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

Should you visit Hobart or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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 historical, charming, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Hobart travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come to Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Hobart and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hobart or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hobart. Although Hobart and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Hobart has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hobart is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hobart is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. It is also home to Battery Point. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Hobart different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hobart or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is great for skiing. However, Hobart is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. 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.

Hobart is not a skiing destination.

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

Hobart is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hobart is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

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 Hobart or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Hobart 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 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.

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

Is Hobart or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

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

Around Milford Sound visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

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 Milford Sound?

Hobart is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hobart. 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hobart or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Milford Sound because of it's amazing beauty. 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.

Hobart is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Hobart or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Both Hobart and Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Hobart or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Both Hobart and Milford Sound are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

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.

Is Hobart or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Hobart and Milford Sound are good places to visit.

Hobart is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Hobart or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Hobart has some public transit options. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

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 Hobart or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Hobart is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. 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 Hobart Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Hobart?

How long in Hobart or Milford Sound?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Hobart than Milford Sound. 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 Hobart 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 Hobart.

One day in Hobart or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fascinating destination of Hobart. 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 Hobart or Milford Sound?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating destination of Hobart. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city 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 Hobart or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Hobart. 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 breathtaking 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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Hobart and Milford Sound, 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 Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hobart or Milford Sound?

Hobart has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Hobart 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.