A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Hobart vs. Airlie Beach for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Hobart or Airlie Beach?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hobart and Airlie Beach can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Hobart

Hobart is a quaint, historical, and charming city. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a slow-paced, idyllic, and paradise town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Hobart and Airlie Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hobart or Airlie Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Airlie Beach. Although Hobart and Airlie Beach are popular destinations, Airlie Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Airlie Beach is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Hobart attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Hobart is famous for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Airlie Beach is famous for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. It is also well known for the Airlie Beach Lagoon.

How is Hobart different from Airlie Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hobart or Airlie Beach?

Hobart is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Airlie Beach is not a good town for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hobart. 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 to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Airlie Beach. Oceanfront beauty is what this town is all about, so you won't find much is the form of museums and manmade landmarks.

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

Hobart is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Hobart makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Airlie Beach has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.

Is Hobart or Airlie Beach Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Hobart and Airlie Beach.

If you're looking for night time activities Hobart has a few options to choose from. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Airlie Beach. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.

Is Hobart or Airlie Beach Better for Resorts?

Airlie Beach is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Hobart is not a resort destination.

Airlie Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. There's everything from posh resorts and luxury hotels to family-friendly campgrounds. There are also hostels that cater to the budget crowd.

Hobart is not a resort destination.

Is Hobart or Airlie Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Airlie Beach is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hobart is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Airlie Beach is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.

Hobart is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hobart or Airlie Beach Better for Beaches?

Airlie Beach is renowned for the beache. However, Hobart is not a beach destination.

Airlie Beach is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.

Hobart is not a beach destination.

Is Hobart or Airlie Beach Better for Hiking?

Airlie Beach is renowned for hiking. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Around Airlie Beach visitors will find world-class hiking trails. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.

Hobart is a popular spot for hiking. 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 Hobart or Airlie Beach?

Hobart is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Airlie Beach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Hobart is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Airlie Beach. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.

Is Hobart or Airlie Beach Better for Families?

Both Hobart and Airlie Beach are very good to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hobart is very family-friendly. 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.

Airlie Beach is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy playing in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, visiting the markets, or hanging out at the local beaches or playgrounds. If you're hoping to swim in the ocean, be very aware of the season and the conditions.

Is Hobart or Airlie Beach Better for Couples?

Airlie Beach is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Airlie Beach is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples often use this as a gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands. The dining scene is good and there are countless outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. There are also many different resorts in the area.

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.

Is Hobart or Airlie Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Airlie Beach is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Airlie Beach. If you're hoping to visit the Whitsunday Islands, then is a good place to base yourself as a backpacker. It has a decent selection of hostels and there are a number of restaurants and other dining options.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

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

Hobart and Airlie Beach both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Hobart offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

Airlie Beach has a few public transit options. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach.

Is Hobart or Airlie Beach a more walkable city?

Hobart and Airlie Beach are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Airlie Beach is a very walkable destination. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Airlie Beach or Hobart?

How long in Hobart or Airlie Beach?

Both Hobart and Airlie Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Airlie Beach than in Hobart. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hobart, and 4-7 days is enough time in Airlie Beach.

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

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

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

One day in Hobart or Airlie Beach?

In Hobart, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this quaint city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Airlie Beach. 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 Hobart or Airlie Beach?

Hobart is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Airlie Beach is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Hobart or Airlie Beach?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Hobart. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Airlie Beach. 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 Hobart or Airlie Beach?

Hobart is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the paradise destination of Airlie Beach. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Hobart and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach 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 Hobart Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Hobart or Airlie Beach?

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 Hobart or Airlie Beach in the Summer?

Both Airlie Beach and Hobart during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hobart this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Hobart is generally cooler than Airlie Beach. Daily temperatures in Hobart average around 17°C (63°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Airlie Beach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hobart. In the summer, Hobart often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beach. Hobart gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 285 hours of full sun.

Airlie Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hobart usually gets less rain in January than Airlie Beach. Hobart gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hobart or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hobart and Airlie Beach. Many travelers come to Hobart for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Airlie Beach in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hobart is much colder than Airlie Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hobart averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Airlie Beach this time of the year. Hobart usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during autumn. Hobart gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 207 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Airlie Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Hobart usually receives less rain than Airlie Beach. Hobart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hobart or Airlie Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hobart as well as Airlie Beach. Many visitors come to Hobart in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Hobart is much colder than Airlie Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hobart in July average around 9°C (47°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 16°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. In the winter, Hobart often gets less sunshine than Airlie Beach. Hobart gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Airlie Beach receives 226 hours of full sun.

Hobart usually gets more rain in July than Airlie Beach. Hobart gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hobart or Airlie Beach in the Spring?

Both Airlie Beach and Hobart are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In October, Hobart is generally much colder than Airlie Beach. Daily temperatures in Hobart average around 13°C (55°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Airlie Beach. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. Hobart usually receives less sunshine than Airlie Beach during spring. Hobart gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Airlie Beach receives 298 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Hobart usually receives more rain than Airlie Beach. Hobart gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Hobart