A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Okinawa vs. Torquay for Beaches, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Okinawa or Torquay?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Okinawa and Torquay. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a idyllic, tropical, and lush archipelago. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Torquay

Torquay is a outdoorsy, trendy, and casual surf town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Okinawa and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Okinawa or Torquay?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Okinawa. Although Okinawa and Torquay are both popular with visitors, Okinawa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Okinawa is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Torquay is known for its small town charm. Okinawa is more touristy than Torquay and is popular for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also home to the Kerama Islands. Torquay is popular for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Okinawa different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Okinawa or Torquay?

Okinawa is great for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Okinawa can be an interesting and educational experience. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

Is the Food Better in Okinawa or Torquay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Okinawa is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Okinawa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Okinawa or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Okinawa is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Okinawa for the nightlife scene. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Okinawa or Torquay Better for Resorts?

Okinawa is great for its luxury resorts. However, Torquay is not a resort destination.

Okinawa is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Torquay is not a resort destination.

Is Okinawa or Torquay Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Okinawa specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Okinawa or Torquay Better for Beaches?

Okinawa and Torquay both offer world-class beaches.

Okinawa offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Torquay. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Is Okinawa or Torquay Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is renowned for hiking. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Okinawa draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Torquay is a popular spot for hiking. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Okinawa or Torquay?

Both Okinawa and Torquay are good shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Okinawa to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Torquay. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Okinawa or Torquay Better for Families?

Okinawa is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Okinawa is an amazing family-friendly archipelago to visit. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Okinawa or Torquay Better for Couples?

Okinawa is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for couples.

Okinawa has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

Torquay is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

Is Okinawa or Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Okinawa and Torquay are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Torquay. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Is Okinawa or Torquay Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Okinawa and Torquay offer good public transit options.

Okinawa has a few public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Torquay has some public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Okinawa or Torquay a more walkable city?

Torquay is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago for its walkability.

Torquay is a very walkable destination. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable archipelago. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

For even more information, also check out Is Okinawa Worth Visiting? and Is Torquay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Okinawa?

How long in Okinawa or Torquay?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Okinawa and Torquay. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Okinawa than in Torquay. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Okinawa, and 2-3 days is enough time in Torquay.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Okinawa than Torquay 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 Okinawa.

One day in Okinawa or Torquay?

In Okinawa, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This archipelago offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Torquay, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This surf town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Okinawa or Torquay?

In Okinawa, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Torquay, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Torquay has to offer.

Five days in Okinawa or Torquay?

Okinawa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Okinawa has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Torquay is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Okinawa or Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Okinawa. In Okinawa, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Torquay. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Torquay. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Okinawa and Torquay, we can see that Okinawa is more expensive. And not only is Torquay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Okinawa is in Asia and Torquay is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Torquay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Torquay 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 Okinawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Okinawa than you might in Torquay.

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

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Torquay?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Torquay is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Okinawa has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Okinawa or Torquay in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Okinawa as well as Torquay. Many visitors come to Okinawa in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Torquay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Okinawa is generally a little warmer than Torquayin January. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 29°C (84°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Torquay. Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Okinawa usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Torquayin January. Okinawa gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Torquay in the Autumn?

Both Torquay and Okinawa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Torquay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Okinawa is a little warmer than Torquay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Okinawa. In October, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Torquayin April. Okinawa gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Okinawa or Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay and Okinawa during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In the winter, Okinawa is around the same temperature as Torquay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Okinawa in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Torquay averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually gets more rain in January than Torquayin July. Okinawa gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Torquay in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Okinawa and Torquay. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Torquay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Okinawa is generally around the same temperature as Torquayin October. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 22°C (71°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Torquayin October. Okinawa gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Torquay and Okinawa