A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Rockhampton for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Rockhampton?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Rockhampton? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a historical, colorful, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a charming, cultural, and natural town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Rockhampton travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Rockhampton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yogyakarta than Rockhampton, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Yogyakarta is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Rockhampton is known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Yogyakarta is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. It is also home to Borobudur Temple. Rockhampton is popular for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks.

How is Yogyakarta different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Rockhampton?

Yogyakarta is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Yogyakarta has many famous sights for visitors. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

Many visitors head to Rockhampton specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

Is the Food Better in Yogyakarta or Rockhampton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Yogyakarta and Rockhampton.

Yogyakarta has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Dining out in Rockhampton is an experience not to be missed. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

Is Yogyakarta or Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Yogyakarta has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

Rockhampton has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

Is Yogyakarta or Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Rockhampton is a popular place for the beach. However, Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Rockhampton is a good option for a beach vacation. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Rockhampton Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Rockhampton does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Rockhampton does not have a historic old town.

Is Yogyakarta or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

Rockhampton is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Rockhampton. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Rockhampton?

Yogyakarta is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Yogyakarta specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Rockhampton is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Yogyakarta or Rockhampton Better for Families?

Rockhampton is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rockhampton is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Yogyakarta. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

Is Yogyakarta or Rockhampton Better for Couples?

Rockhampton is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Rockhampton makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Rockhampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Rockhampton is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Yogyakarta or Rockhampton Better for Students?

Both Yogyakarta and Rockhampton are good destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Yogyakarta. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Rockhampton is popular with students. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

Is Yogyakarta or Rockhampton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Yogyakarta and Rockhampton.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Yogyakarta or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Yogyakarta and Rockhampton are good when it comes to walkability.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

Rockhampton is a somewhat walkable city. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Rockhampton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Rockhampton?

It's fun to spend time in either Yogyakarta or Rockhampton. In our opinion, Yogyakarta has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Yogyakarta than Rockhampton. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Rockhampton 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 Yogyakarta.

One day in Yogyakarta or Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful city of Yogyakarta. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the natural town of Rockhampton, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Rockhampton?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colorful destination of Yogyakarta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Rockhampton, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Rockhampton?

The colorful city of Yogyakarta offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Rockhampton, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Rockhampton?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yogyakarta. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Rockhampton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Rockhampton, we can see that Rockhampton is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yogyakarta is in Asia and Rockhampton is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Rockhampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rockhampton than you might in Yogyakarta.

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Rockhampton?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Rockhampton. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Rockhampton, 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.