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

Should you visit Brisbane or Milford Sound?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Brisbane and Milford Sound can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milford Sound

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

Brisbane and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brisbane. Although Brisbane and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Brisbane has more sights and attractions for tourists. Brisbane is very popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Brisbane is famous for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also well known for the Cultural Centre. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Brisbane different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Brisbane or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is great for skiing. However, Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is not a skiing destination.

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

Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Brisbane is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

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 Brisbane or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Brisbane has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

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

Is Brisbane or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Brisbane for it's beautiful beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is an amazing fiord to visit for hiking. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many people visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking. 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.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Milford Sound?

Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Brisbane or Milford Sound Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Brisbane or Milford Sound.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

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 Brisbane or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Milford Sound is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Milford Sound is a great fiord if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Brisbane or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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 Brisbane or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Many students visit Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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

Brisbane is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Brisbane has some public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

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 Brisbane or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Brisbane is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

Milford Sound is not a walkable coastal city. 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 Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Milford Sound?

Brisbane and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Brisbane because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Brisbane, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.

One day in Brisbane or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the active destination of Brisbane. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The beautiful fiord of Milford Sound offers skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Brisbane or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Milford Sound is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fiord makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milford Sound, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brisbane or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the diverse destination of Brisbane. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal 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.

Milford Sound is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milford Sound, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Brisbane or Milford Sound?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the coastal city of Brisbane. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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. This fiord offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Brisbane and Milford Sound, we can see that Brisbane 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 Brisbane Expensive? and Is Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Milford Sound?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 2200 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane 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.