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

Should you visit Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba, 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. Shiretoko National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking. See Shiretoko National Park travel costs.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a serene, natural, and relaxing town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Katoomba as well. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food. See Katoomba travel costs.

Shiretoko National Park and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Katoomba than Shiretoko National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Katoomba is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is known for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Also, Katoomba is famous for Scenic World. Shiretoko National Park is well known for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Shiretoko National Park different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shiretoko National Park
Katoomba

Katoomba is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Katoomba. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. 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.


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

Shiretoko National Park
Katoomba

Katoomba 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 Katoomba area. 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.

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 Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Shiretoko National Park
Katoomba

Katoomba is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for nightlife.

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.

Shiretoko National Park doesn't offer many options. Peaceful evenings and relaxing in nature are the best way to pass the time here, not socializing in a bar.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park
Katoomba

Shiretoko National Park and Katoomba 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 Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba?

Shiretoko National Park
Katoomba

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

Many visitors go to Katoomba to go shopping. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba More Beautiful?

Shiretoko National Park
Katoomba

Katoomba is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Katoomba as well. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Shiretoko National Park is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The park is among the most beautiful in Japan. It has a scenic natural setting that is particularly nice during the winter season.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba Better for Families?

Shiretoko National Park
Katoomba

Katoomba is a world-class destination 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.

Katoomba is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

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 Katoomba Better for Couples?

Shiretoko National Park
Katoomba

Shiretoko National Park and Katoomba are both great to visit as a couple.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Katoomba makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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

Shiretoko National Park
Katoomba

Both Shiretoko National Park and Katoomba 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.

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.

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

Shiretoko National Park
Katoomba

Katoomba 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.

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.

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 Katoomba a more walkable city?

Shiretoko National Park
Katoomba

Shiretoko National Park and Katoomba both are notable when exploring on foot.

Shiretoko National Park is a somewhat walkable remote,natural,scenic,pristine. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Shiretoko National Park?

How long in Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba. In our opinion, Katoomba has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Katoomba than Shiretoko National Park. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Shiretoko National Park, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

Families should spend more time in Katoomba than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park. 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 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 Katoomba.


  • How many days in Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4 
    Katoomba 2-4

One day in Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba?

The beautiful remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Katoomba is a small town with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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 Katoomba?

Shiretoko National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Katoomba is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


Five days in Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba?

Shiretoko National Park is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking 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 great place to explore. Most people head to the area for the hiking. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba?

Shiretoko National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This remote,natural,scenic,pristine offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Katoomba. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Katoomba or Shiretoko National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Shiretoko National Park Prices
    Japan Prices
    Katoomba Prices
    Australia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shiretoko National Park $96
    Katoomba $148

The average daily cost (per person) in Shiretoko National Park is $96, while the average daily cost in Katoomba is $148. 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 Katoomba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shiretoko National Park $34
    Katoomba $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shiretoko National Park $68
    Katoomba $156
Compare Hotels in Shiretoko National Park and Katoomba

Looking for a hotel in Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba? 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 Katoomba


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 Katoomba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $27
    Katoomba $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba?

Prices for flights to both Katoomba 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 $45
    Katoomba $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $15
    Katoomba $54

Tours and Activities in Katoomba

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

  • Blue Mountains 90 Minute Army Truck Adventures: $65
  • Army Truck Adventures - 90 Minute Guided Tour: $66
  • Blue Mountains Hop On Hop Off Tour: $73
  • Blue Mountains 3 Hour Army Truck Adventures: $98
  • Army Truck Adventures - 3 Hour Guided Tour: $100
  • Blue Mountains Day Tour with Wildlife and Scenic World: $101
  • Blue Mountains 1-Hour Trike Tour of Three Sisters: $109
  • Blue Mountains: Spectacular Half Day Abseiling Adventure: $115
  • Half-Day Abseiling Adventure in Blue Mountains National Park: $117
  • Blue Mountains Day Tour with Scenic World and Wildlife Park Entry: $118
  • Small Group Blue Mountains Wildlife & Bushwalk Tour From Sydney: $120
  • Blue Mountains Day Tour With Bushwalks, Waterfalls & Featherdale: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shiretoko National Park $11
    Katoomba -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shiretoko National Park and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive?.



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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the Summer?

Both Katoomba 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 Katoomba in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Shiretoko National Park is cooler than Katoomba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shiretoko National Park in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Katoomba averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Katoomba. Shiretoko National Park usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during summer. Shiretoko National Park gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. In July, Shiretoko National Park usually receives less rain than Katoombain January. Shiretoko National Park gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F) 
    Katoomba 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba in the Autumn?

Both Katoomba 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 Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Shiretoko National Park is generally much colder than Katoombain April. Daily temperatures in Shiretoko National Park average around 10°C (51°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Shiretoko National Park often gets less sunshine than Katoombain April. Shiretoko National Park gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun.

Shiretoko National Park usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Katoombain April. Shiretoko National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba in the Winter?

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

Shiretoko National Park can be very cold during winter. Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Katoomba in the winter. The daily temperature in Shiretoko National Park averages around -6°C (20°F) in January, and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. Shiretoko National Park usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during winter. Shiretoko National Park gets 108 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shiretoko National Park usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Shiretoko National Park gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F) 
    Katoomba 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Katoomba in the Spring?

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

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In the spring, Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Katoomba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shiretoko National Park in April average around 5°C (40°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. In the spring, Shiretoko National Park often gets less sunshine than Katoombain October. Shiretoko National Park gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun.

Shiretoko National Park usually gets less rain in April than Katoombain October. Shiretoko National Park gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F) 
    Katoomba 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park Katoomba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Mar -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)