A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Hobart vs. Brisbane for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Hobart or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane 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 fascinating, quaint, and historical city. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a diverse, cultural, and active coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hobart and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hobart or Brisbane?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brisbane. Although Hobart and Brisbane are both popular with visitors, Brisbane has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Brisbane is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Hobart is known for its food and hiking. Hobart is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre.

How is Hobart different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Hobart and Brisbane.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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

Hobart is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hobart has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Hobart or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Brisbane for the nightlife scene. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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 Hobart or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hobart is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Hobart is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hobart or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is great for the beache. However, Hobart is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Brisbane attract visitors from all over. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Hobart is not a beach destination.

Is Hobart or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Hobart is great for hiking. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Hobart for the hiking trails. 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.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Hobart or Brisbane?

If you're looking to go shopping, Hobart and Brisbane both offer plenty of superb spots.

Hobart is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Hobart or Brisbane Better for Families?

Both Hobart and Brisbane are superb 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.

Brisbane is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Hobart or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Hobart is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Hobart is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Hobart or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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

Is Hobart or Brisbane Better for Students?

Brisbane is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Hobart is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Hobart is not popular with students.

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

Hobart and Brisbane both offer good 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.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Hobart or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Hobart and Brisbane are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Hobart?

How long in Hobart or Brisbane?

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

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

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

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

One day in Hobart or Brisbane?

The city of Hobart offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Brisbane. 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 Hobart or Brisbane?

Hobart is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hobart, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Brisbane 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 Hobart or Brisbane?

Hobart is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Hobart is a great place to explore. 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. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse destination of Brisbane. This coastal 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 Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hobart or Brisbane?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hobart. When comparing the sizes of Hobart and Brisbane, 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 Hobart or Brisbane?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Hobart or Brisbane in the Summer?

Both Brisbane and Hobart are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hobart in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hobart is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hobart in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Brisbane averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. Hobart usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane during summer. Hobart gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In January, Hobart usually receives less rain than Brisbane. Hobart gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hobart or Brisbane in the Autumn?

Both Brisbane and Hobart during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hobart for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In April, Hobart is generally much colder than Brisbane. Daily temperatures in Hobart average around 14°C (57°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Hobart often gets less sunshine than Brisbane. Hobart gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hobart usually gets less rain in April than Brisbane. Hobart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hobart or Brisbane in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hobart and Brisbane. The winter months attract visitors to Hobart because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

Hobart is much colder than Brisbane in the winter. The daily temperature in Hobart averages around 9°C (47°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. Hobart usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Hobart gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Hobart usually receives around the same amount of rain as Brisbane. Hobart gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hobart or Brisbane in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hobart as well as Brisbane. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hobart is much colder than Brisbane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hobart in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Brisbane averages at about 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hobart this time of the year. In the spring, Hobart often gets less sunshine than Brisbane. Hobart gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

Hobart usually gets less rain in October than Brisbane. Hobart gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Hobart