A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Okinawa vs. Gold Coast for Nightlife, Resorts, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, and Beaches

Should you visit Okinawa or Gold Coast?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Okinawa and Gold Coast. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a idyllic, tropical, and lush archipelago. Many visitors also come to Okinawa because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Okinawa travel costs.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a vibrant, colorful, and high energy coastline. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Gold Coast travel costs.

Okinawa and Gold Coast: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Okinawa or Gold Coast?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gold Coast than Okinawa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Gold Coast is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Okinawa attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and impressive beauty. Gold Coast is more touristy than Okinawa and is popular for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. It is also well known for the long sandy beaches. Okinawa is famous for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life.

How is Okinawa different from Gold Coast?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Okinawa or Gold Coast?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Okinawa or Gold Coast.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Okinawa. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

Gold Coast offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

Is the Food Better in Okinawa or Gold Coast? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Okinawa and Gold Coast offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Okinawa is an experience not to be missed. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Gold Coast. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

Is Okinawa or Gold Coast Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for nightlife.

Gold Coast is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

Okinawa has a large number of nightlife venues. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

Is Okinawa or Gold Coast Better for Resorts?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers flock to Gold Coast for its luxury resorts. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Okinawa is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Is Okinawa or Gold Coast Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Okinawa a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Gold Coast. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Is Okinawa or Gold Coast Better for Beaches?

Okinawa and Gold Coast both offer amazing beaches.

Okinawa offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Gold Coast. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

Is Okinawa or Gold Coast Better for Hiking?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for hiking. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Okinawa specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Gold Coast is a popular spot for hiking. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

Is the Shopping Better in Okinawa or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Gold Coast. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Okinawa or Gold Coast More Beautiful?

Okinawa is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Gold Coast is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Okinawa because of it's amazing beauty. The islands are filled with beautiful natural environments that range from white sand beaches to mangrove forests. The water is turquoise and the setting is idyllic for vacationers.

Gold Coast is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Okinawa or Gold Coast Better for Families?

Both Okinawa and Gold Coast are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Okinawa is very family-friendly. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Gold Coast is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

Is Okinawa or Gold Coast Better for Couples?

Okinawa and Gold Coast both amazing destinations for a couple.

Okinawa is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

Gold Coast makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

Is Okinawa or Gold Coast Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gold Coast is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Gold Coast is a very popular coastline to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

Is Okinawa or Gold Coast Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gold Coast is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Gold Coast can get you to most places easily. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

Okinawa has some public transit options. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

Is Okinawa or Gold Coast a more walkable city?

Gold Coast is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago for its walkability.

Gold Coast is a somewhat walkable coastline. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable archipelago. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

For even more information, also check out Is Okinawa Worth Visiting? and Is Gold Coast Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gold Coast or Okinawa?

How long in Okinawa or Gold Coast?

Both Okinawa and Gold Coast have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Gold Coast has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gold Coast than Okinawa. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast than Okinawa 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Okinawa or Gold Coast?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic archipelago of Okinawa, 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.

In Gold Coast, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This coastline offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Okinawa or Gold Coast?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Okinawa, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Gold Coast, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Okinawa or Gold Coast?

Okinawa, a popular archipelago, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this archipelago. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Okinawa or Gold Coast?

Okinawa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this archipelago makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this archipelago has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Gold Coast. In Gold Coast, 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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Okinawa and Gold Coast, we can see that Okinawa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Okinawa is in Asia and Gold Coast is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Okinawa or Gold Coast?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Okinawa and Gold Coast, 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 Okinawa or Gold Coast?

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

Should I visit Okinawa or Gold Coast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Okinawa as well as Gold Coast. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Okinawa is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the summer. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Okinawa this time of the year. In the summer, Okinawa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gold Coastin January. Okinawa gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 256 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. Okinawa usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Gold Coastin January. Okinawa gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Gold Coast in the Autumn?

Both Gold Coast and Okinawa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Okinawa for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Okinawa is a little warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Okinawa in October average around 25°C (77°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. Okinawa usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during autumn. Okinawa gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Okinawa. In October, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin April. Okinawa gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Okinawa or Gold Coast in the Winter?

Both Gold Coast and Okinawa during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Okinawa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Gold Coast for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Okinawa is generally around the same temperature as Gold Coastin July. Daily temperatures in Okinawa average around 16°C (61°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Okinawa often gets less sunshine than Gold Coastin July. Okinawa gets 96 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gold Coast receives 226 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. Okinawa usually gets more rain in January than Gold Coastin July. Okinawa gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Okinawa or Gold Coast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Okinawa and Gold Coast. Most visitors come to Okinawa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Okinawa is around the same temperature as Gold Coast in the spring. The daily temperature in Okinawa averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. Okinawa usually receives less sunshine than Gold Coast during spring. Okinawa gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Gold Coast receives 259 hours of full sun in the spring.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the spring. Okinawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Okinawa usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin October. Okinawa gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Okinawa