A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alice Springs vs. Dunedin for Hiking, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Alice Springs or Dunedin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Alice Springs and Dunedin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a laid back, outdoorsy, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Dunedin

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

Alice Springs and Dunedin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alice Springs or Dunedin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dunedin. Although Alice Springs and Dunedin are popular destinations, Dunedin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dunedin is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Alice Springs attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alice Springs is more touristy than Dunedin and is popular for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Dunedin is famous for its wildlife and proximity to the Otago Peninsula. It is also well known for .

How is Alice Springs different from Dunedin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alice Springs or Dunedin?

Dunedin is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

Is the Food Better in Alice Springs or Dunedin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Alice Springs and Dunedin both to be nice destinations.

Alice Springs is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Dunedin offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Alice Springs or Dunedin Better for Nightlife?

Dunedin is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Dunedin has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Alice Springs or Dunedin Better for Beaches?

Dunedin is a city with good options for the beach. However, Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dunedin. 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.

Alice Springs is not a beach destination.

Is Alice Springs or Dunedin Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Dunedin is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Alice Springs specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Many people include a hike when visiting Dunedin. There are biking and hiking trails that travel around town and through the surrounding landscapes.

Is the Shopping Better in Alice Springs or Dunedin?

Dunedin is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Alice Springs or Dunedin Better for Families?

Both Alice Springs and Dunedin are excellent to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Alice Springs. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Dunedin is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Alice Springs or Dunedin Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Alice Springs frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

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 Alice Springs or Dunedin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Alice Springs and Dunedin are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Alice Springs. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Dunedin. There are many hostels around town and plenty of activities that keep backpackers entertained.

Is Alice Springs or Dunedin Better for Students?

Dunedin is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Alice Springs is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Dunedin. This is a large student city that is welcoming to international students and a popular place to study.

Alice Springs is not popular with students.

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

Dunedin is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known for its public transit.

While Dunedin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There a relatively decent bus system that travels through town.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Alice Springs or Dunedin a more walkable city?

Dunedin is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting? and Is Dunedin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dunedin or Alice Springs?

How long in Alice Springs or Dunedin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alice Springs and Dunedin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alice Springs than in Dunedin. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alice Springs, and 1-3 days is enough time in Dunedin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dunedin than Alice Springs 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 Dunedin.

One day in Alice Springs or Dunedin?

Alice Springs is a small town with plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Dunedin. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Alice Springs or Dunedin?

Alice Springs might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alice Springs has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dunedin. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Alice Springs or Dunedin?

Alice Springs is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Dunedin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Alice Springs or Dunedin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alice Springs. Since Alice Springs is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Dunedin. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Alice Springs and Dunedin, we can see that Dunedin 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 Alice Springs Expensive? and Is Dunedin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alice Springs or Dunedin?

Dunedin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Alice Springs 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.