A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle vs. Sado for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Newcastle or Sado?

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

Should I visit Newcastle or Sado? 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.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a trendy, coastal, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Newcastle travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a off-the-beaten-path, traditional, and cultural island. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking. See Sado travel costs.

Newcastle and Sado: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Newcastle or Sado?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newcastle than Sado, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newcastle is better known for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Sado is more popular for its hiking. Newcastle is more touristy than Sado and is known for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. Also, Newcastle is famous for the Bathers Way. Sado is well known for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Newcastle different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle or Sado?

Newcastle
Sado

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Newcastle or Sado.

Newcastle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

Many visitors head to Sado specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.


Is the Food Better in Newcastle or Sado? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle
Sado

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Newcastle and Sado.

Dining out in Newcastle is an experience not to be missed. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sado. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Newcastle or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Newcastle
Sado

Newcastle is notable for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

Newcastle has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Newcastle or Sado Better for Beaches?

Newcastle
Sado

Newcastle is notable for its beaches. However, Sado is not a beach destination.

Newcastle is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Sado is not a beach destination.


Is Newcastle or Sado Better for Hiking?

Newcastle
Sado

Sado is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its hiking trails.

Sado is a popular spot for hiking. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Many people include a hike when visiting Newcastle. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle or Sado?

Newcastle
Sado

Newcastle is notable for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its shopping opportunities.

Newcastle is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Newcastle or Sado Better for Families?

Newcastle
Sado

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Newcastle or Sado.

Newcastle is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Sado is a family-friendly city. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.


Is Newcastle or Sado Better for Couples?

Newcastle
Sado

With fun activities for couples, both Newcastle and Sado make for a notable place to visit.

Newcastle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Sado is a nice destination for couples. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Newcastle or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle
Sado

Both Newcastle and Sado are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Newcastle. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

Is Newcastle or Sado Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newcastle
Sado

Newcastle is a popular place for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

Newcastle has a few public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.


Is Newcastle or Sado a more walkable city?

Newcastle
Sado

Newcastle is a popular place for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

Sado is not a very walkable city. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

For even more information, also check out Is Newcastle Worth Visiting? and Is Sado Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sado or Newcastle?

How long in Newcastle or Sado?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newcastle and Sado. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Newcastle than in Sado. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sado.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle than Sado 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 Newcastle.


  • How many days in Newcastle or Sado? Ideal Length of Stay
    Newcastle 2-4 
    Sado 2-3

One day in Newcastle or Sado?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Newcastle. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and museums around the island of Sado. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Newcastle or Sado?

Newcastle is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and food around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Sado. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Newcastle or Sado?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Newcastle. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path island of Sado. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle or Sado?

The vibrant city of Newcastle offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Sado is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sado or Newcastle?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Newcastle is $117, while the average daily cost in Sado is $82. 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 Newcastle and Sado in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Newcastle $45
    Sado $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Newcastle $90
    Sado $62
Compare Hotels in Newcastle and Sado

Looking for a hotel in Newcastle or Sado? 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 Newcastle


Hotels in Sado


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: Newcastle Hotel Prices and Sado Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Newcastle $8.41
    Sado $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Newcastle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Newcastle:

  • Newcastle to Newcastle Airport (NTL) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Newcastle Airport (NTL) to Newcastle - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle City Hotels to Newcastle Port: $80
  • Private Transfer from Newcastle Port to Newcastle Airport (NTL): $82
  • Newcastle Airport to Newcastle - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $148

Is it cheaper to fly into Newcastle or Sado?

Prices for flights to both Sado and Newcastle 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
    Newcastle $61
    Sado $42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Newcastle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Newcastle.

