Which city is cheaper, Fraser Island or Newcastle?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Newcastle vs. Fraser Island for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Newcastle or Fraser Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Newcastle or Fraser Island? 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.
Where Should I go: Newcastle or Fraser Island?
Newcastle
Newcastle is 150 kilometers north of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the second largest city in the state, and serves as a central point to explore the area's beaches, wineries, and beautiful natural landscape. North of the city is Stockton beach, which has many miles of isolated, beautiful beaches, stretching all the way up to Nelson Bay. The wineries are inland to the west and have some of Australia's finest wine which you can taste. If you want to see rainforests, you can head northwest to Barrington Tops National Park, which has great rainforests and freshwater streams. You may even get to see a platypus. The city also has the country's oldest sea port. In the past the city's economy was centered around the steel industry, but today the University of Newcastle is one of the area's most important employers.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, located off Australia's eastern Queensland coast, is the world's largest sand island. It is best known as a camping and ecotourism destination, with a number of panoramic viewpoints, beaches, lakes, and freshwater pools. Hervey Bay, a beachside city on the nearby mainland, is a primary gateway to the island.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNewcastle $93Fraser Island $211
The average daily cost (per person) in Newcastle is $93, while the average daily cost in Fraser Island is $211. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Newcastle and Fraser Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNewcastle $46Fraser Island $104
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNewcastle $92Fraser Island $208
Compare Hotels in Newcastle and Fraser Island
Looking for a hotel in Newcastle or Fraser Island? 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.
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: Newcastle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Newcastle $8.55Fraser Island $95
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:
- Newcastle Airport (NCL) Departure Private Transfer from Hotels: $47
- Private Transfer from Newcastle to Belfast City Airport (BHD): $128
- Private Transfer from Newcastle to Belfast Airport (BFS): $148
Is it cheaper to fly into Newcastle or Fraser Island?
Prices for flights to both Fraser Island and Newcastle 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
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Food Meals for one dayNewcastle $36Fraser Island $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newcastle
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Newcastle.
- Looking for a fun experience, hit the sweet spot with beer and pizza at Slice!: $73
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Newcastle $16Fraser Island $45
Tours and Activities in Newcastle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Newcastle are as follows:
- True Crime Guided Walking Tour: $25
- Maitland's True Crime Tour: $25
- Newcastle Dark Stories True Crime Tour: $27
- Harbor and Coast 2.5-Hour Sightseeing Cruise: $71
- Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle: $78
- Hunter Coastal Adventure Tour by Boat from Newcastle: $78
- From Hunter Valley Beer & Wine Small Group Tour: $136
Tours and Activities in Fraser Island
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Fraser Island are as follows:
- Fraser Island 4-Hour Eco-Sailing Adventure: $65
- From Hervey Bay: Fraser Island 2-Day Coach Tour: $360
- Rainbow Beach Drive 4WD Tour from Noosa to Mooloolaba: $711
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNewcastle $10Fraser Island $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:
- From Hunter Valley Brewery Tour with Lunch: $136
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Newcastle and Fraser Island, we can see that Fraser Island is more expensive. And not only is Newcastle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Newcastle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newcastle 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 Fraser Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fraser Island than you might in Newcastle.
When is the best time to visit Newcastle or Fraser Island?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.
Should I visit Newcastle or Fraser Island in the Summer?
Both Fraser Island and Newcastle are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In January, Newcastle is generally cooler than Fraser Island. Temperatures in Newcastle average around 22°C (72°F), and Fraser Island stays around 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Fraser Island. It's quite rainy in Newcastle. In January, Newcastle usually receives less rain than Fraser Island. Newcastle gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryNewcastle 22°C (72°F)Fraser Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Newcastle or Fraser Island in the Autumn?
Both Fraser Island and Newcastle during the autumn are popular places to visit.
Newcastle is cooler than Fraser Island in the autumn. The temperature in Newcastle is usually 19°C (67°F) in April, and Fraser Island stays around 22°C (72°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. Newcastle usually gets more rain in April than Fraser Island. Newcastle gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilNewcastle 19°C (67°F)Fraser Island 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Newcastle or Fraser Island in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle and Fraser Island.
In the winter, Newcastle is cooler than Fraser Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newcastle in July are around 13°C (55°F), and Fraser Island is about 15°C (59°F).
In July, Newcastle usually receives around the same amount of rain as Fraser Island. Newcastle gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyNewcastle 13°C (55°F)Fraser Island 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Newcastle or Fraser Island in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Newcastle as well as Fraser Island.
In October, Newcastle is generally cooler than Fraser Island. Temperatures in Newcastle average around 18°C (64°F), and Fraser Island stays around 21°C (71°F).
Newcastle usually gets more rain in October than Fraser Island. Newcastle gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberNewcastle 18°C (64°F)Fraser Island 21°C (71°F)
Typical Weather for Fraser Island and Newcastle
| Newcastle | Fraser Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (71°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (67°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (67°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
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