Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Newcastle?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Newcastle or Whitsundays?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Newcastle or Whitsundays? 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 Whitsundays?
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.
Whitsundays
Just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is a cluster of 74 different islands. These islands, the Whitsunday Islands, welcome over a half a million visitors every year to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef.
As one of the most famous destinations in the world, it's not uncommon to see expensive yachts sailing around among the private ferries. Most of the islands are designated as national parks with access to snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or just to lay in the sand on the famous Whitehaven Beach.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNewcastle $91Whitsundays $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Newcastle is $91, while the average daily cost in Whitsundays is $132. 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 Newcastle and Whitsundays in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNewcastle $44Whitsundays $69
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNewcastle $88Whitsundays $138
Compare Hotels in Newcastle and Whitsundays
Looking for a hotel in Newcastle or Whitsundays? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Newcastle $8.34Whitsundays $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:
- Bimbadgen Lunch Tour with Helicopter Transfers: $738
- Tandem Beach Skydive with Optional Transfers: $243
- Private Transfer from Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney City Hotels: $88
- Private Transfer - Newcastle Cruise Port to Sydney Airport (SYD): $88
- Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $29
- Private Transfer from Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle Port: $29
- Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle city hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $28
- Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whitsundays
Also for Whitsundays, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Whitsunday Islands: Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $122
Is it cheaper to fly into Newcastle or Whitsundays?
Prices for flights to both Whitsundays 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
-
Food Meals for one dayNewcastle $35Whitsundays $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whitsundays
For Whitsundays, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise: $96
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Newcastle $15Whitsundays $25
Tours and Activities in Newcastle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Newcastle are as follows:
- 3- Hour Wine and Harvest the Hunter Horse Tour in Pokolbin: $91
- 3-Hour Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Tour Including 3-Course Lunch from Cessnock: $251
- Architecture, Street Art & Hidden Secrets Walking Tour of Newcastle: $33
- Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $36
- Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard: Fromage and Fortified Wine Experience: $49
- Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience: $147
- Eat And Drink Newcastle History Walking Tour: $59
- Family Pass: Fighter World Museum Admission Ticket: $29
- From Hunter Valley Beer & Wine Group Tour: $160
- Full Day Tour in Country Towns, Rivers and Aussie Farm: $157
- Helicopter Tour of Hunter Valley in New South Wales with Lunch: $278
- Humpback Whale Encounter Tour from Newcastle: $82
Tours and Activities in Whitsundays
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.
- From Daydream Is.: Whitsundays & Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise: $90
- Whitsundays Camira Sailing Adventure from Daydream Island: $147
- Daydream Island: Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise: $192
- Airlie Beach: Private Guided 2-Night Yacht Sailing Cruise: $4,852
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayNewcastle $10Whitsundays $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:
- Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Broke: $5.23
- Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting Masterclass: $9.80
- Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $20
- 30-Minute Distillery Guided Tour in Carrington : $23
- Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $25
- Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $26
- Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $33
- Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $33
- Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $49
- Snapshot Half Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour: $71
- Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate: $101
- Half Day Wine Tour with Light Lunch at Hunter Valley: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Newcastle and Whitsundays, we can see that Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Whitsundays than you might in Newcastle.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Newcastle Expensive? and Is Whitsundays Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Newcastle or Whitsundays?
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 Whitsundays in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Newcastle as well as Whitsundays. The summer months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Newcastle is cooler than Whitsundays. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. In the summer, Newcastle often gets less sunshine than Whitsundays. Newcastle gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 285 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Whitsundays. Newcastle receives a lot of rain in the summer. Newcastle usually gets less rain in January than Whitsundays. Newcastle gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryNewcastle 22°C (72°F)Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Newcastle or Whitsundays in the Autumn?
Both Whitsundays and Newcastle are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.
In April, Newcastle is generally cooler than Whitsundays. Daily temperatures in Newcastle average around 19°C (67°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Whitsundays. Newcastle usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Whitsundays during autumn. Newcastle gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 207 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. It's quite rainy in Newcastle. In April, Newcastle usually receives less rain than Whitsundays. Newcastle gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures AprilNewcastle 19°C (67°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Newcastle or Whitsundays in the Winter?
Both Whitsundays and Newcastle during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Newcastle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Newcastle is cooler than Whitsundays in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
In Whitsundays, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Newcastle. In the winter, Newcastle often gets less sunshine than Whitsundays. Newcastle gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 226 hours of full sun.
Newcastle usually gets more rain in July than Whitsundays. Newcastle gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JulyNewcastle 13°C (55°F)Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Newcastle or Whitsundays in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle and Whitsundays. Many visitors come to Newcastle in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Newcastle is cooler than Whitsundays. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Whitsundays this time of the year. In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. Newcastle usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during spring. Newcastle gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 298 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Newcastle usually receives more rain than Whitsundays. Newcastle gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures OctoberNewcastle 18°C (64°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Newcastle
| Newcastle | Whitsundays | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 22°C (72°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (71°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (67°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 14°C (57°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 18°C (64°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (67°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.