A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Torquay vs. Arrowtown for Hiking, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Torquay or Arrowtown?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Torquay or Arrowtown, 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.

Torquay

Torquay is a trendy, casual, and laid back surf town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a quirky, historic, and charming town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Torquay and Arrowtown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Torquay or Arrowtown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arrowtown. Although Torquay and Arrowtown are popular destinations, Arrowtown has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arrowtown is very popular for its skiing, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Torquay attracts visitors for its beaches and impressive beauty. Arrowtown is more touristy than Torquay and is known for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. It is also well known for the Chinese Settlement. Torquay is famous for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Torquay different from Arrowtown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Torquay or Arrowtown Better for Skiing?

Arrowtown is great for skiing. However, Torquay is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Arrowtown. In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Torquay is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Torquay or Arrowtown?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Torquay and Arrowtown.

Torquay offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Arrowtown. The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

Is the Food Better in Torquay or Arrowtown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arrowtown is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Arrowtown has a huge number of terrific restaurants. For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Torquay or Arrowtown Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Torquay and Arrowtown.

If you're looking for night time activities Torquay has a few options to choose from. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Arrowtown. For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.

Is Torquay or Arrowtown Better for Beaches?

Torquay is terrific for its beaches. However, Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Torquay is a very popular vacation destination. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Arrowtown is not a beach destination.

Is Torquay or Arrowtown Better for its Old Town?

Arrowtown is great for its old town. However, Torquay does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Arrowtown to see the historical old town. This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Torquay does not have a historic old town.

Is Torquay or Arrowtown Better for Hiking?

Arrowtown is renowned for hiking. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for the nearby hiking options.

Known for its hiking, Arrowtown draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Torquay is a popular spot for hiking. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Torquay or Arrowtown?

Arrowtown is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its shopping areas.

Arrowtown is well-known for its shopping. Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Many visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Torquay or Arrowtown Better for Families?

Arrowtown is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Arrowtown is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the old world charm as much as adults. There's gold panning, bike trails, and even a historic Chinese village. During the winter there are snow sports and during the summer there are outdoor activities that take advantage of the nice weather.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Torquay or Arrowtown Better for Couples?

Torquay and Arrowtown are both excellent to visit as a couple.

Torquay is a great surf town if you're traveling as a couple. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

Arrowtown is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming atmosphere and beautiful walks make this a great weekend destination for couples. You can take a stroll on the Arrow River Walkway or grab a meal at a quaint cafe followed by ice cream at a classic ice cream parlor.

Is Torquay or Arrowtown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arrowtown is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Arrowtown. There are a couple of hostels in town and backpackers love the frequent festivals and activities that the town hosts.

Torquay is a good surf town to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Is Torquay or Arrowtown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Torquay and Arrowtown both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Torquay offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Arrowtown has a few public transit options. There are public buses throughout the region.

Is Torquay or Arrowtown a more walkable city?

Torquay is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Arrowtown is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Torquay is very walkable. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

Arrowtown is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Torquay Worth Visiting? and Is Arrowtown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arrowtown or Torquay?

How long in Torquay or Arrowtown?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Torquay or Arrowtown to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Torquay than Arrowtown because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Torquay, and 1-2 days is enough time in Arrowtown.

Families should spend more time in Arrowtown than Torquay. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Arrowtown, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Arrowtown than Torquay 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 Arrowtown.

One day in Torquay or Arrowtown?

You'll find shopping and museums around the surf town of Torquay. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Arrowtown is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Torquay or Arrowtown?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the hip destination of Torquay. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this surf town has to offer. This surf town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arrowtown might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arrowtown has to offer.

Five days in Torquay or Arrowtown?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the hip surf town of Torquay. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Arrowtown is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Torquay or Arrowtown?

Torquay is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arrowtown. Since Arrowtown is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to New Zealand, and The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Torquay and Arrowtown, we can see that Arrowtown is more expensive. And not only is Torquay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Torquay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Torquay 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 Arrowtown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arrowtown than you might in Torquay.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Torquay Expensive? and Is Arrowtown Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Torquay or Arrowtown?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Arrowtown. When comparing the sizes of Torquay and Arrowtown, 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.