Which place is cheaper, Rockhampton or Surfers Paradise?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Surfers Paradise vs. Rockhampton for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Rockhampton?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Rockhampton, 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.
Where Should I go: Surfers Paradise or Rockhampton?
Surfers Paradise
A tourist mecca, Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular travel destinations along Australia's famed Gold Coast. The beach stretches for miles and there is an endless supply of almost constant parties. You'll find high rise apartments lined up along the shore and plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. Travelers from around the world visit the area, and it's a right of passage for Australia's teens to vacation in or near Surfers Paradise. For many travelers, Surfers Paradise comes across as little more than a mass marketed, over commercialized, party destination, but for others it is a vacation dream. Prices are highly inflated so you have to keep your whits about you to avoid being ripped off. Surfers Paradise is a destination of extremes and it conjures up extreme emotions in many travelers, be it positive or negative.
Rockhampton
Rockhampton is a city in Queensland, Australia with a population of around 75,000. It dates back to 1855 and historically the economy was driven by gold, mining, and agriculture. Today it feels more bustling than you would expect in an "outback town." There's traffic, suburban sprawl, and continuing growth and development. The city sits on the Fitzroy River about 45 kilometers from the river's mouth.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurfers Paradise $103Rockhampton $168
The average daily cost (per person) in Surfers Paradise is $103, while the average daily cost in Rockhampton is $168. 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 Rockhampton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurfers Paradise $66Rockhampton $100
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurfers Paradise $132Rockhampton $200
Compare Hotels in Surfers Paradise and Rockhampton
Looking for a hotel in Surfers Paradise or Rockhampton? 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.
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: Rockhampton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surfers Paradise $11Rockhampton $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surfers Paradise
Also for Surfers Paradise, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to Brisbane/BNE Airport from Gold Coast/OOL Airport( 1-7 pax): $225
- Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $49
- Private Transfer from Brisbane Airports to Surfers Paradise: $104
- Private Transfer Brisbane Airport to Gold Coast 4-6 Passengers: $170
- Luxury Private Transfer between Gold Coast Airport and Gold Coast city (1-7pax) : $88
- Gold Coast Theme Parks: Shared Hotel Transfers: $14
- Gold Coast Hot Air Balloon + Winery Breakfast + Return Transfers: $307
- All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise (Gold Coast Transfer): $146
Is it cheaper to fly into Surfers Paradise or Rockhampton?
Prices for flights to both Rockhampton 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
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Food Meals for one daySurfers Paradise $26Rockhampton $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surfers Paradise $23Rockhampton $39
Typical Entertainment prices in Surfers Paradise
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Surfers Paradise's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Surf Lesson$77
Tours and Activities in Surfers Paradise
For Surfers Paradise, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Evening Rainforest & Glow Worm Experience - Small Group Tour: $71
- 1.5hr Jetski Tour with island stopover - SELF DRIVE - NO LICENCE NEEDED: $177
- 1hr JetSki Tour Gold Coast - No Licence Required - Self Drive - Surfers Paradise: $137
- 2-Hour Farmers Market Tour with Kayak: $47
- 2.5hrs Jetski Tour with island stopover / Self Drive / Surfers Paradise: $255
- Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Gold Coast: $149
- Body Massage Experience in Gold Coast : $98
- Buffet Lunch Sightseeing Cruise: $58
- Bush Tucker and Crab Adventure Cruise: $49
- Catch a Crab Tour with Optional Seafood Lunch: $52
- Glow Worms - Nocturnal Rainforest/Waterfall Adventure: $65
- Glow Worms Private Tour - Nocturnal Rainforest Walk: $450
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurfers Paradise $11Rockhampton $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surfers Paradise and Rockhampton, we can see that Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rockhampton than you might in Surfers Paradise.
Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Rockhampton?
Rockhampton is bigger, and its population is about 3.6 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the population of Surfers Paradise vs. Rockhampton, 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 and the activities that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Surfers Paradise or Rockhampton?
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 Rockhampton in the Summer?
Both Rockhampton and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Rockhampton in the summer. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Rockhampton. It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. In January, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Rockhampton. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuarySurfers Paradise 25°C (77°F)Rockhampton 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Rockhampton in the Autumn?
Both Rockhampton and Surfers Paradise during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Rockhampton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surfers Paradise in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 23°C (74°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in April than Rockhampton. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilSurfers Paradise 22°C (71°F)Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Rockhampton in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Rockhampton.
In July, Surfers Paradise is generally around the same temperature as Rockhampton. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 15°C (59°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In July, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Rockhampton. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulySurfers Paradise 15°C (59°F)Rockhampton 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Rockhampton in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Rockhampton.
Surfers Paradise is cooler than Rockhampton in the spring. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the spring. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in October than Rockhampton. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberSurfers Paradise 21°C (69°F)Rockhampton 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Surfers Paradise
| Surfers Paradise | Rockhampton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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