A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brisbane vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Hiking, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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 Mount Aspiring National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a cultural, active, and relaxed coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Brisbane travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a remote, rugged, and breathtaking national park. Many visitors also come to Mount Aspiring National Park because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Brisbane and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brisbane. Although Brisbane and Mount Aspiring National Park are both popular with visitors, Brisbane has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Brisbane is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Mount Aspiring National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Brisbane is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre. Mount Aspiring National Park is popular for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Brisbane different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Brisbane is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Brisbane. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Brisbane is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

Brisbane offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Brisbane has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Brisbane is a well-known place for the beach. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Brisbane. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is an amazing national park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Brisbane is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Brisbane is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park More Beautiful?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is an amazing national park to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Mount Aspiring National Park because of it's amazing beauty. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

Is Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is an amazing national park to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Mount Aspiring National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Is Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Students?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Brisbane is a well-known place for students. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not popular with students.

Brisbane is a great coastal city to visit as a student. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not popular with students.

Is Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Brisbane is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Brisbane has a few 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 mostly limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.


Is Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Brisbane
Mount Aspiring National Park

Brisbane is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park than Brisbane because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Brisbane, and 2-5 days is enough time in Mount Aspiring National Park .

Families should spend more time in Brisbane than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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.


  • How many days in Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Ideal Length of Stay
    Brisbane 2-3 
    Mount Aspiring National Park  2-5

One day in Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

The active destination of Brisbane offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful national park of Mount Aspiring National Park offers . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brisbane has to offer.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Brisbane is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park, 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find shopping and museums around the diverse coastal city of Brisbane. Most people come for the beaches. It offers something for everyone. One week 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 national park offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Mount Aspiring National Park or Brisbane?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Brisbane Prices
    Australia Prices
    Mount Aspiring National Park Prices
    New Zealand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Brisbane $154
    Mount Aspiring National Park $122

The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $154, while the average daily cost in Mount Aspiring National Park is $122. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Brisbane and Mount Aspiring National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brisbane $81
    Mount Aspiring National Park $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brisbane $162
    Mount Aspiring National Park $116
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Mount Aspiring National Park

Looking for a hotel in Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Brisbane


Hotels in Mount Aspiring National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Mount Aspiring National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brisbane $18
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:


  • Airtrain to the City
    $9.81
  • Go Card
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Brisbane: $22
  • BNE Airport to City | Gold Coast Private Transfer: $40
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Brisbane Airport to Hotel: $54
  • Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $56
  • Secrets St Lucia Airport Transfer: $58
  • Brisbane Airport: Shared Transfer to Sunshine Coast: $59
  • Luxury Airport Transfer Gold Coast-Brisbane / Brisbane-Gold Coast: $60
  • Brisbane to Brisbane Airport (BNE) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane - Arrival Private Transfer: $84
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Brisbane hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
  • NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY): $96
  • UVF Luxury Transfer To Secrets St. Lucia Roundtrip: $100

Is it cheaper to fly into Brisbane or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Prices for flights to both Mount Aspiring National Park and Brisbane change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Brisbane $54
    Mount Aspiring National Park $32
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.23
  • Cup of Coffee
    $1.96
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.18
  • Ice cream
    $3.60
  • Japanese Meal
    $14
  • Smoothie
    $4.25
  • Japanese Soup
    $7.52
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.58
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.29
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $9.16
  • Bread
    $1.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Gold Coast: Glow Worms, Sunset & Stargazing with BBQ dinner: $118
  • Vertigo Dinner – Dining on the Edge: $165
  • Dinner on the Edge with Vertigo Brisbane: $168
  • Local Icons Food Tour: $354

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Brisbane $24
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $13

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.

  • Escape to Coochiemudlo Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Tour, Taste & Camel Encounter: $17
  • Fortitude Valley Historical Crime Walking Tour: $22
  • True Crime Tour: $22
  • Winery Tour and Tasting: $23
  • True Crime Walking Tour: $25
  • Haunted CBD Ghost Tour: $25
  • Moonlight State Fortitude Valley Crime Tour Crime Tours Australia: $26
  • Haunted Brisbane CBD Ghost Tour: $26
  • Adventure Theme Scavenger Hunt Experience in Brisbane: $27
  • Solve a Detective Case in a themed adventure: $31
  • Alice In Puzzleland an Escape Hunt Brisbane Experience: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brisbane $50
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.07
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $9.81
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.16
  • Guiness Beer
    $5.56
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

  • XXXX Brewery Tour: $25
  • Hop on Hop off Brewery Adventure : $66
  • Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High Speed Boat Tour in Brisbane : $101
  • Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour: $107
  • Hop on Hop off Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $110
  • Island Pub Crawl with Lunch and High-Speed Boat: $116
  • Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour : $134
  • Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $140
  • Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $140
  • Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch: $148
  • Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $165
  • Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $168


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Brisbane Expensive? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Expensive?.