A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Torquay vs. Surfers Paradise for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Torquay or Surfers Paradise?

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

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

Torquay

Torquay is a laid back, hip, and thriving surf town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a glamourous, high energy, and thrilling city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Torquay and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Torquay or Surfers Paradise?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Torquay and Surfers Paradise are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Torquay is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Torquay and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Torquay is popular for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Torquay different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its evening party scene.

Surfers Paradise is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Torquay or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Torquay 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.

Torquay is not a resort destination.

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

Surfers Paradise is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Torquay is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Torquay or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Both Torquay and Surfers Paradise have amazing 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.

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 Torquay or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Torquay 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 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.

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 Torquay or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Surfers Paradise draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

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

Surfers Paradise is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

Torquay and Surfers Paradise are both superb 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.

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

Surfers Paradise is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Surfers Paradise is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

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

Torquay and Surfers Paradise both offer good 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.

Surfers Paradise has a few public transit options. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Torquay or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Torquay 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.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Torquay?

How long in Torquay or Surfers Paradise?

Both Torquay and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Torquay. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Torquay, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

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

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

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

One day in Torquay or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find food and shopping around the hip destination of Torquay. Hikers are also drawn to this area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This surf town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Surfers Paradise, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Surfers Paradise?

You'll find shopping and museums around the outdoorsy surf town of Torquay. If you have a weekend, this surf town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the beaches. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Surfers Paradise, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Torquay or Surfers Paradise?

Torquay is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Surfers Paradise is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surfers Paradise has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Torquay or Surfers Paradise?

Torquay is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area 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 Surfers Paradise. In Surfers Paradise, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Torquay or Surfers Paradise?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Torquay 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 Torquay or Surfers Paradise?

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 Surfers Paradise in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Torquay and Surfers Paradise. The summer months attract visitors to Torquay because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year.

In the summer, Torquay is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise. Typically, the summer temperatures in Torquay in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the summer. Torquay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Torquay usually receives around the same amount of rain as Surfers Paradise. Torquay gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Torquay or Surfers Paradise in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Torquay as well as Surfers Paradise. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Torquay this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In April, Torquay is generally around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise. Daily temperatures in Torquay average around 22°C (72°F), and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite rainy in Surfers Paradise. Torquay usually gets less rain in April than Surfers Paradise. Torquay gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Torquay or Surfers Paradise in the Winter?

Both Surfers Paradise and Torquay are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Torquay 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.

Torquay is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise in the winter. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Surfers Paradise fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In July, Torquay usually receives less rain than Surfers Paradise. Torquay gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Torquay or Surfers Paradise in the Spring?

Both Surfers Paradise and Torquay during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Torquay in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Torquay is around the same temperature as Surfers Paradise. Typically, the spring temperatures in Torquay in October average around 21°C (71°F), and Surfers Paradise averages at about 21°C (69°F).

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Torquay usually gets less rain in October than Surfers Paradise. Torquay gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Surfers Paradise receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Surfers Paradise and Torquay