A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Sydney vs. Surfers Paradise for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Sydney or Surfers Paradise?

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

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

Sydney

Sydney is a glamorous , diverse, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a glamourous, high energy, and thrilling city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Sydney and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Surfers Paradise?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney. Although Sydney and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations, Sydney has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sydney is very popular for its museums, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Surfers Paradise attracts visitors for its resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Sydney and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Sydney is famous for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House.

How is Sydney different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sydney is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Sydney and Surfers Paradise can be an enjoyable experience.

Dining out in Sydney is an experience not to be missed. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Is Sydney or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Sydney and Surfers Paradise.

The nightlife in Sydney is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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.

Is Sydney or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Sydney is not a resort destination.

Surfers Paradise offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Sydney is not a resort destination.

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

Surfers Paradise is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Surfers Paradise to enjoy 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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Is Sydney or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Both Sydney and Surfers Paradise have amazing beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Surfers Paradise is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Is Sydney or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Sydney 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 Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

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 Sydney or Surfers Paradise?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Surfers Paradise and Sydney.

Sydney is a world class destination for shoppers. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Surfers Paradise. 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.

Is Sydney or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Sydney and Surfers Paradise are both amazing destinations for the whole family.

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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.

Is Sydney or Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

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

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

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 Sydney or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney and Surfers Paradise are amazing places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sydney is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Is Sydney or Surfers Paradise Better for Students?

Sydney is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Sydney can take you anywhere. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

You'll find some public transit in Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Sydney or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Sydney 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.

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Surfers Paradise?

Both Sydney and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Sydney has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Sydney than Surfers Paradise. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Sydney or Surfers Paradise?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or Surfers Paradise?

People visit Sydney because there is so much to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Surfers Paradise is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Surfers Paradise?

Sydney 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surfers Paradise. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Surfers Paradise?

Sydney is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Surfers Paradise. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Surfers Paradise?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Sydney and Surfers Paradise, 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 Sydney or Surfers Paradise?

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 Sydney or Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Surfers Paradise. The summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

Sydney is cooler than Surfers Paradise in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the summer, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradise. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 256 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sydney usually gets less rain in January than Surfers Paradise. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

Both Surfers Paradise and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Sydney is cooler than Surfers Paradise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during autumn. Sydney gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. It's quite rainy in Sydney. In April, Sydney usually receives more rain than Surfers Paradise. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

Both Surfers Paradise and Sydney during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Sydney is generally cooler than Surfers Paradise. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the winter, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Surfers Paradise. Sydney gets 208 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Surfers Paradise receives 226 hours of full sun.

Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Surfers Paradise. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Surfers Paradise. Many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives less sunshine than Surfers Paradise during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Surfers Paradise receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the spring. In October, Sydney usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradise. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Sydney