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

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle. 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 secluded, remote, and beautiful island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a coastal, vibrant, and high energy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Koh Tarutao and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Newcastle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Newcastle. Although Koh Tarutao and Newcastle are popular destinations, Newcastle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Newcastle is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Newcastle is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is popular for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. It is also well known for the Bathers Way. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Newcastle 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 Newcastle. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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 Newcastle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Newcastle has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

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 Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

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

Newcastle has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

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 Newcastle Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Newcastle 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.

Newcastle is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is terrific for the beach. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Tarutao. 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.

Newcastle is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Is Koh Tarutao or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Koh Tarutao is a popular spot for hiking. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Many people include a hike when visiting Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Newcastle?

Newcastle 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 Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

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 Newcastle Better for Families?

Both Koh Tarutao and Newcastle are nice family-friendly destinations.

Koh Tarutao is a family-friendly island. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Newcastle. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Koh Tarutao or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao is a well-known place for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Koh Tarutao is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

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

Koh Tarutao and Newcastle are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Newcastle. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

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

Newcastle 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.

Newcastle has some public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

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 Newcastle a more walkable city?

Newcastle is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Newcastle is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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 Newcastle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Newcastle?

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

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

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

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

One day in Koh Tarutao or Newcastle?

You'll find around the island of Koh Tarutao. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the trendy city of Newcastle. 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 Newcastle?

You'll find around the secluded destination of Koh Tarutao. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the coastal destination of Newcastle. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Newcastle?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the undiscovered island of Koh Tarutao. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The high energy city of Newcastle offers shopping and museums. 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 Newcastle?

Koh Tarutao 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Newcastle. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Koh Tarutao and Newcastle, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Koh Tarutao is in Asia and Newcastle is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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 Newcastle Expensive?.

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

Newcastle 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 Newcastle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Newcastle. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Newcastle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Newcastle in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in July than Newcastlein January. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Newcastle in the Autumn?

Both Newcastle and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Newcastle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Newcastle averages at about 19°C (67°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Newcastlein April. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Newcastle in the Winter?

Both Newcastle and Koh Tarutao during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Newcastle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Newcastlein July. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in January than Newcastlein July. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Newcastle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Newcastle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Newcastle in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in October.

Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Newcastlein October. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Koh Tarutao