A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Newcastle vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Newcastle or Cairns?

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

Should I visit Newcastle or Cairns? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

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.

Cairns

Cairns is a tropical, idyllic, and outdoorsy city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Newcastle and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle or Cairns?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cairns than Newcastle. While Newcastle is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cairns is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Newcastle attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Cairns is more touristy than Newcastle and is popular for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also well known for the Great Barrier Reef. Newcastle is famous for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks.

How is Newcastle different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle or Cairns?

Newcastle is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Newcastle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

Is the Food Better in Newcastle or Cairns? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Newcastle and Cairns.

Dining out in Newcastle is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cairns. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Newcastle or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Cairns is a must-see party destination. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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.

Is Newcastle or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Newcastle is not a resort destination.

Cairns is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Newcastle is not a resort destination.

Is Newcastle or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newcastle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cairns a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Newcastle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Newcastle or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns 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 Cairns. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

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 Newcastle or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

People visit Cairns specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

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 Newcastle or Cairns?

Both Newcastle and Cairns are high quality shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cairns. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Newcastle or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cairns is a very family-friendly destination. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

Newcastle is a family-friendly city. 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 Newcastle or Cairns Better for Couples?

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

Cairns is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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 Newcastle or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is terrific for backpackers. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cairns is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Newcastle or Cairns Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Newcastle and Cairns offer nice public transit options.

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

Cairns has some public transit options. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Newcastle or Cairns a more walkable city?

Newcastle is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle Worth Visiting? and Is Cairns Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Newcastle?

How long in Newcastle or Cairns?

In either Newcastle or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Newcastle because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

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

One day in Newcastle or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Newcastle. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Cairns. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Newcastle or Cairns?

Newcastle is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the tropical destination of Cairns. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Newcastle or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the adventure-filled city of Cairns. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Newcastle or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Newcastle. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cairns is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne.

When comparing the travel costs between Newcastle and Cairns, we can see that Cairns 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. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Newcastle or Cairns?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle and Cairns, 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 Newcastle or Cairns?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Newcastle or Cairns in the Summer?

Both Cairns and Newcastle during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

Newcastle is cooler than Cairns in the summer. The daily temperature in Newcastle averages around 22°C (72°F) in January, and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Cairns gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. Newcastle usually gets less rain in January than Cairns. Newcastle gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain this time of the year. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Should I visit Newcastle or Cairns in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle and Cairns. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cairns for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Newcastle is cooler than Cairns. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newcastle in April average around 19°C (67°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F).

Cairns receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Newcastle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Newcastle usually receives less rain than Cairns. Newcastle gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. April to October in Cairns is the dry season.

Should I visit Newcastle or Cairns in the Winter?

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

In July, Newcastle is generally much colder than Cairns. Daily temperatures in Newcastle average around 13°C (55°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Newcastle usually gets more rain in July than Cairns. Newcastle gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle or Cairns in the Spring?

Both Cairns and Newcastle are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Newcastle in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Cairns for the beaches during these months.

Newcastle is cooler than Cairns in the spring. The daily temperature in Newcastle averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In October, Newcastle usually receives more rain than Cairns. Newcastle gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Cairns is April to October. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Newcastle