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

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads? 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 youthful, cultural, and historical city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a relaxed, peaceful, and scenic coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of Noosa Heads is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Noosa Heads travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Noosa Heads: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yogyakarta than Noosa Heads, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yogyakarta is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Noosa Heads is more popular for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Yogyakarta is well known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Also, Yogyakarta is famous for Borobudur Temple. Noosa Heads is well known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture.

How is Yogyakarta different from Noosa Heads?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads?

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Noosa Heads is not known for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Yogyakarta are world-renowned. 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.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Yogyakarta and Noosa Heads.

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 Noosa Heads is an experience not to be missed. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Is Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Yogyakarta has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Noosa Heads. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Is Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads Better for Beaches?

Noosa Heads is renowned for the beach. However, Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Noosa Heads. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads Better for its Old Town?

Yogyakarta is a great city for its old town. However, Noosa Heads does not have a historic old town.

Yogyakarta is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Noosa Heads does not have a historic old town.

Is Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads Better for Hiking?

Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads?

Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Yogyakarta draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads to go shopping. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Is Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads More Beautiful?

Noosa Heads is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Noosa Heads is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's stunning natural beauty, breathtaking beaches, and nearby green spaces have made this a popular holiday destination.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads Better for Families?

Noosa Heads 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, Noosa Heads is very family-friendly. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

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 Noosa Heads Better for Couples?

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

Noosa Heads makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

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 Noosa Heads Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta and Noosa Heads are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

Many 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.

Noosa Heads is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

Is Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Noosa Heads is not popular with students.

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

Noosa Heads is not popular with students.

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

Noosa Heads is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Noosa Heads has some public transit options. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

Public transit is generally 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.

Is Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads a more walkable city?

Noosa Heads is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Noosa Heads is a very walkable coastal town. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Noosa Heads or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful 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.

Noosa Heads might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Noosa Heads?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical 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.

Even though Noosa Heads is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads?

The historical 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.

Noosa Heads, a popular coastal 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 Noosa Heads?

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.

Noosa Heads is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Noosa Heads, we can see that Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Noosa Heads?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta and Noosa Heads, 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.