A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Melbourne or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Milford Sound? 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 friendly, cultural, and progressive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking.

Melbourne and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Melbourne. Although Melbourne and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Melbourne has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Melbourne is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also home to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Melbourne different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Melbourne or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Melbourne is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Melbourne is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Melbourne or Milford Sound?

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Melbourne or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Melbourne has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Melbourne or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Milford Sound?

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Melbourne. 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Melbourne or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Milford Sound.

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.

Milford Sound is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Melbourne or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Milford Sound makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Milford Sound are both good 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.

Milford Sound is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Melbourne or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Melbourne is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Melbourne offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Melbourne or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Melbourne is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Milford Sound?

Melbourne and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Melbourne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Melbourne than Milford Sound. 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 Melbourne than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find skiing around the fiord of Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find skiing around the breathtaking destination of Milford Sound. 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 fiord has to offer. This fiord offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Milford Sound?

Melbourne is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find skiing around the world renowned fiord of Milford Sound. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this fiord makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this fiord has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Melbourne. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milford Sound 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Milford Sound?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 8580 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne and Milford Sound, 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.