A Travel Price Comparison for Australia South Australia vs. Tasmania for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit South Australia or Tasmania?

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

Should I visit South Australia or Tasmania? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: South Australia or Tasmania?

South Australia

Millions of travelers are attracted to Australia for a variety of reasons. Sure there are adventures waiting around ever Aussie corner, but sometimes you just want to sit back and relax. That's when it's time to visit South Australia.

Nestled between Western Australia and Queensland, this state is home to 1.6 million people. Even with that many people, however, it's still less than 10 percent of the entire country's population. With less tourists, infamous wine, delectable produce and an untouched environment, Southern Australia is the perfect spot to kickback in the outback.

Tasmania

Who doesn't want to escape to a remote part of the world for some rest and relaxation? For those kinds of vacations, don't count out the island of Tasmania. This destination should be at the top of every nature lover's list. Over 45% of this island is national park land.

Tasmania is Australia's only island state. With approximately 500,000 people, it is the also the smallest state in the country. It's roughly the size of the state of West Virginia with much of its population living on the south and north coasts. The island sees all the seasons and a relatively cool climate. Keep in mind, however, the seasons are different down under. Their summer runs from December to February while their winter spans over June to August.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Tasmania or South Australia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in South Australia is $139, while the average daily cost in Tasmania is $0.00. 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 South Australia and Tasmania in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    South Australia $63
    Tasmania -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    South Australia $126
    Tasmania $0.00
Compare Hotels in South Australia and Tasmania

Looking for a hotel in South Australia or Tasmania? 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 South Australia


Hotels in Tasmania


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    South Australia $18
    Tasmania -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in South Australia

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

  • One Day Kangaroo Island Sip & See tour with return ferry transfers from Adelaide: $244
  • Adelaide Airport Transfers : Adelaide City to Airport ADL in Luxury Car: $106
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Luxury Van: $91
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Adelaide Airport to Hotel: $65
  • Departure Private Transfers: Adelaide to Adelaide Airport ADL in Business Car: $62
  • Adelaide Airport(ADL)to Adelaide city - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Adelaide Airport to Adelaide Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Adelaide city to Adelaide Cruise Port: $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tasmania

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

  • Port Arthur Return Transfer, mimimum 4 passengers : $216
  • Cradle Mountain transfer from Launceston : $126
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Airport (HBA) to Arthur Cruise Port: $50
  • Private Transfer from Hobart City Hotels to Arthur Cruise Port : $50
  • Private Transfer from Arthur Cruise Port to Hobart Airport (HBA): $50
  • Private Transfer from Arthur Cruise Port to Hobart city hotels : $50
  • Private Transfer from Port Arthur Port to Launceston Airport(LST): $49
  • Private Transfer from Launceston city hotels to Port Arthur Port: $49
  • Private Transfer from Port Arthur Port to Launceston City Hotels : $49
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Cruise Port to Hobart Airport (HBA): $29
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Airport (HBA) to Hobart Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Cruise Port to Hobart city hotels: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into South Australia or Tasmania?

Prices for flights to both Tasmania and South Australia 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
    South Australia $30
    Tasmania -

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in South Australia

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

  • The F Factor: Adelaide food tour: $78
  • Four Hours Cooking Class in Adelaide Hills: $121
  • Cooking classes Goolwa: $127
  • Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner: $190
  • Pipi Catching and Cooking Experience in Goolwa : $228

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tasmania

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

  • Afternoon Gordon River Dinner Cruise: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    South Australia $13
    Tasmania -

Tours and Activities in South Australia

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

  • 2-Hour Kayaking Experience in Barossa Valley: $36
  • 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $58
  • Abseiling Adventure in Adelaide: $97
  • Adelaide Central Market Discovery Tour: $58
  • Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour: $110
  • Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour: $49
  • Adelaide Hills Private Day Tour: $258
  • Adelaide Hills Regional / Hahndorf German Village Tour: $278
  • Adelaide Hills Tour with River Murray Lunch Cruise: $124
  • Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf - Half Day Private Tour: $105
  • Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Half Day Tours - Private and Luxury: $144
  • Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf Half-Day Tour from Adelaide: $62

Tours and Activities in Tasmania

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

  • Cataract Gorge Cruise 2:30 pm: $27
  • Grand Hobart with Richmond Village Tour: $95
  • 1-Hour Tasmanian Devil Feeding Day Tour at Cradle Mountain: $27
  • 2-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour of Hobart: $25
  • 2.5 Hour Morning Discovery Cruise including sailing into the Cataract Gorge: $72
  • 2.5 hour Afternoon Discovery Cruise including Cataract Gorge departs at 1: 30 pm: $74
  • 2.50 hour Afternoon Discovery Cruise including Cataract Gorge departing at 3 pm: $74
  • 3 day Tasmanian highlights tour – Hobart, Port Arthur and Bruny Island: $206
  • 3-Hour Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise from Port Arthur: $114
  • 3.5 Hours Walking Guided Tour of Launceston Highlights : $130
  • After Dark Tasmanian Devil Feeding Tour at Cradle Mountain: $29
  • Art and History Trail Walking Tour in Tasmania: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    South Australia $22
    Tasmania -

Sample the Local Flavors in South Australia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in South Australia:

  • Private Pinot Noir Wine Tasting & Platter in Adelaide Hills: $29
  • Gourmet Grazing Platter & Wine Tasting Experience for 2: $48
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $52
  • Kangaroo Island Hop On Hop Off Wine Tour: $60
  •  Private Paired Wine Tasting and Lunch Trail in Barossa: $63
  • Kangaroo Island Lighthouse Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
  • Luke's Wine Tour: $74
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $78
  • Barossa Wine Tasting shared tours: $108
  • Adelaide Hills: Self-guided E-Bike wine tour with Lunch: $113
  • Wine Tasting in McLaren Vale: $117
  • Adelaide Scenic E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $119

Sample the Local Flavors in Tasmania

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

  • 1 Hour Distillery Tour & Tasting in Turner Stillhouse: $17
  • Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch : $104
  • Half Day Tamar Valley Wine Tour: $108
  • Full Day Tamar Valley Wine Tour: $131
  • Tasmanian Premium Wine Tour with Tasmanian Cheese Platter: $134
  • Signature Wine Tour from Hobart and Southern Tasmania: $144
  • Private West Tamar Wine Tour: $188
  • Private Food and Wine Tours in Tasmania : $192
  • Tasmanian Whisky Distillery Tour: $195
  • 6 Hour Distillery Guided Tours in Tasmania with Lunch and Tasting: $229
  • Whisky Distillery Tours and Tastings in Hobart and SE Tasmania: $229


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

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


Which has a larger population, South Australia or Tasmania?

South Australia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tasmania. When comparing the sizes of South Australia and Tasmania, 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.

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