A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Perth vs. Rockhampton for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Perth or Rockhampton?

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

Perth

Perth is a sunny, friendly, and relaxed city. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a cultural, natural, and rural town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Perth and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Rockhampton?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Rockhampton than Perth. While Perth is larger than Rockhampton, Rockhampton has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Rockhampton is better known for its food, hiking, and small town charm, while Perth is more popular for its beaches. Rockhampton is more touristy than Perth and is known for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks. Also, Rockhampton is famous for the Rockhampton Heritage Village. Perth is well known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Perth or Rockhampton.

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 Rockhampton can be an interesting and educational experience. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

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

Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

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 Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Perth and Rockhampton.

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 Rockhampton. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

Is Perth or Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Perth is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Perth. 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.

Many people head to Rockhampton to enjoy the beach. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Is Perth or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Rockhampton for the hiking trails. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Rockhampton?

If you're looking to go shopping, Perth and Rockhampton 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.

Rockhampton offers some nice shopping areas. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Perth or Rockhampton Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Perth or Rockhampton.

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.

Rockhampton is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

Is Perth or Rockhampton Better for Couples?

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

Rockhampton is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

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 Rockhampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Perth and Rockhampton are notable places to visit.

Perth is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Rockhampton. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Perth or Rockhampton Better for Students?

For students, both Perth and Rockhampton are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Rockhampton is a good city to visit for students. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

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

Perth is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in options for its public transit.

Perth has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Perth or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Perth and Rockhampton are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Rockhampton is a somewhat walkable place. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Perth?

How long in Perth or Rockhampton?

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

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

One day in Perth or Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the sunny city of Perth. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Rockhampton, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this rural destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the sunny destination of Perth. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

The sunny city of Perth offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Perth. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Rockhampton. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Rockhampton?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Rockhampton. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Rockhampton, 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 Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Rockhampton. Most visitors come to Perth for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rockhampton because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Perth is generally around the same temperature as Rockhampton. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 25°C (76°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Rockhampton receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Perth usually receives less rain than Rockhampton. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Perth or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Perth as well as Rockhampton. The autumn months attract visitors to Perth because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Rockhampton this time of year.

Perth is cooler than Rockhampton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 19°C (67°F) in April, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Perth usually gets less rain in April than Rockhampton. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Rockhampton in the Winter?

Both Rockhampton and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rockhampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Perth is cooler than Rockhampton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Perth in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Perth. In July, Perth usually receives more rain than Rockhampton. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Perth or Rockhampton in the Spring?

Both Rockhampton and Perth during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Perth for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In October, Perth is generally cooler than Rockhampton. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 17°C (62°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Perth usually gets more rain in October than Rockhampton. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Perth