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

Should you visit Darwin or Milford Sound?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Darwin or Milford Sound, 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 multicultural, authentic, and local town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Darwin travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. And you can't forget about the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Darwin and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Darwin or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Darwin. Although Darwin and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Darwin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Darwin is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Darwin is popular for its outdoor markets and tropical weather. It is also home to Mindil Beach. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Darwin different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Darwin or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is notable for snow skiing. However, Darwin is not a skiing destination.

People head to Milford Sound specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. 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.

Darwin is not a skiing destination.

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

Darwin is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

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 Darwin or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Darwin 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 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.

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

Is Darwin or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Darwin is a good destination for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Darwin offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Darwin or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Milford Sound draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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 visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Darwin. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Darwin or Milford Sound?

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

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

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Darwin or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Darwin is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Milford Sound as well. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Darwin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Darwin or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Darwin and Milford Sound are both great 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 Milford Sound. 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 Darwin or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Darwin and Milford Sound are good 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.

Milford Sound is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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 Darwin or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

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

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 Darwin or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Darwin?

How long in Darwin or Milford Sound?

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

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

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

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

One day in Darwin or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the multicultural destination of Darwin. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the destination of Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound?

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. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the multicultural destination of Darwin. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Darwin or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Darwin. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the iconic destination of Milford Sound. This fiord 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 Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Darwin or Milford Sound?

Darwin has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Darwin 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.