A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Darwin vs. Hobart for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Darwin or Hobart?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Darwin or Hobart, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Darwin

Darwin is a local, tropical, and multicultural town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Hobart

Hobart is a quaint, historical, and charming city. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Darwin and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Darwin or Hobart?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hobart than Darwin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hobart is better known for its museums, food, and shopping, while Darwin is more popular for its beaches. Hobart is more touristy than Darwin and is popular for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Also, Hobart is famous for Battery Point. Darwin is well known for its outdoor markets and tropical weather.

How is Darwin different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Darwin or Hobart?

Hobart is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hobart can be an interesting and educational experience. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Darwin. You can check out the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, explore the city's Waterfront Precinct, and spend some time at the Darwin Military Museum.

Is the Food Better in Darwin or Hobart? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hobart is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Hobart. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Darwin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are plenty of local restaurants that serve seafood or local twists on international flavors. Many restaurants offer Barramundi that is prepared in unique ways. You can try the Barramundi Bibimbap or the Crispy Baby Barramundi.

Is Darwin or Hobart Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Darwin and Hobart.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Darwin. You'll find the most bars along Mitchell Street or in the Waterfront Precinct area. There are also some popular nightclubs and music venues in town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Is Darwin or Hobart Better for Beaches?

Darwin is a town with good options for the beache. However, Hobart is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Darwin. Most people don't swim at the beaches because of the saltwater crocodiles and jellyfish. You can hang out in the sand though and Mindil Beach is a favorite spot for locals.

Hobart is not a beach destination.

Is Darwin or Hobart Better for Hiking?

Darwin and Hobart are both places where visitors can find high quality hiking trails.

Darwin is a popular spot for hiking. In addition to city walks, there are many national parks that make great day trips from town. Litchfield National Park has many hikes as does Mary River National Park. The town is also known as the gateway to Kakadu National Park.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Hobart. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

Is the Shopping Better in Darwin or Hobart?

Hobart is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Hobart is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

Darwin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping malls, art galleries, and trendy boutiques around town.

Is Darwin or Hobart Better for Families?

Darwin and Hobart are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Darwin is a very kid-friendly town. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in town and in the surrounding areas. There are wildlife parks and several national parks in the area like Litchfield National Park. For many families, this is a stop off on there way to Kakadu National Park.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hobart. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Is Darwin or Hobart Better for Couples?

Hobart is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Hobart is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

Darwin is a good town for couples to visit. The beautiful weather means that you can spend most of your time outdoors. Sunset picnics are popular, but for many visitors, it's all about the day trips to nearby parks.

Is Darwin or Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Darwin and Hobart are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Darwin. There are a handful of hostels in town that make this an easy place to spend a night or two for backpackers.

Hobart is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

Is Darwin or Hobart Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Darwin and Hobart offer notable public transit options.

Darwin has a few public transit options. There are public buses around town. There's also a waterfront shuttle.

Hobart has some public transit options. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

Is Darwin or Hobart a more walkable city?

Hobart is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Hobart is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

Darwin is a somewhat walkable town. There are biking and walking paths around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Darwin Worth Visiting? and Is Hobart Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Darwin?

How long in Darwin or Hobart?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Darwin and Hobart. In our opinion, Hobart has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hobart than Darwin. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hobart than Darwin 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 Hobart.

One day in Darwin or Hobart?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Darwin. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hobart. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Darwin or Hobart?

Darwin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Hobart is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Darwin or Hobart?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Darwin. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hobart. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Darwin or Hobart?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the tropical destination of Darwin. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Hobart. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Darwin or Hobart?

Darwin has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Hobart. When comparing the sizes of Darwin and Hobart, 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.

When is the best time to visit Darwin or Hobart?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Darwin or Hobart in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Darwin as well as Hobart. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Darwin this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hobart for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Darwin is much warmer than Hobart in the summer. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (83°F) in January, and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. In the summer, Darwin often gets less sunshine than Hobart. Darwin gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun.

Darwin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Darwin usually gets more rain in January than Hobart. Darwin gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Darwin or Hobart in the Autumn?

Both Hobart and Darwin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Hobart in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Darwin is much warmer than Hobart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Darwin in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Hobart averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Hobart during autumn. Darwin gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Darwin usually receives more rain than Hobart. Darwin gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Darwin or Hobart in the Winter?

Both Hobart and Darwin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Darwin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Hobart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In July, Darwin is generally much warmer than Hobart. Daily temperatures in Darwin average around 25°C (77°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Darwin. In the winter, Darwin often gets more sunshine than Hobart. Darwin gets 312 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 152 hours of full sun.

Darwin usually gets less rain in July than Hobart. Darwin gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Darwin or Hobart in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Darwin and Hobart. Most visitors come to Darwin for the beaches during these months.

Darwin is much warmer than Hobart in the spring. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (85°F) in October, and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hobart this time of the year. In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Hobart during spring. Darwin gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Darwin usually receives more rain than Hobart. Darwin gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hobart and Darwin