A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Hobart for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Hobart?

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 Koh Tarutao and Hobart. 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.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a undiscovered, secluded, and remote island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches and hiking.

Hobart

Hobart is a historical, charming, and fascinating city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Koh Tarutao and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Hobart?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hobart. Although Koh Tarutao and Hobart are both popular with visitors, Hobart has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hobart is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Koh Tarutao is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hobart is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. It is also home to Battery Point. Koh Tarutao is popular for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Hobart?

Hobart is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its 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.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

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

Hobart is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good 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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hobart Better for Nightlife?

Hobart is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good 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 Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hobart Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Hobart is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Koh Tarutao, but you'll find a few options to choose from. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Hobart is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hobart Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao is renowned for the beache. However, Hobart is not a beach destination.

Koh Tarutao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

Hobart is not a beach destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hobart Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Koh Tarutao and Hobart, and they are very good.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hobart. 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 Koh Tarutao or Hobart?

Hobart is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

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.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hobart Better for Families?

Hobart is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hobart. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hobart Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Hobart both very good destinations for a couple.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Couples visit Hobart frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Koh Tarutao or Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tarutao and Hobart are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

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

Is Koh Tarutao or Hobart 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, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good 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 Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Hobart a more walkable city?

Hobart is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its walkability.

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

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Hobart?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hobart than Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao or Hobart?

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Koh Tarutao. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Hobart. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Hobart?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Hobart. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Hobart?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Tarutao. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

The charming city of Hobart offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Hobart?

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the remote destination of Koh Tarutao. This island 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hobart. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Hobart, we can see that Hobart is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tarutao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Tarutao is in Asia and Hobart is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Koh Tarutao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tarutao and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hobart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hobart than you might in Koh Tarutao.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Tarutao Expensive? and Is Hobart Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Hobart?

Hobart has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tarutao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Hobart in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Hobart. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Hobart because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Hobartin January. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (81°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Hobartin January. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Hobart in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Hobart. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Hobart this time of year.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Hobart in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Hobart fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in April.

Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Hobartin April. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Hobart in the Winter?

Both Hobart and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Hobart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Hobart. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Tarutao in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Hobart averages at about 9°C (47°F)in July.

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives less rain than Hobartin July. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Hobart in the Spring?

Both Hobart and Koh Tarutao during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Hobartin October. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 29°C (85°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Hobartin October. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Typical Weather for Hobart and Koh Tarutao