A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shiretoko National Park vs. Airlie Beach for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a idyllic, paradise, and laid back town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Shiretoko National Park and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Airlie Beach than Shiretoko National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Airlie Beach is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is known for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. Also, Airlie Beach is famous for the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Shiretoko National Park is well known for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Shiretoko National Park different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Airlie Beach and Shiretoko National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Neither Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach offer quality museums and landmarks.

Shiretoko National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Airlie Beach area. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

Shiretoko National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.

Airlie Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Shiretoko National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Airlie Beach specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Shiretoko National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Airlie Beach are among the best in the world. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Shiretoko National Park and Airlie Beach are both places where visitors can find world-class hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Shiretoko National Park draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

Around Airlie Beach visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.


Is the Shopping Better in Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Airlie Beach to go shopping. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Airlie Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly remote,natural,scenic,pristine. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for romance.

Airlie Beach has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

Shiretoko National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Both Shiretoko National Park and Airlie Beach are great destinations for backpackers.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular remote,natural,scenic,pristine for backpackers and budget travelers. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

Airlie Beach is very popular with the backpacker crowd. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

Airlie Beach has a few public transit options. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Shiretoko National Park
Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its walkability.

Airlie Beach is a very walkable destination. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.


For even more information, also check out Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Airlie Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Shiretoko National Park?

How long in Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Shiretoko National Park. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Shiretoko National Park, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Airlie Beach than Shiretoko National Park 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 Airlie Beach.


  • How many days in Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4 
    Airlie Beach 4-7

One day in Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach?

In Shiretoko National Park, many people enjoy the that this national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the idyllic town of Airlie Beach. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach?

Shiretoko National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Airlie Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach?

You'll find around the national park destination of Shiretoko National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Airlie Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


A week in Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach?

Shiretoko National Park is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Airlie Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Airlie Beach or Shiretoko National Park?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Shiretoko National Park is $74, while the average daily cost in Airlie Beach is $141. 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 Shiretoko National Park and Airlie Beach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shiretoko National Park $33
    Airlie Beach $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shiretoko National Park $66
    Airlie Beach $116
Compare Hotels in Shiretoko National Park and Airlie Beach

Looking for a hotel in Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach? 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 Shiretoko National Park


Hotels in Airlie Beach


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: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices and Airlie Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $26
    Airlie Beach $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Airlie Beach

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Airlie Beach:

  • Whitsunday: Prosperpine Airport to Airlie Beach Transfer: $16
  • One Way Only - Airport Transfer share shuttle service: $17
  • Airport Transfers - Return (round fare) share shuttle service: $28
  • Return Transfer PPP Airport Shute Harbour / Renta Yacht / Freedom Shores: $32
  • South Molle Island Camping Transfer: $47
  • South Molle Island Camping Transfer: $59
  • Whitehaven Beach Club Transfers from Airlie Beach: $92
  • Crayfish Beach Hook Island Camping Transfer: $139
  • Private Transfer to Whitsunday Coast Airport: $314

Is it cheaper to fly into Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach?

Prices for flights to both Airlie Beach and Shiretoko National Park 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
    Shiretoko National Park $25
    Airlie Beach $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Airlie Beach

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Airlie Beach.

  • 3-Hour Sunset Segway Tour with Dinner: $72
  • Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $15
    Airlie Beach $160

Tours and Activities in Airlie Beach

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

  • Private Airlie Beach Tuk-Tuk Tours: $20
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine: $45
  • Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise : $46
  • Whisper Cruises - One-Hour Turtle Spotting Bay Cruise: $46
  • Sundowner Sunset Cruise Airlie Beach: $46
  • Airlie Beach sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Airlie Beach Trike Tours: $50
  • Whitsundays Sunset Sailing Cruise: $53
  • Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: $58
  • 2 Hour Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise: $59
  • Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $59
  • 1 hour Mimosa Morning Turtle Spotting Cruise: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shiretoko National Park $10
    Airlie Beach $8.99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shiretoko National Park and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. And not only is Shiretoko National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shiretoko National Park is in Asia and Airlie Beach is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Shiretoko National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shiretoko National Park 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 Airlie Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Airlie Beach than you might in Shiretoko National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shiretoko National Park Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Airlie Beach is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shiretoko National Park has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach in the Summer?

Both Airlie Beach and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Airlie Beach in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Shiretoko National Park is cooler than Airlie Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shiretoko National Park in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. Shiretoko National Park usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during summer. Shiretoko National Park gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. In July, Shiretoko National Park usually receives less rain than Airlie Beachin January. Shiretoko National Park gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F) 
    Airlie Beach 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

Both Airlie Beach and Shiretoko National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Shiretoko National Park is generally much colder than Airlie Beachin April. Daily temperatures in Shiretoko National Park average around 10°C (51°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Shiretoko National Park often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin April. Shiretoko National Park gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun.

Airlie Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shiretoko National Park usually gets less rain in October than Airlie Beachin April. Shiretoko National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F) 
    Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shiretoko National Park and Airlie Beach. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during winter. Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Airlie Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Shiretoko National Park averages around -6°C (20°F) in January, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. Shiretoko National Park usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during winter. Shiretoko National Park gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shiretoko National Park usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin July. Shiretoko National Park gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F) 
    Airlie Beach 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shiretoko National Park as well as Airlie Beach. The spring months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In the spring, Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Airlie Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shiretoko National Park in April average around 5°C (40°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. In the spring, Shiretoko National Park often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beachin October. Shiretoko National Park gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun.

Shiretoko National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Airlie Beachin October. Shiretoko National Park gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F) 
    Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park Airlie Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 377 mm (14.8 in)
Mar -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Apr 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 16°C (62°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in) 26°C (78°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)