A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Brisbane vs. Queenstown for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Brisbane or Queenstown?

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 Queenstown can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a cultural, active, and relaxed coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Brisbane travel costs.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a active, adventure-filled, and outdoorsy city. With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and skiing. See Queenstown travel costs.

Brisbane and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Queenstown?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Brisbane than Queenstown, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Brisbane is better known for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Queenstown is more popular for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Queenstown is more touristy than Brisbane and is popular for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. Also, Brisbane is famous for the Cultural Centre.

How is Brisbane different from Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Brisbane or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for skiing. However, Brisbane is not a skiing destination.

Queenstown is among the world's best ski destinations. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Brisbane is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Brisbane or Queenstown?

Brisbane is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Queenstown has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Brisbane or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Brisbane and Queenstown.

Many people head to Brisbane for the nightlife scene. 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.

Queenstown has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Brisbane or Queenstown Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

Queenstown is an amazing city 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 Queenstown specifically for its hiking. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

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 Queenstown?

If you're looking to go shopping, Brisbane and Queenstown both offer plenty of high quality spots.

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.

Queenstown is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Brisbane or Queenstown More Beautiful?

Queenstown is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.

Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Brisbane or Queenstown Better for Families?

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

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.

Queenstown is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Brisbane or Queenstown Better for Couples?

Queenstown is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Queenstown has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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 Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown is an amazing city 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 Queenstown, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

For students, both Brisbane and Queenstown are high quality places to visit.

Brisbane is very popular with students. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Queenstown is a great coastal city to visit as a student. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

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

Brisbane and Queenstown both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Brisbane offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Queenstown has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Brisbane or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Brisbane and Queenstown are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Queenstown is very walkable. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Brisbane Worth Visiting? and Is Queenstown Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Queenstown?

Both Brisbane and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Queenstown than in Brisbane. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Brisbane, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.

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

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

One day in Brisbane or Queenstown?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the active coastal city of Brisbane, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Queenstown offers nightlife and food. 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 Queenstown?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Brisbane, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Queenstown is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Queenstown, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Brisbane or Queenstown?

Brisbane, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Queenstown is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Queenstown, 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 Queenstown?

Brisbane is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Queenstown is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Queenstown has to offer. This city 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 Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Brisbane and Queenstown, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.

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

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Queenstown?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Brisbane and Queenstown, 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.