A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yaeyama Islands vs. Darwin for Beaches, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Yaeyama Islands or Darwin?

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 Yaeyama Islands and Darwin. 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.

Yaeyama Islands

Yaeyama Islands is a serene, idyllic, and tropical archipelago. You'll find world class beauty in Yaeyama Islands as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, nightlife, and food. See Yaeyama Islands travel costs.

Darwin

Darwin is a tropical, multicultural, and authentic town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Darwin travel costs.

Yaeyama Islands and Darwin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yaeyama Islands or Darwin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Yaeyama Islands. Although Yaeyama Islands and Darwin are popular destinations, Yaeyama Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Yaeyama Islands is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Darwin attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and shopping. Yaeyama Islands is more touristy than Darwin and is known for its jungle, tropical setting, and pristine beaches. It is also well known for Nishihama Beach. Darwin is famous for its outdoor markets and tropical weather.

How is Yaeyama Islands different from Darwin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yaeyama Islands or Darwin?

Darwin is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its museums and history.

Darwin is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

While most people don't head to Yaeyama Islands specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The islands are known for their beaches, snorkeling, and jungles, but don't expect much in the form of museums.

Is the Food Better in Yaeyama Islands or Darwin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Yaeyama Islands and Darwin.

Yaeyama Islands offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are many fruits and vegetables that are local to the region. Tropical fruits are common including pineapples, passionfruit, mango, shikuwasa, watermelon, papaya, and dragon fruit. You can try Yaeyama Soba (noodle soup) or any other local favorite at the restaurants in the area, most of which are usually concentrated around the villages on the island.

Darwin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Darwin Better for Nightlife?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Darwin are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Yaeyama Islands. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. You can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view from your resort's bar.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Darwin. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Darwin Better for Resorts?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for its resorts. However, Darwin is not a resort destination.

Yaeyama Islands offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are luxury international resorts as well as smaller upscale hotels. Many resorts are found on the largest island, Ishigaki.

Darwin is not a resort destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Darwin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Yaeyama Islands is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Darwin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Yaeyama Islands to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands offer great scuba diving and snorkeling with coral reefs and tropical fish as well as manta rays and pelagic fish.

Darwin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Darwin Better for Beaches?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for the beach. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

The beaches in Yaeyama Islands are among the best in the world. This tropical paradise has white sand beaches and turquoise water. There are water sports, including snorkeling and diving, and the beaches on each island have their own atmosphere and vibe.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Darwin. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Darwin Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Yaeyama Islands and Darwin, and they are great.

Yaeyama Islands is a popular spot for hiking. The islands offer relatively easy access to jungle hikes, which will quickly make you feel like you've been swept into a hidden paradise. There are waterfalls, wildlife, butterflies, and scenic spots to explore.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Darwin. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Yaeyama Islands or Darwin?

Darwin is a good destination for shopping. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Darwin is a great destination for shopping. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

Yaeyama Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Darwin More Beautiful?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Darwin is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Yaeyama Islands as well. White sand, blue water, tropical jungles and coral reefs make this a breathtakingly beautiful part of Japan.

Darwin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Darwin Better for Families?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Darwin are great family-friendly destinations.

Yaeyama Islands is a very family-friendly place to visit. This island setting has blue waters and water sports that the whole family can enjoy. There are also family-friendly resorts with kids clubs and nearby nature.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Darwin is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Darwin Better for Couples?

Yaeyama Islands is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Yaeyama Islands has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful blue water and fun water sports make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are nice resorts and fine dining opportunities that make this a great couple's retreat.

Darwin is a good archipelago for couples to visit. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Darwin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Darwin is a good destination for backpackers. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Darwin. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.

Yaeyama Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Backpacking can be challenging as transportation is limited and accommodation can be expensive.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Darwin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Darwin is a good destination for its public transit. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for times when you don't have a car.

Darwin has a few public transit options. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

Public transit is mostly limited in Yaeyama Islands. There is very little in the form of public transit but you can get from the largest island, Ishigaki Island, to nearby islands by ferry.

Is Yaeyama Islands or Darwin a more walkable city?

Darwin is a good destination for its walkability. However, Yaeyama Islands is not a good archipelago for its high level of walkability.

Darwin is somewhat walkable. There are biking and walking paths around town.

Yaeyama Islands is generally not a very walkable archipelago. Some of the islands are small enough to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yaeyama Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Darwin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Darwin or Yaeyama Islands?

How long in Yaeyama Islands or Darwin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Yaeyama Islands and Darwin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Yaeyama Islands than in Darwin. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Yaeyama Islands, and 2-3 days is enough time in Darwin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Darwin than Yaeyama Islands 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 Darwin.

One day in Yaeyama Islands or Darwin?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Yaeyama Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The tropical destination of Darwin offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Yaeyama Islands or Darwin?

Yaeyama Islands is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The town of Darwin offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Yaeyama Islands or Darwin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yaeyama Islands. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Darwin is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Yaeyama Islands or Darwin?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the luxurious destination of Yaeyama Islands. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Darwin. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Yaeyama Islands or Darwin?

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

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Darwin in the Summer?

Both Darwin and Yaeyama Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Darwin for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Yaeyama Islands is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (83°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually receives more sunshine than Darwin during summer. Yaeyama Islands gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 173 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Darwin. It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. In July, Yaeyama Islands usually receives less rain than Darwinin January. Yaeyama Islands gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Darwin in the Autumn?

Both Darwin and Yaeyama Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Darwin because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Yaeyama Islands is generally cooler than Darwinin April. Daily temperatures in Yaeyama Islands average around 26°C (78°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Yaeyama Islands often gets less sunshine than Darwinin April. Yaeyama Islands gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 267 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in October than Darwinin April. Yaeyama Islands gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Darwin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Yaeyama Islands and Darwin. The winter months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.

Yaeyama Islands is cooler than Darwin in the winter. The daily temperature in Yaeyama Islands averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Darwin fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. Yaeyama Islands usually receives less sunshine than Darwin during winter. Yaeyama Islands gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Darwin receives 312 hours of full sun in the winter.

Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Yaeyama Islands usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Yaeyama Islands gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Yaeyama Islands or Darwin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Yaeyama Islands as well as Darwin. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Darwin for the beaches.

In the spring, Yaeyama Islands is cooler than Darwin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yaeyama Islands in April average around 23°C (74°F), and Darwin averages at about 29°C (85°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. In the spring, Yaeyama Islands often gets less sunshine than Darwinin October. Yaeyama Islands gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Darwin receives 291 hours of full sun.

Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yaeyama Islands usually gets more rain in April than Darwinin October. Yaeyama Islands gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June in Yaeyama Islands is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Darwin and Yaeyama Islands