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

Should you visit Katoomba 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 Katoomba 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.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a breathtaking , stunning, and peaceful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a breathtaking, world renowned, and remote fiord. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for skiing and hiking.

Katoomba and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Katoomba or Milford Sound?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Katoomba than Milford Sound, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Katoomba is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Milford Sound is more popular for its skiing. Katoomba is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Also, Katoomba is famous for Scenic World. Milford Sound is well known for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Katoomba different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Katoomba or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Katoomba is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other 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.

Katoomba is not a skiing destination.

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

Katoomba is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Katoomba. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Katoomba is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Katoomba is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

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 Katoomba or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Katoomba or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Katoomba and Milford Sound, and they are terrific.

Katoomba is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Katoomba or Milford Sound?

Katoomba is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Katoomba has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Katoomba or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Katoomba is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Katoomba is very family-friendly. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

Milford Sound is 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 Katoomba or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Katoomba and Milford Sound both excellent destinations for a couple.

Katoomba is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Katoomba or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

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

Katoomba has some public transit options. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own 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.

Is Katoomba or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Katoomba is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Katoomba is a somewhat walkable town. The town itself is relatively walkable.

Milford Sound is not a walkable town. 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 Katoomba Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Katoomba?

How long in Katoomba or Milford Sound?

Katoomba and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Katoomba because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Katoomba, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

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

One day in Katoomba or Milford Sound?

Even though Katoomba is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

The beautiful fiord of Milford Sound offers skiing. 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.

A weekend in Katoomba or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Katoomba. 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.

Milford Sound is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fiord 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 Milford Sound, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Katoomba or Milford Sound?

Katoomba is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town 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.

Milford Sound is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Milford Sound, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Katoomba or Milford Sound?

Katoomba is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 fiord offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day 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 Katoomba and Milford Sound, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive? and Is Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Katoomba or Milford Sound?

Katoomba has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Katoomba 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.