A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surfers Paradise vs. Dunedin for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Dunedin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Dunedin, 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a active, ritzy, and glamourous city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Dunedin

Dunedin is a vibrant, small, and hilly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Dunedin travel costs.

Surfers Paradise and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Dunedin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Surfers Paradise and Dunedin are popular destinations, Surfers Paradise has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Dunedin and is popular for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also well known for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Dunedin is famous for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surfers Paradise or Dunedin?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Dunedin and Surfers Paradise.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dunedin. The city has cultural scene that is centered around both Scottish and Maori heritage. Top sights around town include the Larnach Castle, the Dunedin Railway Station, Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and the Otago Museum.

Is the Food Better in Surfers Paradise or Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surfers Paradise is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Surfers Paradise is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dunedin. The culinary scene in town continues to grow and improve. There are local eateries that have charm and character and serve interesting and local dishes.

Is Surfers Paradise or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Surfers Paradise is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Many people head to Dunedin for the nightlife scene. The town has eclectic bars and a diverse club scene that is fun to experience. It has a lively nightlife scene that is driven, in part, by the large student population.

Is Surfers Paradise or Dunedin Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Dunedin is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Surfers Paradise is a great choice. 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.

Dunedin is not a resort destination.

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

Surfers Paradise is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dunedin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Surfers Paradise. 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.

Dunedin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Surfers Paradise. 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.

Many people head to Dunedin to enjoy the beach. Many of the beaches are just a short drive from the city center. The surf is surprisingly good and the beaches are fun during the warmer summer months.

Is Surfers Paradise or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise and Dunedin are both places where visitors can find nice hiking trails.

Surfers Paradise has hiking trails worth exploring. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Dunedin?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Surfers Paradise is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dunedin. The shopping scene is diverse and eclectic with everything from vintage shops to fashion boutiques. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Edinburgh Way, Octagon Entertainment Precinct, Moray Place, and the Warehouse Precinct.

Is Surfers Paradise or Dunedin Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Surfers Paradise is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Dunedin is a very family-friendly destination. It's one of the largest cities on the South Island, and there are many educational opportunities and unique experiences available to kids. You can visit the Otago Museum or the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, take a wildlife cruise, or visit the Larnach Castle. You can also take a ride on the Inlander or simply hang out at a playground.

Is Surfers Paradise or Dunedin Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise is well known for couples. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Surfers Paradise frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Dunedin is a nice destination for couples. You can wander through the castle or explore one of the city's markets. There are also romantic restaurants and many opportunities to see wildlife.

Is Surfers Paradise or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Surfers Paradise is a very popular city to visit 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.

Dunedin is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Surfers Paradise or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

Dunedin is a great city to visit as a student. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Surfers Paradise and Dunedin.

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

You'll find some public transit in Dunedin, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Is Surfers Paradise or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin 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.

Dunedin is a very walkable destination. Parts of the town are easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Surfers Paradise and Dunedin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Dunedin. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Surfers Paradise, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Dunedin 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 Surfers Paradise or Dunedin?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the hilly destination of Dunedin. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Dunedin?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the hilly city of Dunedin. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Dunedin?

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.

Dunedin is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Dunedin?

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.

Dunedin is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Surfers Paradise and Dunedin, we can see that Surfers Paradise 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. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Dunedin?

Dunedin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Surfers Paradise. When comparing the sizes of Surfers Paradise and Dunedin, 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.