A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Picton for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Perth or Picton?

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

Perth

Perth is a isolated, sunny, and friendly city. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and food.

Perth and Picton: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Perth or Picton?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Picton than Perth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Picton is better known for its food, hiking, and small town charm, while Perth is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and beaches. Picton is more touristy than Perth and is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. Also, Picton is famous for the Queen Charlotte Track. Perth is well known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Perth
Picton

Perth is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Picton 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.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.


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

Perth
Picton

Picton is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Picton. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Perth or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Perth
Picton

Perth is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Perth or Picton Better for Beaches?

Perth
Picton

Perth is very popular for the beach. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its beaches.

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.

Picton is considered a top beach destination. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.


Is Perth or Picton Better for Hiking?

Perth
Picton

Picton is great for hiking. However, Perth is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Picton for the hiking trails. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Picton?

Perth
Picton

If you're looking to go shopping, Perth and Picton both offer plenty of notable 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.

Picton offers some nice shopping areas. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Perth or Picton Better for Families?

Perth
Picton

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Perth or Picton.

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.

Picton is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.


Is Perth or Picton Better for Couples?

Perth
Picton

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

Picton is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

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 Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Perth
Picton

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

Picton is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

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 Picton Better for Students?

Perth
Picton

Perth is a good destination for students. However, Picton 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.

Picton is not popular with students.


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

Perth
Picton

Perth and Picton 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.

Picton has a few public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Perth or Picton a more walkable city?

Perth
Picton

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

Picton is very walkable. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

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 Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Perth?

How long in Perth or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Perth or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Perth than Picton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

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

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


  • How many days in Perth or Picton? Ideal Length of Stay
    Perth 2-4 
    Picton 1-2

One day in Perth or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Perth. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Picton, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Perth or Picton?

Perth is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Picton. 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 Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Picton is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Picton. 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 Picton?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the sunny destination of Perth. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Picton. 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Picton or Perth?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Perth is $130, while the average daily cost in Picton is $87. 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 Perth and Picton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Perth $75
    Picton $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Perth $150
    Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Perth and Picton

Looking for a hotel in Perth or Picton? 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.

Hotels in Perth


Hotels in Picton


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: Perth Hotel Prices and Picton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Perth $25
    Picton -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Perth

Also for Perth, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth Airport(PER): $33
  • Perth city to Perth Airport (PER) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Private Transfer from Perth City Hotels to Fremantle Cruise Port : $33
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth city hotels: $33
  • Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer: $59
  • Perth Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Perth city: $67
  • Departure Private Transfer: Perth City to Perth Airport PER in Business Car: $76
  • One Way Flight Transfer to or from Rottnest Island: $163
  • Rottnest Island Flight Transfer with Return Ferry: $219
  • Ballooning in the Avon Valley plus Transfer from Perth : $258

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:

  • Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $46
  • Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Perth or Picton?

Prices for flights to both Picton and Perth 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 day
    Perth $36
    Picton $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Perth

For Perth, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hands on Cooking Class or Cooking Workshop Experience: $69
  • American BBQ Food Tour: $78
  • Half-Day Low and Slow BBQ Food Tour in Perth: $79
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise with Beverages: $111
  • Perth Swan River Dinner Cruise: $112
  • From Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner: $114
  • Pinnacles Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Experience a Small Group Tour: $116
  • Pinnacle Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner: $140
  • The 10 Tastings of Perth With Locals: Private Food Tour : $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Perth $14
    Picton $109

Tours and Activities in Perth

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Perth.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $3.74
  • City Exploration Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Perth Bell Tower Entry Ticket and Bell Chiming Experience: $12
  • Skip the Line: Perth Video Game Console Museum Ticket: $12
  • Perth Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • The Perth Mint Gold Tour: $16
  • Fabulous Fremantle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Optus Stadium Guided Tour: $18
  • The Optus Stadium Tour: $18
  • The Premium Anzac Bell Tour at the Bell Tower: $21
  • AQWA Aquarium of Western Australia Entry Tickets: $22

Tours and Activities in Picton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:

  • 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $118
  • 2 hour Dolphin Viewing Eco-Tour from Picton: $91
  • 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $67
  • Bays and Bush Scenic Tour: $97
  • Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $91
  • CRUISE SHIP DAY Hop on Hop off Yealands & Marlborough tour: $121
  • Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $90
  • Cruise Excursion - Wines of Marlborough Tour: $103
  • Cruise Ship Day - Marlborough: $60
  • Cruise and Lunch at Furneaux Lodge: $82
  • Day Cruise & Lunch at Punga Cove Resort: $81
  • Early Bird Eco Cruise: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Perth $7.41
    Picton $35

Sample the Local Flavors in Perth

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Perth:

  • Little Creatures Brewery Tours : $17
  • Afternoon Swan Valley Wine Tasting with Transportation: $62
  • Swan Valley: Half-Day Wine Tour From Perth: $62
  • Half Day Swan Valley Wine Tour: $63
  • Swan Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Perth: $65
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings - From Perth: $69
  • Swan Valley: Out for the Afternoon Wine Tasting with Lunch: $75
  • Small-Group Gin Distillery Tour in Perth: $89
  • Swan Valley: Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $91
  • From Swan Valley Winery & Brewery Day Tour With Lunch: $108
  • Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting: $108
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Winery & Brewery: $129

Sample the Local Flavors in Picton

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:

  • Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $37
  • Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Steve & Jo in Marlborough : $40
  • Marlborough: Hop On Hop Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $53
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $54
  • Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $70
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $87
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $88
  • Discover Marlborough Wine - Afternoon Marlborough Wine Tour : $90
  • Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $91
  • Marlborough Discovery Sampler Wine Tour - 1/2Day Blenheim: $97
  • Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $100
  • Half-Day Marlborough Wine Tour & Beer Tour : $109


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Perth and Picton, we can see that Perth is more expensive. And not only is Picton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Picton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Picton 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 Perth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Perth than you might in Picton.

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


Which is Bigger, Perth or Picton?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 480 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Picton, 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 Picton?

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 Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton 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 Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In January, Perth is generally a little warmer than Picton. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 25°C (76°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Perth usually gets less rain in January than Picton. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Perth 25°C (76°F) 
    Picton 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Perth or Picton in the Autumn?

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

Perth is a little warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 19°C (67°F) in April, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In April, Perth usually receives less rain than Picton. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Perth 19°C (67°F) 
    Picton 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Perth or Picton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Perth as well as Picton. 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 Picton this time of year.

In the winter, Perth is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Perth in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Picton. Perth receives a lot of rain in the winter. Perth usually gets more rain in July than Picton. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Perth 13°C (55°F) 
    Picton 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Perth or Picton in the Spring?

Both Picton 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 Picton for the beaches and the small town charm.

In October, Perth is generally a little warmer than Picton. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 17°C (62°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In October, Perth usually receives less rain than Picton. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Perth 17°C (62°F) 
    Picton 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Picton and Perth

Perth Picton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 19°C (67°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 201 mm (7.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 15°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 19°C (67°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)