A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Perth vs. Katoomba for Families, Attractions, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Perth or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a isolated, sunny, and friendly city. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a natural, relaxing, and breathtaking town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Perth and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Katoomba?

Both Katoomba and Perth have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Perth is more popular for its museums and beaches, while Katoomba is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Katoomba is more touristy than Perth and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Perth is popular for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Katoomba 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 Katoomba?

Perth is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Perth. 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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

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

Both Perth and Katoomba offer good 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 Katoomba. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Is Perth or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both Perth and Katoomba.

If you're looking for night time activities Perth has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Is Perth or Katoomba Better for Beaches?

Perth is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Perth offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Perth or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is very popular for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Katoomba specifically for its hiking. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Katoomba?

If you're looking to go shopping, Perth and Katoomba both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Perth. 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.

Katoomba offers some nice shopping areas. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Perth or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Katoomba is one of the most popular family destinations. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

Perth is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Perth or Katoomba Better for Couples?

Katoomba is great for romance. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Katoomba is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Perth makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Is Perth or Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Katoomba is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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 Katoomba Better for Students?

Perth is a good destination for students. However, Katoomba is not popular with students.

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.

Katoomba is not popular with students.

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

Perth and Katoomba both offer good 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.

Katoomba has a few public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

Is Perth or Katoomba a more walkable city?

Perth and Katoomba are good when it comes to walkability.

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

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Perth?

How long in Perth or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Perth or Katoomba. In our opinion, Katoomba has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Katoomba than Perth. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Katoomba 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 Katoomba.

One day in Perth or Katoomba?

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.

Even though Katoomba is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town 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 Katoomba?

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 Katoomba. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a fun place to experience. Katoomba is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Perth or Katoomba?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?

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 Perth or Katoomba in the Summer?

Both Katoomba and Perth during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Perth in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Katoomba for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Perth is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the summer. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 25°C (76°F) in January, and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Perth. In the summer, Perth often gets more sunshine than Katoomba. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun.

Katoomba gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Perth usually gets less rain in January than Katoomba. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Katoomba in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Katoomba. Most visitors come to Perth for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Perth is around the same temperature as Katoomba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Perth in April average around 19°C (67°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Katoomba during autumn. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Perth usually receives less rain than Katoomba. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Perth or Katoomba in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Perth as well as Katoomba. The winter months attract visitors to Perth because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.

In July, Perth is generally a little warmer than Katoomba. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 13°C (55°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. In the winter, Perth often gets less sunshine than Katoomba. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun.

Perth receives a lot of rain in the winter. Perth usually gets more rain in July than Katoomba. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Katoomba in the Spring?

Both Katoomba and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Perth is around the same temperature as Katoomba in the spring. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Perth. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Katoomba during spring. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Perth usually receives around the same amount of rain as Katoomba. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Perth