Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Noosa Heads?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Noosa Heads or Whitsundays?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Noosa Heads and Whitsundays can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Noosa Heads or Whitsundays?
Noosa Heads
A town and suburb located on Queensland, Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is best known as a destination of pleasant weather, beautiful beachside scenery, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Some of the top attractions of the area include Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNoosa Heads $110Whitsundays $132
The average daily cost (per person) in Noosa Heads is $110, 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 Noosa Heads and Whitsundays in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNoosa Heads $58Whitsundays $69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNoosa Heads $116Whitsundays $138
Compare Hotels in Noosa Heads and Whitsundays
Looking for a hotel in Noosa Heads 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: Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Noosa Heads $17Whitsundays $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Noosa Heads
Also for Noosa Heads, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Premium Airport/ Cruise Terminal Transfers: $232
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $216
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (8pax): $127
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa up to 5 pax: $121
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (6pax): $114
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa up to 3 pax: $101
- Private Transfer from Noosa to Sunshine Coast Airport up to 3 pax: $101
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (4pax): $98
- Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $88
- Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa, Coolum, Marcoola & Twin Waters: $78
- Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer from Noosa, Noosaville & Mooloolaba: $31
- Sunshine Coast and Noosa Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: $30
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 Noosa Heads or Whitsundays?
Prices for flights to both Whitsundays and Noosa Heads 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 dayNoosa Heads $33Whitsundays $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $118
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Noosa Heads $40Whitsundays $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Surf Lesson$42
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Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)$84
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Sunset Cruise (for 2)$13
Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Noosa Heads.
- 1 Hour Self Guided Water Bike Tour of the Noosa River: $33
- 2 Hours Sunset Experience on Noosa River: $21
- Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $33
- Australia Zoo, Glass House Mountains Tour Combo: $182
- Brisbane Airport and Cruise Terminal to Sunshine Coast 11 pax: $258
- Bushtucker Cruise: $49
- Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife - 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa: $105
- Everglades Explorer - Noosa Everglades Tour: $97
- Fliteboard eFoil Experience for Two People in Noosaville: $235
- Fliteboard eFoil Lesson and Experience: $176
- Glass House Mountains Tour with Lunch, Lookouts, and Nature Walks: $169
- Maleny Botanic Gardens Bird Aviary Experience Ticket: $27
Tours and Activities in Whitsundays
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.
- Airlie Beach: Private Guided 2-Night Yacht Sailing Cruise: $4,852
- Daydream Island: Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise: $192
- From Daydream Is.: Whitsundays & Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise: $90
- Whitsundays Camira Sailing Adventure from Daydream Island: $147
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNoosa Heads $10Whitsundays $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads
Also in Noosa Heads, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Eumundi Market and Distillery Experience Market Days Wednesday & Saturday: $92
- Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $160
- Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $163
- Sunshine Coast & Noosa Scenic Food & Wine Tour Inc. Lunch: $171
- Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour- visit 2 distilleries, a winery and a brewery : $193
- Noosa Hinterland Drinks Private Tour with Gin, Beer, Mead & Wine Tastings: $274
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Noosa Heads and Whitsundays, we can see that Whitsundays is more expensive. And not only is Noosa Heads much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Noosa Heads would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Noosa Heads Expensive? and Is Whitsundays Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Noosa Heads or Whitsundays?
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 Noosa Heads or Whitsundays in the Summer?
Both Whitsundays and Noosa Heads are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Noosa Heads is generally cooler than Whitsundays. Daily temperatures in Noosa Heads average around 20°C (67°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. It's quite rainy in Noosa Heads. In January, Noosa Heads usually receives less rain than Whitsundays. Noosa Heads gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryNoosa Heads 20°C (67°F)Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Noosa Heads or Whitsundays in the Autumn?
Both Whitsundays and Noosa Heads during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Noosa Heads is much colder than Whitsundays in the autumn. The daily temperature in Noosa Heads averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Whitsundays gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Noosa Heads usually gets less rain in April than Whitsundays. Noosa Heads gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilNoosa Heads 14°C (58°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Noosa Heads or Whitsundays in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Noosa Heads and Whitsundays. Most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Noosa Heads is much colder than Whitsundays. Typically, the winter temperatures in Noosa Heads in July average around 7°C (44°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 16°C (62°F).
In July, Noosa Heads usually receives more rain than Whitsundays. Noosa Heads gets 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyNoosa Heads 7°C (44°F)Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Noosa Heads or Whitsundays in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Noosa Heads as well as Whitsundays. The spring months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In October, Noosa Heads is generally much colder than Whitsundays. Daily temperatures in Noosa Heads average around 14°C (57°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Noosa Heads usually gets more rain in October than Whitsundays. Noosa Heads gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberNoosa Heads 14°C (57°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Noosa Heads
| Noosa Heads | Whitsundays | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 20°C (67°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 19°C (67°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (64°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (58°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 7°C (44°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 8°C (46°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (57°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (61°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 117 mm (4.6 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.