A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Torquay vs. Noosa Heads for Beaches, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Torquay or Noosa Heads?

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

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

Torquay

Torquay is a thriving, outdoorsy, and trendy surf town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a relaxed, peaceful, and scenic coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Torquay and Noosa Heads: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Torquay or Noosa Heads?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Noosa Heads than Torquay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Noosa Heads is better known for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Torquay is more popular for its museums. Noosa Heads is more touristy than Torquay and is known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. Also, Noosa Heads is famous for Noosa Main Beach. Torquay is well known for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Torquay different from Noosa Heads?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Torquay
Noosa Heads

Torquay is a surf town with good options for its historical sights. However, Noosa Heads is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

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 Torquay or Noosa Heads? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Torquay
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

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 Noosa Heads Better for Nightlife?

Torquay
Noosa Heads

The vibe at night is notable in both Torquay and Noosa Heads.

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 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 Torquay or Noosa Heads Better for Beaches?

Torquay
Noosa Heads

Both Torquay and Noosa Heads have first-rate beaches worth visiting.

The beaches in Torquay are among the best in the world. 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.

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 Torquay or Noosa Heads Better for Hiking?

Torquay
Noosa Heads

Torquay and Noosa Heads are both places where visitors can find high quality hiking trails.

Many visitors go to Torquay for the hiking trails. 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.

Noosa Heads is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Torquay or Noosa Heads?

Torquay
Noosa Heads

If you're looking to go shopping, Torquay and Noosa Heads 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 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 Torquay or Noosa Heads Better for Families?

Torquay
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads 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, Noosa Heads is very family-friendly. 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).

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 Noosa Heads Better for Couples?

Torquay
Noosa Heads

Torquay and Noosa Heads are both high quality 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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Torquay or Noosa Heads Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Torquay
Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads. 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.

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

Torquay
Noosa Heads

Torquay and Noosa Heads 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.

Noosa Heads has a few public transit options. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.


Is Torquay or Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

Torquay
Noosa Heads

Torquay and Noosa Heads are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Noosa Heads or Torquay?

How long in Torquay or Noosa Heads?

It's fun to spend time in either Torquay or Noosa Heads. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Noosa Heads due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Torquay, and 2-4 days is enough time in Noosa Heads.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads.


  • How many days in Torquay or Noosa Heads? Ideal Length of Stay
    Torquay 2-3 
    Noosa Heads 2-4

One day in Torquay or Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the thriving surf town of Torquay. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people visit for the beaches. 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 with plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal town 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the thriving destination of Torquay. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This surf town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Noosa Heads 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 beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Noosa Heads has to offer.


Five days in Torquay or Noosa Heads?

The laid back surf town of Torquay offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Noosa Heads is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Noosa Heads?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Torquay. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people visit for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Noosa Heads. Since Noosa Heads is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Noosa Heads or Torquay?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Torquay is $87, while the average daily cost in Noosa Heads is $110. 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 Torquay and Noosa Heads in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Torquay $39
    Noosa Heads $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Torquay $78
    Noosa Heads $116
Compare Hotels in Torquay and Noosa Heads

Looking for a hotel in Torquay or Noosa Heads? 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.

Hotels in Torquay


Hotels in Noosa Heads


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: Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Torquay $39
    Noosa Heads $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Noosa Heads

Also for Noosa Heads, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Premium Airport/ Cruise Terminal Transfers: $238
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $221
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (8pax): $131
  • Private Transfer from Noosa to Sunshine Coast Airport up to 5 pax: $124
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (6pax): $117
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa up to 3 pax: $104
  • Private Transfer from Noosa to Sunshine Coast Airport up to 3 pax: $104
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (4pax): $101
  • Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $82
  • Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa, Coolum, Marcoola & Twin Waters: $73
  • Brisbane Airport Departure shuttle Transfer from Sunshine Coast Hotels/addresses: $51
  • Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer from Noosa, Noosaville & Mooloolaba: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Torquay or Noosa Heads?

Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads and Torquay 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Torquay $25
    Noosa Heads $34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Noosa Heads

For Noosa Heads, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $121

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Torquay $11
    Noosa Heads $40

Tours and Activities in Torquay

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Torquay.

  • Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure: $66
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience: $95
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) West Coast Half Day Cruise from Hervey Bay: $93
  • Milbi Sunset Cruise with Champagne and Prawns: $52
  • Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $86
  • Three-Quarter Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise: $120
  • Turtle Discovery & Great Sandy Marine Park Adventure: $83

Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads

For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Surf Lesson
    $42
  • Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)
    $85
  • Sunset Cruise (for 2)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Noosa Heads.

  • 2 Hours Sunset Experience on Noosa River: $21
  • 2-Hour Guided Whale Watching Tour at Noosa: $53
  • Adventure Rafting - Mooloolaba Turtle Tour: $46
  • Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $30
  • Australia Zoo, Glass House Mountains Tour Combo: $187
  • Birdwatching and Wildlife Noosa Biosphere Full-Day Experience: $124
  • Brisbane Airport and Cruise Terminal to Sunshine Coast 11 pax: $265
  • Bushtucker Cruise: $50
  • Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife - 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa: $108
  • Everglades Explorer - Noosa Everglades Tour: $93
  • Glass House Mountains Tour with Lunch, Lookouts, and Nature Walks: $167
  • Maleny Botanic Gardens Bird Aviary Experience Ticket: $28

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Torquay $7.45
    Noosa Heads $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads

Also in Noosa Heads, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Eumundi Market and Distillery Experience Market Days Wednesday & Saturday: $94
  • Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $164
  • Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $168
  • Sunshine Coast & Noosa Scenic Food & Wine Tour Inc. Lunch: $185
  • Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour- visit 2 distilleries, a winery and a brewery : $198
  • Noosa Hinterland Drinks Private Tour with Gin, Beer, Mead & Wine Tastings: $268


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


Which is Bigger, Torquay or Noosa Heads?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Torquay 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 Torquay 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 Torquay or Noosa Heads in the Summer?

Both Noosa Heads and Torquay are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Torquay this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Torquay is a little warmer than Noosa Heads in the summer. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 26°C (78°F) in January, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Noosa Heads. It's quite rainy in Torquay. In January, Torquay usually receives more rain than Noosa Heads. Torquay gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Torquay 26°C (78°F) 
    Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Torquay or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?

Both Noosa Heads and Torquay during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

In the autumn, Torquay is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Torquay in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Torquay usually gets more rain in April than Noosa Heads. Torquay gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Torquay 22°C (72°F) 
    Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Torquay or Noosa Heads in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Torquay and Noosa Heads. Many visitors come to Torquay in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In July, Torquay is generally much warmer than Noosa Heads. Daily temperatures in Torquay average around 15°C (59°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In July, Torquay usually receives around the same amount of rain as Noosa Heads. Torquay gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Torquay 15°C (59°F) 
    Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Torquay or Noosa Heads in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Torquay as well as Noosa Heads. Most visitors come to Torquay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Torquay is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the spring. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 21°C (71°F) in October, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Torquay usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Noosa Heads. Torquay gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Torquay 21°C (71°F) 
    Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Torquay

Torquay Noosa Heads
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Dec 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)