When planning an group trip, four unique adventures often come to mind:
– Hiring a bareboat charter in the Whitsundays,
– Staying in a private villa in Bali,
– Booking an Airbnb at a holiday destination
– Exploring Queendland in a motorhome.
All of these holiday option offer incredible experiences, but how do they compare in terms of cost?
Let’s break it down by looking at an 8-person trip in July, comparing a standard Leopard 40 catamaran in the Whitsundays, a luxury private villa experience in Bali, a high-end Airbnb stay in Airlie Beach, and a motorhome road trip adventure.
Obviously, the prices we’ve listed are estimates and will be variable, but as an exercise it’s interesting to see how each holiday compares costs wise. You may be surprised at which holiday is more expensive.
Chartering a Bareboat in the Whitsundays
(7 Days, 8 People)
Cost Breakdown:
- Yacht Charter: ~$10,200 for a 7-day hire ($1,275 per person)
- Fuel: ~$250 for the week (minimal engine use if sailing)
- Mooring Fees: $0 (Anchoring is free in the Whitsundays)
- Food & Drinks: $1,500 ($187 per person for groceries)
- Booze: $600 ($75 per person, BYO)
- Eating Out: ~$0
- Tourism Activities: $0 (snorkelling and exploring are all included)
- Flights (to Whitsundays): $300-$600 per person return (from major Australian cities)
- Parking: $0 (No need for a car)
Total Cost (approx.): $12,850 – $13,450 ($1,606 – $1,681 per person)
Note – we based this yacht hire cost on Leopard 40 “It’s All about Me”
Private Villa Holiday in Bali
(7 Days, 8 People)
Cost Breakdown:
- Villa Rental (with Chef & Staff): ~$7,000 ($875 per person)
- Flights to Bali: ~$800 per person return (from major Australian cities)
- Food & Drinks (including private chef): ~$2,000 ($250 per person)
- Booze: ~$800 ($100 per person)
- Eating Out: ~$1,600 (dining at top restaurants)
- Tourism Activities: ~$1,200 (scuba diving, temple tours, ATV rides, spas, etc.)
- Transport & Drivers: ~$500 (private car and driver for the week)
- Parking: $0 (No need for a car)
Total Cost (approx.): $17,100 ($2,137 per person)
Airbnb Stay in Airlie Beach
(7 Days, 8 People)
Cost Breakdown:
- Airbnb Rental (Luxury House with Pool): ~$7,000 ($875 per person)
- Flights to Whitsundays: $300-$600 per person return (from major Australian cities)
- Food & Drinks: ~$1,500 ($187 per person for groceries)
- Booze: ~$600 ($75 per person)
- Eating Out: ~$1,600 (cafés, pubs, and fine dining)
- Tourism Activities: ~$2,000 (Great Barrier Reef tours, day trips to Whitehaven, jet ski hire, etc.)
- Car Hire & Fuel: ~$1,000 (two rental cars for flexibility)
- Parking: $0 (Parking included in rental)
Total Cost (approx.): $18,300 – $20,700 ($2,287 – $2,587 per person)
Motor Home Holiday
(7 Days, 8 People)
Cost Breakdown:
- Motor Home Rental (8-berth): ~$6,000 ($750 per person)
- Fuel: ~$2,000 (depending on distance travelled)
- Campsite Fees & Parking: ~$1,000 ($187 per person)
- Food & Drinks: ~$1,500 ($187 per person for groceries)
- Booze: ~$600 ($75 per person)
- Eating Out: ~$1,200 (meals at cafés and restaurants)
- Tourism Activities: ~$1,600 (national park fees, adventure activities, etc.)
- Flights (to starting location): $300-$600 per person return
Total Cost (approx.): $16,200 – $18,800 ($2,025 – $2,350 per person)
Most Affordable Option: The Whitsundays Bareboat Charter
At approximately $1,606 – $1,681 per person, a bareboat charter in the Whitsundays is the most budget-friendly choice. Despite offering a private yacht experience, costs remain low thanks to free mooring, included activities like snorkelling and island-hopping, and the option to BYO food and drinks.
Learn more about the costs of hiring a bareboat and tips for the budget conscious.
Best Value for Luxury & Comfort: Bali Villa
For $2,137 per person, a private villa in Bali includes a chef, staff, and a curated mix of cultural and adventure activities. While flights push the price slightly higher, this option offers a full-service luxury experience with minimal effort required.
Most Expensive: Airbnb Stay in Airlie Beach
Surprisingly, a high-end Airbnb in Airlie Beach is the priciest, costing $2,287 – $2,587 per person once tours, dining out, and car hire are factored in. This option provides flexibility and land-based comforts but doesn’t quite match the adventure-per-dollar value of other trips.
Most Flexible but Logistically Challenging: Motor home Road Trip
A motor home holiday sits in the middle at $2,025 – $2,350 per person, but finding a motor home that can accommodate 8 people can be a challenge. Most motor homes accommodate a max of 6 people. Obviously, if you need to rent two vehicles you are doubling most of the costs we’ve listed. While a motor home offers road-trip freedom and opportunities for sight seeing, frequent driving and setup make it a more effort-intensive trip.
The Verdict
For adventure, affordability, and freedom, the bareboat charter in the Whitsundays delivers unbeatable value. Once you embark on your sailing adventure, there is no need to get the wallet out for the duration of your trip. With no shopping temptations, tours and tap-and-go food, ice cream or coffees you’ll be able to stick to your set holiday budget.
If you prefer luxury and cultural immersion, the Bali villa is a great alternative—provided you don’t mind the risk of Bali Belly and the unpredictable risks of international travel! For those who want a mix of land-based relaxation and ocean adventures, Airlie Beach’s Airbnb is fantastic but comes at a premium with many reasons to open your wallet as you explore. And if a road trip adventure is your dream, a motorhome holiday could be the way to go—just be prepared for some tight quarters!
What’s your pick?
