A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Melbourne vs. Hobart for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Melbourne or Hobart?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Hobart? 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. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hobart

Hobart is a historical, charming, and fascinating city. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Hobart?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Hobart, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Melbourne is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Hobart is more popular for its hiking. Hobart is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. 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 Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Hobart specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Both Melbourne and Hobart offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific 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.

Dining out in Hobart is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Melbourne or Hobart Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Melbourne for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Is Melbourne or Hobart Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is great for the beache. However, Hobart is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. 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.

Hobart is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Hobart Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Hobart?

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

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 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.

Is Melbourne or Hobart Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Hobart.

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.

Hobart is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Melbourne or Hobart Better for Couples?

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

Hobart makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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 Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Hobart are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. 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.

Hobart is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

Is Melbourne or Hobart Better for Students?

Melbourne is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Hobart 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.

Hobart is not popular with students.

Is Melbourne or Hobart 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, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Melbourne has some very good public transit options. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Hobart has a few 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.

Is Melbourne or Hobart a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Hobart are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Hobart?

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

Families should spend more time in Melbourne than Hobart. 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 Hobart than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne than Hobart 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 Melbourne.

One day in Melbourne or Hobart?

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Hobart. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Hobart?

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fascinating destination of Hobart. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Five days in Melbourne or Hobart?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Hobart. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Hobart?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the progressive big city of Melbourne. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Hobart is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, and The Best Walking Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Hobart, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Hobart much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hobart would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hobart 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 Hobart.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Hobart?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hobart. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne and Hobart, 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 Hobart?

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 Hobart in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Hobart. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Hobart for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Melbourne is a little warmer than Hobart in the summer. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hobart 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 Hobart during summer. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 259 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Melbourne usually receives more rain than Hobart. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Melbourne or Hobart in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Hobart. 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 Hobart because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Melbourne is around the same temperature as Hobart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Melbourne in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Hobart averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Melbourne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hobart. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 178 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets more rain in April than Hobart. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Hobart in the Winter?

Both Hobart and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Hobart this time of year.

In July, Melbourne is generally around the same temperature as Hobart. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 9°C (49°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Hobart during winter. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Hobart receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Hobart. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Melbourne or Hobart in the Spring?

Both Hobart and Melbourne during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

Melbourne is around the same temperature as Hobart in the spring. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Hobart, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the spring, Melbourne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hobart. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hobart receives 209 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hobart. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hobart and Melbourne