A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Perth vs. Brisbane for Beaches, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Perth or Brisbane?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Perth and Brisbane can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a friendly, relaxed, and easy-going city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a diverse, cultural, and active coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Perth and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Brisbane?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Brisbane than Perth. While Perth is larger than Brisbane, Brisbane has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Brisbane is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Perth is more popular for its beaches. Perth is well known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location. Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. Also, Brisbane is famous for the Cultural Centre.

How is Perth different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Perth or Brisbane?

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Perth or Brisbane.

Many visitors head to Perth specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Is the Food Better in Perth or Brisbane? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Perth and Brisbane offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Brisbane. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Perth or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane is great for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Brisbane for the nightlife scene. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Perth or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Perth or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Perth is an amazing city to visit for the beach. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Perth is a very popular vacation destination. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Brisbane. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Is Perth or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is very good for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Brisbane?

Brisbane is great for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Perth or Brisbane Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Perth or Brisbane.

Perth is a very family-friendly destination. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Brisbane is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Perth or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Both Perth and Brisbane are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Perth is a nice destination for couples. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Brisbane makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Perth or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Brisbane is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

It's common for backpackers to visit Perth. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is Perth or Brisbane Better for Students?

Brisbane is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Brisbane is very popular with students. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Perth is a good city to visit for students. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Is Perth or Brisbane Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Perth and Brisbane both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Perth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Perth or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Brisbane is great for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Perth Worth Visiting? and Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Perth?

How long in Perth or Brisbane?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Perth and Brisbane. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Perth than in Brisbane. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 2-3 days is enough time in Brisbane.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane than Perth 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 Brisbane.

One day in Perth or Brisbane?

The city of Perth offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Brisbane, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this cultural destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Perth or Brisbane?

Perth is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Perth, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Perth or Brisbane?

Perth is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Brisbane is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Brisbane. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Brisbane?

Perth is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Perth and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Brisbane?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Brisbane, 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 Perth or Brisbane?

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 Perth or Brisbane in the Summer?

Both Brisbane and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Perth because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

In January, Perth is generally around the same temperature as Brisbane. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 25°C (76°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In January, Perth usually receives less rain than Brisbane. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Perth or Brisbane in the Autumn?

Both Brisbane and Perth during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Perth is cooler than Brisbane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 19°C (67°F) in April, and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Perth. In the autumn, Perth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Perth usually gets less rain in April than Brisbane. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Brisbane in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Brisbane. Many travelers come to Perth for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Perth is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Perth in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Brisbane averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. Perth usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

Perth gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Perth usually receives more rain than Brisbane. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Perth or Brisbane in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Perth as well as Brisbane. Many visitors come to Perth in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In October, Perth is generally cooler than Brisbane. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 17°C (62°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In the spring, Perth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

Perth usually gets less rain in October than Brisbane. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Perth