Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Torquay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Torquay or Whitsundays?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Torquay or Whitsundays, 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.
Where Should I go: Torquay or Whitsundays?
Torquay
Located on the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a seaside town of Victoria famous for its surfing and beaches. Surf town through and through, it is also the headquarters for the Quiksilver and Rip Curl surf gear companies, and home to the Rip Curl Easter Pro, the world's longest running surf contest held on Bells Beach.
Whitsundays
Just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is a cluster of 74 different islands. These islands, the Whitsunday Islands, welcome over a half a million visitors every year to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef.
As one of the most famous destinations in the world, it's not uncommon to see expensive yachts sailing around among the private ferries. Most of the islands are designated as national parks with access to snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or just to lay in the sand on the famous Whitehaven Beach.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTorquay $88Whitsundays $134
The average daily cost (per person) in Torquay is $88, while the average daily cost in Whitsundays is $134. 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 Whitsundays in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTorquay $40Whitsundays $70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTorquay $80Whitsundays $140
Compare Hotels in Torquay and Whitsundays
Looking for a hotel in Torquay or Whitsundays? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Torquay $40Whitsundays $56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Whitsundays
Also for Whitsundays, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Whitsunday Islands: Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Torquay or Whitsundays?
Prices for flights to both Whitsundays 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
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Food Meals for one dayTorquay $25Whitsundays $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whitsundays
For Whitsundays, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise: $99
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Torquay $11Whitsundays $25
Tours and Activities in Torquay
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Torquay.
- Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure: $73
- 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: $53
- Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $93
- Three-Quarter Day Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise: $120
- Turtle Discovery & Great Sandy Marine Park Adventure: $83
- Twilight Bay Cruise in Hervey Bay: $37
Tours and Activities in Whitsundays
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.
- Airlie Beach: Private Guided 2-Night Yacht Sailing Cruise: $4,995
- Daydream Island: Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise: $197
- From Daydream Is.: Whitsundays & Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise: $92
- Whitsundays Camira Sailing Adventure from Daydream Island: $151
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTorquay $7.55Whitsundays $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Torquay and Whitsundays, we can see that Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Torquay or Whitsundays?
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 Whitsundays in the Summer?
Both Whitsundays and Torquay are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Torquay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In January, Torquay is generally around the same temperature as Whitsundays. Daily temperatures in Torquay average around 26°C (78°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. It's quite rainy in Torquay. In January, Torquay usually receives less rain than Whitsundays. Torquay gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JanuaryTorquay 26°C (78°F)Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Torquay or Whitsundays in the Autumn?
Both Whitsundays and Torquay during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.
Torquay is around the same temperature as Whitsundays in the autumn. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Whitsundays gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Torquay usually gets less rain in April than Whitsundays. Torquay gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures AprilTorquay 22°C (72°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Torquay or Whitsundays in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Torquay and Whitsundays. The winter months attract visitors to Torquay because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Torquay is around the same temperature as Whitsundays. Typically, the winter temperatures in Torquay in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 16°C (62°F).
In July, Torquay usually receives more rain than Whitsundays. Torquay gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JulyTorquay 15°C (59°F)Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Torquay or Whitsundays in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Torquay as well as Whitsundays. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.
In October, Torquay is generally around the same temperature as Whitsundays. Daily temperatures in Torquay average around 21°C (71°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Torquay usually gets more rain in October than Whitsundays. Torquay gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures OctoberTorquay 21°C (71°F)Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Torquay
| Torquay | Whitsundays | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (78°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (78°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (76°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 16°C (61°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 15°C (59°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (65°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (71°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (74°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.