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

Should you visit Fraser Island or Milford Sound?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fraser Island and Milford Sound. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a stunning, serene, and breathtaking island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking.

Milford Sound

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

Fraser Island and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fraser Island or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fraser Island. Although Fraser Island and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Fraser Island has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fraser Island is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing and hiking. Fraser Island is popular for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. It is also home to the pinnacles. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Fraser Island different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Fraser Island or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Fraser Island 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.

Fraser Island is not a skiing destination.

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

Fraser Island is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Fraser Island. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Fraser Island is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

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 Fraser Island or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Fraser Island is not a good area for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Fraser Island or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fraser Island is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Fraser Island. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fraser Island or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Fraser Island is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Fraser Island offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Fraser Island or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is very popular for the nearby hiking options. Also, Fraser Island is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Milford Sound is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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 Fraser Island. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

Is Fraser Island or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Both Fraser Island and Milford Sound are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Fraser Island is a very kid-friendly island. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.

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 Fraser Island or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Fraser Island is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fraser Island is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Fraser Island or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fraser Island is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fraser Island. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

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.

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

Milford Sound is a moderate fiord for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.

Is Fraser Island or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Fraser Island is a decent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.

Milford Sound is not a walkable island. 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 Fraser Island Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Fraser Island?

How long in Fraser Island or Milford Sound?

Fraser Island and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Fraser Island because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fraser Island, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island.

One day in Fraser Island or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the stunning destination of Fraser Island. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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 iconic destination of Milford Sound. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.

A weekend in Fraser Island or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fraser Island. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.

Five days in Fraser Island or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the serene destination of Fraser Island. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the world renowned destination of Milford Sound. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Fraser Island or Milford Sound?

You'll find around the beautiful island of Fraser Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

You'll find skiing around the beautiful fiord of Milford Sound. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

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

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