A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alice Springs vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Alice Springs or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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 friendly, laid back, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Alice Springs attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Alice Springs travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come to Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Alice Springs and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alice Springs or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alice Springs. Although Alice Springs and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Alice Springs has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alice Springs is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing and impressive beauty. Alice Springs is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. It is also well known for Alice Springs Desert Park. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Alice Springs different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Alice Springs or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a great fiord for skiing. However, Alice Springs is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Alice Springs is not a skiing destination.

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

Alice Springs is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Alice Springs. 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Alice Springs is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Alice Springs or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Alice Springs is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Alice Springs or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Both Alice Springs and Milford Sound are destinations which offer fantastic hiking.

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.

Milford Sound is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Is the Shopping Better in Alice Springs or Milford Sound?

Alice Springs is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Alice Springs has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Alice Springs or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Alice Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with beautiful landscapes and dramatic views.

Is Alice Springs or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Both Alice Springs and Milford Sound are very good 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.

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Alice Springs or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Both Alice Springs and Milford Sound are very good 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.

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Alice Springs or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alice Springs is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Alice Springs and Milford Sound both offer reasonable public transit to get you around.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Alice Springs or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Alice Springs is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable town. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Alice Springs?

How long in Alice Springs or Milford Sound?

Alice Springs and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Alice Springs because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alice Springs, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

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

One day in Alice Springs or Milford Sound?

Even though Alice Springs is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the remote destination of Milford Sound. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alice Springs. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Milford Sound?

Alice Springs is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the breathtaking destination of Milford Sound. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Alice Springs or Milford Sound?

Alice Springs is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

You'll find skiing around the beautiful fiord of Milford Sound. 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 2-Week Tours in Australia, The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Alice Springs or Milford Sound?

Alice Springs has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Alice Springs and Milford Sound, 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.