A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Brisbane for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Brisbane?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Brisbane. 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.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a undiscovered, secluded, and remote island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Koh Tarutao and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Brisbane?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brisbane. Although Koh Tarutao and Brisbane are popular destinations, Brisbane has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brisbane is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Brisbane is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also well known for the Cultural Centre. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Brisbane?

Brisbane is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Koh Tarutao or Brisbane? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brisbane is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Brisbane is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Brisbane has a large number of nightlife venues. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Brisbane Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Brisbane is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Koh Tarutao offers a few options. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Brisbane is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Koh Tarutao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is an amazing island to visit for the beach. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Tarutao is a very popular vacation destination. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Brisbane. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Is Koh Tarutao or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is great for hiking. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Koh Tarutao for the hiking trails. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Brisbane?

Brisbane is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Brisbane Better for Families?

Brisbane is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Koh Tarutao is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Koh Tarutao or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Is Koh Tarutao or Brisbane Better for Students?

Brisbane is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

Many students visit Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

Is Koh Tarutao or Brisbane Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brisbane is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Brisbane has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Brisbane is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Tarutao Worth Visiting? and Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Brisbane?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Koh Tarutao and Brisbane. In our opinion, Brisbane has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Brisbane than Koh Tarutao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane than Koh Tarutao 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 Brisbane.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Brisbane?

The beautiful island of Koh Tarutao offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural coastal city of Brisbane. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Brisbane?

Koh Tarutao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Tarutao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxed destination of Brisbane. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal 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.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Brisbane?

Koh Tarutao is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The diverse coastal city of Brisbane offers museums and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Brisbane?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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. This island offers something for everyone.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Brisbane?

Brisbane has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tarutao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Brisbane in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Brisbanein January. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Brisbane. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Brisbanein April. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Brisbanein July. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Brisbanein July. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Koh Tarutao during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Brisbanein October. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Koh Tarutao