A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Darwin vs. Wellington for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Darwin or Wellington?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Darwin or Wellington, 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. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Wellington

Wellington is a compact, laid-back, and funky city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Darwin and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Darwin or Wellington?

You'll generally find more things to do in Wellington than Darwin. Wellington is bigger than Darwin, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Wellington is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Darwin is more popular for its hiking. Wellington is more touristy than Darwin and is popular for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches. Also, Wellington is famous for Zealandia Ecosanctuary. Darwin is well known for its outdoor markets and tropical weather.

How is Darwin different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Wellington 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 Wellington?

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Darwin and Wellington.

Darwin offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Wellington 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 Wellington. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

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 Wellington Better for Nightlife?

Wellington is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Wellington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

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.

Is Darwin or Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington is notable for the beache. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wellington. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

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.

Is Darwin or Wellington Better for Hiking?

Darwin is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wellington. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Is the Shopping Better in Darwin or Wellington?

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

Wellington is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

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

Is Darwin or Wellington Better for Families?

Darwin and Wellington are both very good 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 Wellington. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Is Darwin or Wellington Better for Couples?

Darwin and Wellington are both notable to visit as a couple.

Darwin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Wellington is a good town for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

Is Darwin or Wellington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wellington is notable for backpackers. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Wellington is a great city to visit for backpackers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

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

Is Darwin or Wellington Better for Students?

Wellington is a nice place to visit for students. However, Darwin is not popular with students.

Wellington is a good city to visit for students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

Darwin is not popular with students.

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

Wellington is notable for its public transit. Also, Darwin is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Wellington can get you around easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

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

Is Darwin or Wellington a more walkable city?

Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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 Wellington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Darwin?

How long in Darwin or Wellington?

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

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

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

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

One day in Darwin or Wellington?

With museums and nightlife around the authentic town of Darwin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the 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 Wellington. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Darwin or Wellington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Darwin, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Wellington 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 Wellington?

Darwin, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Wellington?

Darwin 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the funky destination of Wellington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Darwin or Wellington?

Wellington has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Darwin and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

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 Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington and Darwin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Darwin in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Darwin is much warmer than Wellington in the summer. The daily temperature in Darwin averages around 29°C (83°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Darwin often gets less sunshine than Wellington. Darwin gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Darwin. Darwin usually gets more rain in January than Wellington. Darwin gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Darwin or Wellington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Darwin and Wellington. Most visitors come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Wellington because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Darwin is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Darwin in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Wellington averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Darwin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during autumn. Darwin gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Darwin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wellington. Darwin gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Darwin or Wellington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Darwin as well as Wellington. The winter months attract visitors to Darwin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

In July, Darwin is generally much warmer than Wellington. Daily temperatures in Darwin average around 25°C (77°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Darwin this time of the year. In the winter, Darwin often gets more sunshine than Wellington. Darwin gets 312 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Wellington. Darwin usually gets less rain in July than Wellington. Darwin gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Darwin or Wellington in the Spring?

Both Wellington and Darwin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Darwin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wellington for the beaches.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Darwin. Darwin usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during spring. Darwin gets 291 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Darwin usually receives less rain than Wellington. Darwin gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Darwin