A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Surfers Paradise vs. Fraser Island for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island, 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a thrilling, active, and ritzy city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a stunning, serene, and breathtaking island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Surfers Paradise and Fraser Island: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • 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
  • Not as popular for scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Surfers Paradise and Fraser Island are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Fraser Island is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Fraser Island and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Fraser Island is popular for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Fraser Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fraser Island and Surfers Paradise. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island?

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Surfers Paradise is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Surfers Paradise. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Fraser Island. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.


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

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Surfers Paradise is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

Is Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Surfers Paradise is very popular for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

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.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its resorts. However, Fraser Island is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Surfers Paradise for its luxury resorts. 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.

Fraser Island is not a resort destination.


Is Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Surfers Paradise is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for snorkeling and scuba diving.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Fraser Island. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Is Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Both Surfers Paradise and Fraser Island have world-class beaches worth visiting.

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.

Fraser Island is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

Is Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Fraser Island. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.


Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island?

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Surfers Paradise make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Fraser Island is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Surfers Paradise is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fraser Island. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.

Is Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Fraser Island is terrific for couples. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fraser Island has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.


Is Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Surfers Paradise is very popular for backpackers. Also, Fraser Island is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fraser Island. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

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

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Surfers Paradise is a good destination for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.

Is Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island a more walkable city?

Surfers Paradise
Fraser Island

Surfers Paradise is a good destination for its high level of walkability. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.


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

Should I spend more time in Fraser Island or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island?

In either Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Fraser Island because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Surfers Paradise, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fraser Island.

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

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


  • How many days in Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island? Ideal Length of Stay
    Surfers Paradise 3-7 
    Fraser Island 3-5

One day in Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the ritzy destination of Surfers Paradise. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find around the serene destination of Fraser Island. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find around the idyllic island of Fraser Island. 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the ritzy destination of Surfers Paradise. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Fraser Island is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the city of Surfers Paradise. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Fraser Island is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne.


Which place is cheaper, Fraser Island or Surfers Paradise?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Surfers Paradise is $104, while the average daily cost in Fraser Island is $207. 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 Surfers Paradise and Fraser Island in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surfers Paradise $66
    Fraser Island $102
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surfers Paradise $132
    Fraser Island $204
Compare Hotels in Surfers Paradise and Fraser Island

Looking for a hotel in Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island? 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 Surfers Paradise


Hotels in Fraser Island


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.
    Surfers Paradise $11
    Fraser Island $93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $14
  • Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $50
  • All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise (Gold Coast Transfer): $149
  • Private Transfer to Brisbane/BNE Airport from Gold Coast/OOL Airport( 1-7 pax): $229

Is it cheaper to fly into Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island?

Prices for flights to both Fraser Island and Surfers Paradise 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
    Surfers Paradise $26
    Fraser Island $48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surfers Paradise

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

  • Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surfers Paradise $23
    Fraser Island $44
Typical Entertainment Prices in Surfers Paradise

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Surf Lesson
    $78

Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise

For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Skip the Line:Wax Museum Ticket-World in Wax & Guided Tour of Chamber of Horrors: $22
  • Gold Coast 1.5-Hour Sightseeing River Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $30
  • Gold Coast Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise Day Pass: $30
  • Gold Coast Afternoon River Cruise: $32
  • Guided Gold Coast Amphibious Bus Tour: $33
  • Gold Coast Quack'rDuck Amphibious Tour from Surfers Paradise: $33
  • Gold Coast City Lights Cruise: $37
  • Tropical Fruit World Farm Full Tour : $37
  • Surfers Paradise Sunset Kayak Tour: $39
  • Paradise SUP Tour: $46
  • Half-Day Whale Watching and Canal Cruise from Surfers Paradise: $52
  • Catch a Crab Tour with Optional Seafood Lunch: $53

Tours and Activities in Fraser Island

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

  • 2 Hours Hervey Bay Funset Cruise: $53
  • Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watching Cruise: $73
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $99
  • Hervey Bay: Half Day Whale watching & Island Stop Tour: $111
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour: $181
  • Remote Fraser Island Experience: $143
  • Remote K'gari (Fraser Island) & Whale Experience: $165

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surfers Paradise $11
    Fraser Island $21


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



When is the best time to visit Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Fraser Island. Many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Fraser Island in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Surfers Paradise is generally around the same temperature as Fraser Island. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 25°C (77°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Fraser Island. Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surfers Paradise usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Fraser Island. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Surfers Paradise 25°C (77°F) 
    Fraser Island 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island in the Autumn?

Both Fraser Island and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Fraser Island for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Fraser Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. In April, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Fraser Island. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Surfers Paradise 22°C (71°F) 
    Fraser Island 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island in the Winter?

Both Fraser Island and Surfers Paradise during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Fraser Island because of the cuisine.

In the winter, Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Fraser Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surfers Paradise in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in July than Fraser Island. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Surfers Paradise 15°C (59°F) 
    Fraser Island 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Fraser Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Fraser Island. The spring months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fraser Island this time of year.

In October, Surfers Paradise is generally around the same temperature as Fraser Island. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 21°C (69°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Fraser Island. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Surfers Paradise 21°C (69°F) 
    Fraser Island 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Fraser Island and Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise Fraser Island
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 101 mm (4 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 103 mm (4 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)