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

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Newcastle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Newcastle, 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 active, ritzy, and glamourous city. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a coastal, vibrant, and high energy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Surfers Paradise and Newcastle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Newcastle?

Both Newcastle and Surfers Paradise have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Surfers Paradise is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Newcastle attracts visitors for its big city activities. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Newcastle and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Newcastle is famous for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Newcastle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Newcastle and Surfers Paradise.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Newcastle. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Surfers Paradise and Newcastle.

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Newcastle makes for a great culinary experience. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

Is Surfers Paradise or Newcastle Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Surfers Paradise is a must-see party destination. 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.

Newcastle has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

Is Surfers Paradise or Newcastle Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its resorts. However, Newcastle is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Surfers Paradise is a great 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.

Newcastle is not a resort destination.

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

Surfers Paradise is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newcastle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Newcastle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Newcastle Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for the beach. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Surfers Paradise. 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.

Newcastle is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Is Surfers Paradise or Newcastle Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise and Newcastle are both places where visitors can find nice hiking trails.

Surfers Paradise has hiking trails worth exploring. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Newcastle?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Surfers Paradise is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Is Surfers Paradise or Newcastle Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Surfers Paradise is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Newcastle is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Surfers Paradise or Newcastle Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise is a well-known place for couples. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Newcastle is a nice destination for couples. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Is Surfers Paradise or Newcastle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is terrific for backpackers. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Surfers Paradise is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Newcastle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Surfers Paradise and Newcastle.

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

You'll find some public transit in Newcastle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Is Surfers Paradise or Newcastle a more walkable city?

Surfers Paradise and Newcastle are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Newcastle or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Newcastle?

It's fun to spend time in either Surfers Paradise or Newcastle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Surfers Paradise, and 2-4 days is enough time in Newcastle.

Families should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Newcastle. 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 Newcastle. 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 Newcastle 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 Surfers Paradise or Newcastle?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Surfers Paradise. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Newcastle. 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.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Newcastle?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the glamourous destination of Surfers Paradise. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and museums around the high energy city of Newcastle. 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. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Newcastle?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the active city of Surfers Paradise. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Newcastle 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.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Newcastle?

Surfers Paradise is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Surfers Paradise, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Newcastle 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 find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Surfers Paradise and Newcastle, we can see that Surfers Paradise is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Newcastle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Newcastle?

Newcastle has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise and Newcastle, 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 Surfers Paradise or Newcastle?

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 Newcastle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Newcastle. Many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Newcastle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Surfers Paradise is a little warmer than Newcastle in the summer. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Newcastle fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In the summer, Surfers Paradise often gets more sunshine than Newcastle. Surfers Paradise gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Newcastle. Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in January than Newcastle. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Newcastle in the Autumn?

Both Newcastle and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Surfers Paradise is a little warmer than Newcastle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surfers Paradise in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Newcastle averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Newcastle during autumn. Surfers Paradise gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 199 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. In April, Surfers Paradise usually receives less rain than Newcastle. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Newcastle in the Winter?

Both Newcastle and Surfers Paradise during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year.

In July, Surfers Paradise is generally a little warmer than Newcastle. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 15°C (59°F), and Newcastle fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. In the winter, Surfers Paradise often gets more sunshine than Newcastle. Surfers Paradise gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newcastle receives 206 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in July than Newcastle. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Newcastle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Newcastle. The beaches are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Newcastle for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Surfers Paradise is a little warmer than Newcastle in the spring. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Newcastle fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. Surfers Paradise usually receives more sunshine than Newcastle during spring. Surfers Paradise gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Newcastle receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Newcastle. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Newcastle receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newcastle and Surfers Paradise