A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Torquay vs. Canberra for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Torquay or Canberra?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Torquay or Canberra, 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 thriving, outdoorsy, and trendy surf town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Torquay and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Torquay or Canberra?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Canberra than Torquay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Canberra is better known for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Torquay is more popular for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Torquay is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. Also, Canberra is famous for the Australian War Memorial.

How is Torquay different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Canberra is great for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Canberra can be an interesting and educational experience. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Canberra 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.

Canberra has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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 Canberra Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is notable in both Torquay and Canberra.

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 Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Torquay or Canberra Better for Beaches?

Torquay is terrific for the beache. However, Canberra is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Torquay. 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.

Canberra is not a beach destination.

Is Torquay or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Torquay is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Torquay. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Torquay or Canberra?

If you're looking to go shopping, Torquay and Canberra both offer plenty of notable spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Torquay. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Torquay or Canberra Better for Families?

Canberra 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, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra Better for Couples?

Torquay is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Torquay makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Canberra is a good surf town for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Torquay or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Torquay is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Torquay. 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Torquay or Canberra Better for Students?

Canberra is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Torquay is not popular with students.

Canberra is a great city to visit as a student. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Torquay is not popular with students.

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

Torquay and Canberra both offer notable 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.

Canberra has a few public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Torquay or Canberra a more walkable city?

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

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

Canberra is a somewhat walkable surf town. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Torquay?

How long in Torquay or Canberra?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Torquay and Canberra. In our opinion, Torquay has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Torquay than Canberra. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Torquay or Canberra?

The surf town of Torquay offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Canberra, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Torquay or Canberra?

Torquay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this surf town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Torquay, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Canberra, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Canberra has to offer.

Five days in Torquay or Canberra?

Torquay is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Canberra is a great place to explore. 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 Canberra?

Torquay is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This surf town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Canberra. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Canberra. 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Torquay or Canberra?

Canberra has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Torquay and Canberra, 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 Torquay or Canberra?

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 Torquay or Canberra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Torquay and Canberra. Many visitors come to Torquay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Torquay is a little warmer than Canberra in the summer. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Torquay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Torquay usually receives more rain than Canberra. Torquay gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Torquay or Canberra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Torquay as well as Canberra. Most visitors come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Torquay is a little warmer than Canberra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Torquay in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Canberra averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Canberra. Torquay usually gets less rain in April than Canberra. Torquay gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Torquay or Canberra in the Winter?

Both Canberra and Torquay are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Torquay because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.

In July, Torquay is generally a little warmer than Canberra. Daily temperatures in Torquay average around 15°C (59°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In July, Torquay usually receives more rain than Canberra. Torquay gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Torquay or Canberra in the Spring?

Both Canberra and Torquay during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Torquay this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Canberra for the activities around the city.

Torquay is a little warmer than Canberra in the spring. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 21°C (71°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Torquay usually gets less rain in October than Canberra. Torquay gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Torquay