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

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads, 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 high energy, thrilling, and active city. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a charming, laid back, and relaxed coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Surfers Paradise and Noosa Heads: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Surfers Paradise and Noosa Heads are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Noosa Heads is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Noosa Heads and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Noosa Heads is popular for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Noosa Heads?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Surfers Paradise is a great city for its historical sights. However, Noosa Heads is not known for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

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

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

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, Noosa Heads makes for a great culinary experience. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Is Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Surfers Paradise is a world class 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Is Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Noosa Heads is not a resort destination.

Surfers Paradise is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Noosa Heads is not a resort destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a great city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Noosa Heads is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Noosa Heads is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads Better for Beaches?

Both Surfers Paradise and Noosa Heads have first-rate 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.

Noosa Heads is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

Is Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads Better for Hiking?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

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 Noosa Heads?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Surfers Paradise draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads to go shopping. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Is Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Noosa Heads is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

Is Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise and Noosa Heads are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Surfers Paradise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Noosa Heads frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

Is Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Surfers Paradise is extremely popular 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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Surfers Paradise and Noosa Heads.

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 Noosa Heads, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

Is Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

Noosa Heads is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Noosa Heads is a very walkable destination. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Noosa Heads or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads?

It's fun to spend time in either Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads.

Families should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads. 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the high energy city of Surfers Paradise. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Noosa Heads is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ritzy destination of Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Noosa Heads is a small town with plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. 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. 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the glamourous city of Surfers Paradise. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Noosa Heads is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Surfers Paradise. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Noosa Heads 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney.

When comparing the travel costs between Surfers Paradise and Noosa Heads, we can see that Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads?

Surfers Paradise has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Noosa Heads. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Surfers Paradise is generally a little warmer than Noosa Heads. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 25°C (77°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

Noosa Heads receives a lot of rain in the summer. Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Noosa Heads. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Noosa Heads. Many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Surfers Paradise is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in April than Noosa Heads. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads in the Winter?

Both Noosa Heads and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Surfers Paradise is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surfers Paradise in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In July, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Noosa Heads. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

Both Noosa Heads and Surfers Paradise during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In October, Surfers Paradise is generally much warmer than Noosa Heads. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 21°C (69°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in October than Noosa Heads. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Surfers Paradise