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

Should you visit Melbourne or Katoomba?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Katoomba? 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a peaceful, serene, and natural 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. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Melbourne and Katoomba: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Katoomba?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne. Although Melbourne and Katoomba are popular destinations, Melbourne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Melbourne is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Katoomba attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Katoomba is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Melbourne is famous for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also well known for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Melbourne different from Katoomba?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Melbourne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Katoomba offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Melbourne makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Katoomba has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Melbourne or Katoomba Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Melbourne offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

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.

Is Melbourne or Katoomba Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Melbourne for it's beautiful 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.

Katoomba is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Katoomba Better for Hiking?

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

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

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Katoomba?

Melbourne is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Melbourne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Katoomba. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Is Melbourne or Katoomba Better for Families?

Katoomba is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Katoomba is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

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

Is Melbourne or Katoomba Better for Couples?

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

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

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 Katoomba Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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 Katoomba Better for Students?

Melbourne is a world-class destination for students. However, Katoomba is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit 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.

Katoomba is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Katoomba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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.

Is Melbourne or Katoomba a more walkable city?

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

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Katoomba or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Katoomba?

It's fun to spend time in either Melbourne or Katoomba. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Melbourne due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Katoomba.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba 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 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 Katoomba, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. And not only is Katoomba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Katoomba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Katoomba 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 Katoomba.

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Katoomba?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Katoomba. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne and Katoomba, 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 Katoomba?

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 Katoomba in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Katoomba. Most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Katoomba because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Melbourne is generally cooler than Katoomba. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 20°C (68°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In the summer, Melbourne often gets more sunshine than Katoomba. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 236 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Katoomba. Melbourne usually gets less rain in January than Katoomba. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Katoomba in the Autumn?

Both Katoomba and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.

Melbourne is cooler than Katoomba in the autumn. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during autumn. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In April, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Katoomba. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Melbourne or Katoomba in the Winter?

Both Katoomba and Melbourne during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Melbourne is cooler than Katoomba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Melbourne in July average around 9°C (49°F), and Katoomba averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Katoomba, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Katoomba. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katoomba receives 208 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets more rain in July than Katoomba. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Katoomba in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Katoomba. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In October, Melbourne is generally cooler than Katoomba. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 14°C (57°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Katoomba this time of the year. In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Katoomba during spring. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Katoomba receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Melbourne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Katoomba. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Melbourne