A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Melbourne vs. Brisbane for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Melbourne or Brisbane?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Melbourne or Brisbane? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Melbourne travel costs.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Brisbane travel costs.

Melbourne and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Brisbane?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Brisbane than Melbourne. While Melbourne is larger than Brisbane, Brisbane has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Brisbane is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and hiking, while Melbourne is known for its food and big city activities. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre.

How is Melbourne different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Melbourne or Brisbane?

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

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Many visitors head to Brisbane specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Melbourne or Brisbane? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne 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.

Melbourne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Brisbane.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Brisbane is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Melbourne or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Brisbane has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Melbourne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Melbourne or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Melbourne and Brisbane are great choices.

Melbourne is considered a top beach destination. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Brisbane is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Is Melbourne or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Brisbane is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Brisbane?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Melbourne and Brisbane.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

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 Melbourne or Brisbane Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Brisbane.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne or Brisbane Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Melbourne and Brisbane make for a good place to visit.

Melbourne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Brisbane is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Melbourne or Brisbane Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Melbourne or Brisbane Better for Students?

Melbourne is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Brisbane is a great city to visit as a student. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

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

Melbourne is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

The public transit in Melbourne can get you to most places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Brisbane are great when it comes to walkability.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Brisbane?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Melbourne and Brisbane. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than in Brisbane. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 2-3 days is enough time in Brisbane.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane than Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Brisbane?

Melbourne is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal city of Brisbane. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Brisbane?

Melbourne 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the diverse destination of Brisbane. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Brisbane?

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the diverse coastal city of Brisbane. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Brisbane?

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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.

Brisbane is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, The Best Budget Tours to Australia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Brisbane, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Brisbane much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Brisbane would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Brisbane 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne than you might in Brisbane.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Brisbane?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Brisbane in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Brisbane. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Melbourne is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the summer temperatures in Melbourne in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Brisbane averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane during summer. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Brisbane. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Melbourne or Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Brisbane. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In April, Melbourne is generally cooler than Brisbane. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 15°C (60°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In the autumn, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Brisbane. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Melbourne usually gets less rain in April than Brisbane. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Melbourne is much colder than Brisbane in the winter. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 9°C (49°F) in July, and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Brisbane. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Melbourne or Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Melbourne during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Melbourne is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the spring temperatures in Melbourne in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Brisbane averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the spring, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Brisbane. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in October than Brisbane. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Melbourne