.


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

One day in Ise or Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the off-the-beaten-path 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.

With nightlife and food around the traditional destination of Rockhampton, there's plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton for a weekend. With food and shopping around the traditional town of Rockhampton, there's plenty to do. 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 Rockhampton?

The off-the-beaten-path 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.

The destination of Rockhampton offers shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. 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 Rockhampton?

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.

Rockhampton, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Rockhampton or Ise?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ise is $89, while the average daily cost in Rockhampton is $170. 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 Rockhampton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ise $42
    Rockhampton $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ise $84
    Rockhampton $202
Compare Hotels in Ise and Rockhampton

Looking for a hotel in Ise or Rockhampton? 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 Rockhampton


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 Rockhampton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ise $43
    Rockhampton $19

Is it cheaper to fly into Ise or Rockhampton?

Prices for flights to both Rockhampton 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 $24
    Rockhampton $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ise $5.83
    Rockhampton $40

Tours and Activities in Ise

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

  • Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $88
  • Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $39
  • Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ise $4.52
    Rockhampton $13


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ise and Rockhampton, we can see that Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ise or Rockhampton?

Ise has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Rockhampton. When comparing the sizes of Ise and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ise as well as Rockhampton. Many travelers come to Ise for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ise is around the same temperature as Rockhampton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ise in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Rockhampton. Ise receives a lot of rain in the summer. Ise usually gets more rain in July than Rockhamptonin January. Ise gets 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Ise 26°C (79°F) 
    Rockhampton 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Ise or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

Both Rockhampton and Ise are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ise in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Rockhampton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Ise is generally cooler than Rockhamptonin April. Daily temperatures in Ise average around 17°C (63°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite rainy in Ise. In October, Ise usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin April. Ise gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Ise 17°C (63°F) 
    Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Ise or Rockhampton in the Winter?

Both Rockhampton and Ise during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Rockhampton because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ise can be very cold during winter. Ise is much colder than Rockhampton in the winter. The daily temperature in Ise averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in July.

Ise usually gets more rain in January than Rockhamptonin July. Ise gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Ise 5°C (40°F) 
    Rockhampton 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Ise or Rockhampton in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ise and Rockhampton. The spring months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

In the spring, Ise is much colder than Rockhampton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ise in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 23°C (74°F)in October.

Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Ise usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin October. Ise gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Ise 13°C (56°F) 
    Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Ise

Ise Rockhampton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 236 mm (9.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 219 mm (8.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)