  • Harbour Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $69
  • Earp Distilling Co: Date Night with Blending Class & Dinner: $73
  • Cooking Classes at the Yellow Door Kitchen: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Newcastle $15
    Sado $8.74

Tours and Activities in Newcastle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Newcastle are as follows:

  • Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience in Hunter Valley: $14
  • Mead and Honey Tasting Experience: $19
  • True Crime Guided Walking Tour: $22
  • Newcastle Dark Stories True Crime Tour: $23
  • Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tasting Experience in Hunter Valley: $23
  • Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise: $28
  • Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard - Sweet Indulgence Experience: $40
  • Shared Newcastle Harbor Cruise: $43
  • Tree Ropes Course Adventure: $45
  • Lake Macquarie Cruise with Lunch: $46
  • Newcastle Harbour Luncheon Cruise: $47
  • Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise: $53

Tours and Activities in Sado

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sado are as follows:

  • Sado Island Highlights: 3-Hour Bike Tour: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Newcastle $10
    Sado $69

Sample the Local Flavors in Newcastle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Newcastle:

  • Cael’s Gate Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley: $6.66
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Seated Wine Tasting : $10
  • Boutique Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $11
  • Newcastle Bar Crawl Experience: $15
  • Tulloch Wines - Wine Tasting paired with Local Handmade Chocolates: $23
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $26
  • Wonnarua Sparkling Wine Tasting: $30
  • Ivanhoe Wines: Trip Advisor Premium Wine Tasting: $30
  • Tintilla Estate: Wine Tasting with a Meat and Cheese Platter: $33
  • Tulloch Wines- Mystery Wine Tasting Experience with Local Cheese and Charcuterie: $35
  • Tulloch Wines Hunter Heroes Wine Tasting with Local Cheese & Charcuterie Board: $35
  • Premium Wine Tasting Experience in Pokolbin: $50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Newcastle and Sado, we can see that Newcastle is more expensive. And not only is Sado much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Newcastle is in Pacific and Sado is in Asia, 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 Sado would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sado 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 Newcastle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle than you might in Sado.

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



When is the best time to visit Newcastle or Sado?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Newcastle is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Sado has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Newcastle or Sado in the Summer?

Both Sado and Newcastle are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sado this time of year.

In the summer, Newcastle is around the same temperature as Sado. Typically, the summer temperatures in Newcastle in January average around 22°C (72°F), and Sado averages at about 23°C (74°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. Newcastle usually receives more sunshine than Sado during summer. Newcastle gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Newcastle. In January, Newcastle usually receives less rain than Sadoin July. Newcastle gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Newcastle 22°C (72°F) 
    Sado 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Newcastle or Sado in the Autumn?

Both Sado and Newcastle during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In April, Newcastle is generally a little warmer than Sadoin October. Daily temperatures in Newcastle average around 19°C (67°F), and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Newcastle often gets more sunshine than Sadoin October. Newcastle gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun.

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. Newcastle usually gets less rain in April than Sadoin October. Newcastle gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Newcastle 19°C (67°F) 
    Sado 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Newcastle or Sado in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle and Sado. Many travelers come to Newcastle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sado in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sado can get quite cold in the winter. Newcastle is much warmer than Sado in the winter. The daily temperature in Newcastle averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F)in January.

In Newcastle, it's very sunny this time of the year. Newcastle usually receives more sunshine than Sado during winter. Newcastle gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the winter. In July, Newcastle usually receives less rain than Sadoin January. Newcastle gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Newcastle 13°C (55°F) 
    Sado 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Newcastle or Sado in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Newcastle as well as Sado. Many visitors come to Newcastle in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Newcastle is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the spring temperatures in Newcastle in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Sado averages at about 10°C (51°F)in April.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. In the spring, Newcastle often gets more sunshine than Sadoin April. Newcastle gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Newcastle usually gets less rain in October than Sadoin April. Newcastle gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Newcastle 18°C (64°F) 
    Sado 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sado and Newcastle

Newcastle Sado
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Mar 21°C (71°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 19°C (67°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 102 mm (4 in) 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 25°C (78°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Nov 20°C (67°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)


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