Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Noosa Heads?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNoosa Heads $113Whitsundays $135
The average daily cost (per person) in Noosa Heads is $113, while the average daily cost in Whitsundays is $135. 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
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNoosa Heads $60Whitsundays $71
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNoosa Heads $120Whitsundays $142
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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Noosa Heads $17Whitsundays $56
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: $242
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $225
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (8pax): $133
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (6pax): $119
- Private Transfer to or from Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY): $109
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa up to 3 pax: $106
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (2pax): $99
- Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $92
- Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa, Coolum, Marcoola & Twin Waters: $81
- Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast& Noosa : $33
- Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer from Noosa, Noosaville & Mooloolaba: $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whitsundays
Also for Whitsundays, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Whitsunday Islands: Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $127
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
-
Food Meals for one dayNoosa Heads $34Whitsundays $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:
- Private Cooking Workshop in Queensland: $42
- Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $123
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: $100
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Noosa Heads $41Whitsundays $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Surf Lesson$43
-
Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)$87
-
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 Tour Mooloolaba Sunset Cruise: $24
- 2-Hour Guided Whale Watching Tour at Noosa: $54
- 3-Hour Noosa Explorer e-Bike Tour: $102
- Adventure Whale Watching Tour Mooloolaba: $58
- Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $34
- Australia Zoo, Glass House Mountains Tour Combo: $197
- Brisbane Airport and Cruise Terminal to Sunshine Coast 11 pax: $269
- Bushtucker Cruise: $51
- Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife - 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa: $110
- Everglades Explorer - Noosa Everglades Tour: $101
- Fliteboard eFoil Group Experience in Noosa: $153
- Fliteboard eFoil Lesson and Experience in Noosa: $153
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: $5,044
Alcohol
-
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: $95
- Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $167
- Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $187
- Noosa Hinterland Tour with Gourmet Lunch, Wine Tasting & Everglades Lake: $197
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.