A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Hobart vs. Whitsundays for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hobart or Whitsundays?

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 Whitsundays 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.

Where Should I go: Hobart or Whitsundays?

Hobart

Hobart is the capital city of the Australian island state of Tasmania. It is small compared to the mainland's larger cities and has a cooler climate with four distinct seasons. Hobart is also the second oldest capital, behind Sydney, with remnants of its past visible in old sandstone warehouses now home to cafes and galleries, as well as a historic district with narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages.

Whitsundays

Just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is a cluster of 74 different islands. These islands, the Whitsunday Islands, welcome over a half a million visitors every year to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef.

As one of the most famous destinations in the world, it's not uncommon to see expensive yachts sailing around among the private ferries. Most of the islands are designated as national parks with access to snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or just to lay in the sand on the famous Whitehaven Beach.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays or Hobart?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hobart is $134, while the average daily cost in Whitsundays is $132. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hobart and Whitsundays in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hobart $76
    Whitsundays $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hobart $152
    Whitsundays $138
Compare Hotels in Hobart and Whitsundays

Looking for a hotel in Hobart or Whitsundays? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hobart


Hotels in Whitsundays


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Hobart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hobart $28
    Whitsundays $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hobart

Also for Hobart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Port Arthur Return Transfer, mimimum 4 passengers : $221
  • Private Transfer from Hobart City Hotels to Arthur Cruise Port : $51
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Airport (HBA) to Arthur Cruise Port: $51
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Cruise Port to Hobart Airport (HBA): $30
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Airport (HBA) to Hobart Cruise Port: $30
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Cruise Port to Hobart city hotels: $30
  • Private Transfer from Hobart City Hotels to Hobart Cruise Port: $30
  • Grand Cayman Shared Airport Transfer: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Hobart or Whitsundays?

Prices for flights to both Whitsundays and Hobart change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hobart $28
    Whitsundays $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whitsundays

For Whitsundays, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hobart $23
    Whitsundays $25

Tours and Activities in Hobart

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hobart.

  • 2 Day Bruny Island & Port Arthur Tour From Hobart: $151
  • 2 Day Cradle Mountain Tour: $257
  • 3 day Tasmanian highlights tour – Hobart, Port Arthur and Bruny Island: $211
  • 48 Hour Hobart City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $33
  • Art and History Trail Walking Tour in Tasmania: $26
  • Bonorong Wildlife Park and Richmond Afternoon Tour from Hobart: $79
  • Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Half-Day Tour from Hobart: $76
  • Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing, Guided Lighthouse Tour & Lunch : $161
  • Bruny Island Traveller - Gourmet Tasting and Sightseeing Day Trip from Hobart: $158
  • Cruise Ship Wine Shore Excursion: $163
  • Day Tour in Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond: $120
  • Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart: $19

Tours and Activities in Whitsundays

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.

  • Airlie Beach: Private Guided 2-Night Yacht Sailing Cruise: $4,927
  • Daydream Island: Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise: $195
  • From Daydream Is.: Whitsundays & Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise: $91
  • Whitsundays Camira Sailing Adventure from Daydream Island: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hobart $15
    Whitsundays $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Hobart

Also in Hobart, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Hobart Distillery Tour with Spirits Tastings: $46
  • Tasmanian Premium Wine Tour with Tasmanian Cheese Platter: $138
  • Signature Wine Tour - Hobart and SE Tasmania: $143
  • Tasmanian Tipples: Hobart Distillery Discovery Tours: $192
  • From Drink Tasmania Whisky Distillery Tour: $195
  • 6 Hour Distillery Guided Tours in Tasmania with Lunch and Tasting: $198
  • Whisky Distillery Tours and Tastings - Hobart/SE Tasmania: $228
  • Whisky Distillery Tours and Tastings in Hobart and SE Tasmania: $235


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



When is the best time to visit Hobart or Whitsundays?

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 Whitsundays in the Summer?

Both Whitsundays and Hobart are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hobart for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Whitsundays. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. Hobart usually receives less sunshine than Whitsundays during summer. Hobart gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Whitsundays receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. In January, Hobart usually receives less rain than Whitsundays. Hobart gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Hobart 17°C (63°F) 
    Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Hobart or Whitsundays in the Autumn?

Both Whitsundays and Hobart during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hobart in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

In Whitsundays, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Hobart often gets less sunshine than Whitsundays. Hobart gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 207 hours of full sun.

Whitsundays gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hobart usually gets less rain in April than Whitsundays. Hobart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Hobart 14°C (57°F) 
    Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Hobart or Whitsundays in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hobart and Whitsundays. Most visitors come to Hobart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

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

In July, Hobart usually receives more rain than Whitsundays. Hobart gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Hobart 9°C (47°F) 
    Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Hobart or Whitsundays in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hobart as well as Whitsundays.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hobart this time of the year. In the spring, Hobart often gets less sunshine than Whitsundays. Hobart gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Whitsundays receives 298 hours of full sun.

Hobart usually gets more rain in October than Whitsundays. Hobart gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Hobart 13°C (55°F) 
    Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Hobart

Hobart Whitsundays
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 377 mm (14.8 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 9°C (48°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 9°C (47°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 10°C (49°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)