A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Alice Springs vs. Hobart for Hiking, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Alice Springs or Hobart?

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 Hobart 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 outdoorsy, charming, and friendly town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Hobart

Hobart is a fascinating, quaint, and historical city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Alice Springs and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alice Springs or Hobart?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hobart. Although Alice Springs and Hobart are both popular with visitors, Hobart has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hobart is more popular for its museums & sights, food, and shopping, while Alice Springs is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Alice Springs is popular for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Hobart is popular for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. It is also home to Battery Point.

How is Alice Springs different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hobart 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 Hobart. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

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 Hobart? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hobart is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hobart has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Alice Springs or Hobart Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Alice Springs and Hobart.

If you're looking for night time activities Alice Springs has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Is Alice Springs or Hobart Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is renowned for hiking. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Alice Springs visitors will find world-class hiking trails. 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.

Hobart is a popular spot for hiking. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

Is the Shopping Better in Alice Springs or Hobart?

Hobart 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 Hobart. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

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 Hobart Better for Families?

Both Alice Springs and Hobart are great 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.

Hobart is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Is Alice Springs or Hobart Better for Couples?

Both Alice Springs and Hobart are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Alice Springs is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Hobart is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

Is Alice Springs or Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alice Springs is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

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

Hobart 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 Hobart offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

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 Hobart a more walkable city?

Hobart 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.

Hobart is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring 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 Hobart Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Alice Springs?

How long in Alice Springs or Hobart?

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

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

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

One day in Alice Springs or Hobart?

Alice Springs might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Hobart. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Alice Springs or Hobart?

Alice Springs is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hobart. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Hobart?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alice Springs. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Hobart. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Hobart?

Alice Springs is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Hobart. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.

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

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 Hobart Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alice Springs or Hobart?

Hobart has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Alice Springs and Hobart, 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.