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

Should you visit Canberra or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Milford Sound? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Canberra

Canberra is a diverse, under-rated, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking.

Canberra and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Canberra. Although Canberra and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Canberra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Canberra is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Milford Sound is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. Canberra is popular for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. It is also home to the Australian War Memorial.

How is Canberra different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Canberra or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is an excellent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Canberra is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. 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.

Canberra is not a skiing destination.

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

Canberra 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 Canberra. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Canberra is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Canberra has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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 Canberra or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Canberra 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 Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

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

Is Canberra or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Milford Sound?

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

Canberra has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Canberra or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Canberra or Milford Sound.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Milford Sound is known to be 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 Canberra or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Milford Sound is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

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

Milford Sound is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Milford Sound Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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

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

Canberra has some public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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 Canberra or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

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

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

Milford Sound is not a walkable 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 Canberra Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Milford Sound?

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

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

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

One day in Canberra or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Canberra. 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 Canberra or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Canberra. 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 Canberra or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse destination of Canberra. 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.

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 Canberra or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Canberra. 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Milford Sound?

Canberra has a larger population, and is about 750 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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.