A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Perth vs. Surfers Paradise for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Perth or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a relaxed, easy-going, and isolated city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Perth travel costs.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a ritzy, glamourous, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Perth and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Perth or Surfers Paradise?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise than Perth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Perth and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Also, Surfers Paradise is famous for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Perth is well known for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Perth or Surfers Paradise.

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 Surfers Paradise can be an interesting and educational experience. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Surfers Paradise is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Perth is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Surfers Paradise is a perfect choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Perth is not a resort destination.

Is Perth or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Perth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Perth or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Perth and Surfers Paradise are terrific choices for a beach vacation.

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.

The beaches in Surfers Paradise are among the best in the world. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Is Perth or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Perth is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Surfers Paradise. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular family destinations. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

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

Surfers Paradise is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Surfers Paradise. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Students?

Perth is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

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

Perth and Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise has a few public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Perth or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Perth and Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable place. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Perth?

How long in Perth or Surfers Paradise?

Both Perth and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Perth. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Perth or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find food and shopping around the isolated destination of Perth. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This 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 Surfers Paradise?

You'll find shopping and museums around the relaxed city of Perth. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Perth or Surfers Paradise?

Perth is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Surfers Paradise is a fun place to experience. In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Perth or Surfers Paradise?

Perth is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Surfers Paradise, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this glamourous destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Surfers Paradise, we can see that Perth is more expensive. And not only is Surfers Paradise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Surfers Paradise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

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

Which is Bigger, Perth or Surfers Paradise?

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

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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Surfers Paradise. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Surfers Paradise during summer. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Perth usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradise. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Perth or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Perth as well as Surfers Paradise. Many travelers come to Perth for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In the autumn, Perth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradise. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Perth usually gets less rain in April than Surfers Paradise. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Perth or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

Both Surfers Paradise and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Perth in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Perth usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during winter. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Perth. In July, Perth usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradise. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Perth or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

Both Surfers Paradise and Perth during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Perth for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches.

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

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Perth. In the spring, Perth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Surfers Paradise. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Perth usually gets less rain in October than Surfers Paradise. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Perth