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

Should you visit Melbourne or Byron Bay?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Byron Bay? 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 livable, friendly, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a mellow, vegan-friendly, and carefree town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Melbourne and Byron Bay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Byron Bay?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Byron Bay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Melbourne is better known for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Byron Bay is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Byron Bay is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its community spirit, undeveloped beaches, and world renowned festivals. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Melbourne different from Byron Bay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Melbourne. 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.

While most people don't head to Byron Bay specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. It's a small town that's all about the laid back beach scene so you won't find many museums or iconic buildings in town. Do check out the Cape Byron Lighthouse if you get the chance.

Is the Food Better in Melbourne or Byron Bay? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Melbourne. 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.

Byron Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The restaurant scene is just starting to gain momentum. There are a growing number of trendy bistros and international flavors around town. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as smoothies and brunch cafes.

Is Melbourne or Byron Bay Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Byron Bay.

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.

Byron Bay is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is all about relaxed luxury. There are high end cocktail bars, piano bars, live music venues, and DJ led parties. You can head to a bistro on the beach or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.

Is Melbourne or Byron Bay Better for Resorts?

Byron Bay is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Byron Bay is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly villas, and contemporary apartments that offer great accommodation in a good environment.

Melbourne is not a resort destination.

Is Melbourne or Byron Bay Better for Beaches?

Byron Bay is very popular for the beache. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Byron Bay. The pristine beaches are at the heart of the appeal in this town. Main Beach is, as the name implies, right in the heart of town. Many beaches are lined with forest and there are waves that are great for surfing. At its heart, this town will always be a surfer's town.

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

Is Melbourne or Byron Bay Better for Hiking?

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

Byron Bay is a good destination for hiking. There are many walking trails that make nature accessible. Whether you want to walk along the coastline or into the hills, there are many places to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Byron Bay?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Melbourne and Byron Bay.

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 Byron Bay. In the past, this was never a shopping town, but in recent years it has attracted fashion icons and free spirits. There are many boutique shops on the main streets in town and there are still quirky stores that offer the unexpected.

Is Melbourne or Byron Bay Better for Families?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Melbourne is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Byron Bay is a family-friendly city. It's laid back vibe and beautiful beaches offer a great place for families to vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and, while there aren't the theme parks and kid-centered activities of some places, there is still plenty to enjoy in the area.

Is Melbourne or Byron Bay Better for Couples?

Byron Bay is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Byron Bay makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's known for its instagram-worthy settings and its popularity with influencers. Couples will appreciate the laid back vibe and chill beach scene. There are great restaurants and plenty of nice hotels and resorts to choose from.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Melbourne or Byron Bay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay. It's lost some of its original hippie surf town vibe, but there is still a great backpacker scene. Now it's more popular with the influencer crowd, but the party scene and beautiful beaches attract backpackers as well.

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 Byron Bay Better for Students?

Melbourne is a must-visit destination for students. However, Byron Bay is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. 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.

Byron Bay is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Byron Bay is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Byron Bay. There is a bus service that is provided by Blanch's Bus Company.

Is Melbourne or Byron Bay a more walkable city?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Byron Bay is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Byron Bay is a somewhat walkable city. The town itself is compact and it's possible to explore on foot, but if you want to go further you'll need to have access to a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Byron Bay Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Byron Bay or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Byron Bay?

Both Melbourne and Byron Bay have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Byron Bay than in Melbourne. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 3-7 days is enough time in Byron Bay.

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

Couples should spend more time in Byron Bay than Melbourne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Byron Bay that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay.

One day in Melbourne or Byron Bay?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Byron Bay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Byron Bay?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the relaxed destination of Byron Bay. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Byron Bay?

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and food around the vegan-friendly town of Byron Bay. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Byron Bay?

Melbourne 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.

Byron Bay is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Byron Bay, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week 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 Byron Bay, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Byron Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Byron Bay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Byron Bay?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 550 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne and Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Melbourne or Byron Bay in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Byron Bay. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Melbourne is cooler than Byron Bay in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite rainy in Byron Bay. Melbourne usually gets less rain in January than Byron Bay. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

Both Byron Bay and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Melbourne is cooler than Byron Bay. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 20°C (69°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Byron Bay. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Byron Bay in the Winter?

Both Byron Bay and Melbourne during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

In July, Melbourne is generally much colder than Byron Bay. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Melbourne usually gets less rain in July than Byron Bay. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Byron Bay in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Byron Bay. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Melbourne is cooler than Byron Bay in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In October, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Byron Bay. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Melbourne