A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park? 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a breathtaking, undeveloped, and remote national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking.

Melbourne and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Melbourne is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Melbourne is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Melbourne different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Melbourne
Mount Aspiring National Park

Melbourne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Melbourne can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne
Mount Aspiring National Park

Melbourne is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne
Mount Aspiring National Park

Melbourne is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Melbourne
Mount Aspiring National Park

Melbourne is a well-known place for the beache. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Melbourne. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Melbourne
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

People visit Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Melbourne
Mount Aspiring National Park

Melbourne is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Melbourne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Melbourne
Mount Aspiring National Park

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.


Is Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Melbourne
Mount Aspiring National Park

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

Mount Aspiring National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Mount Aspiring National Park is extremely popular for backpackers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Students?

Melbourne
Mount Aspiring National Park

Melbourne is very popular for students. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a great destination 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not popular with students.


Is Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Melbourne
Mount Aspiring National Park

Melbourne is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Melbourne can get you to some places 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Melbourne
Mount Aspiring National Park

Melbourne is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable city. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Melbourne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Melbourne than Mount Aspiring National Park . However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Melbourne than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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.


  • How many days in Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Ideal Length of Stay
    Melbourne 2-5 
    Mount Aspiring National Park  2-5

One day in Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Melbourne is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find around the national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer.

You'll find around the remote destination of Mount Aspiring National Park. 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 national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Melbourne has to offer.

You'll find around the breathtaking national park of Mount Aspiring National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this national park 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 national park has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly city of Melbourne. Most people come for the beaches. It offers something for everyone. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Mount Aspiring National Park or Melbourne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Melbourne is $176, while the average daily cost in Mount Aspiring National Park is $109. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Melbourne and Mount Aspiring National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Melbourne $118
    Mount Aspiring National Park $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Melbourne $236
    Mount Aspiring National Park $118
Compare Hotels in Melbourne and Mount Aspiring National Park

Looking for a hotel in Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Melbourne


Hotels in Mount Aspiring National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Melbourne Hotel Prices and Mount Aspiring National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Melbourne $19
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Melbourne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:


  • Airport Bus
    $10
  • Tram Ride
    $2.47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne

Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Melbourne Airport: Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center: $16
  • Melbourne Airport: One-Way Transfer to Melbourne: $29
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne Cruise Port to Melbourne hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne Port: $52
  • Private Car Transfer Melbourne Airport To CBD: $79
  • From Melbourne Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Melbourne: $79
  • Nighttime Private City Tour with Transfer & Stops: $80
  • Melbourne Airport: 1-Way Melbourne Airport Private Transfer: $85
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Melbourne Airports: $86
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Melbourne Airports to Hotel: $86
  • Luxury Airport Transfers & Best Limo Service in Melbourne: $87
  • Mt Buller 1 Day Snow Tour (Direct Transfer To Mt Buller Village From Melbourne): $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Melbourne or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Prices for flights to both Mount Aspiring National Park and Melbourne change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Melbourne $30
    Mount Aspiring National Park $18
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    $2.60
  • Pizza
    $4.54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
  • Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $78
  • Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $79
  • Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
  • The Q Train - Table For 2 - Dinner (Departing Drysdale): $92
  • Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $97
  • Secret Food Tour: $109
  • Chinese Cooking Class Master: $118
  • Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise: $122
  • Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass: $129
  • Indian Cooking Master Class: $130
  • Street Food of Asia Cooking Class: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Melbourne $27
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29

Tours and Activities in Melbourne

For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Melbourne:Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Melbourne Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $3.27
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Marvellous A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Melbourne Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • MoPA Children's Museum Admission Ticket: $9.15
  • Scienceworks Entry Ticket: $9.80
  • Immigration Museum Entry Ticket: $9.80
  • Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket: $9.80
  • Melbourne Gardens Explorer Minibus Tour: $9.80
  • Questo Self-guided Haunted Melbourne Walking Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Melbourne $17
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.09
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $5.03

Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne

Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Melbourne Pub Crawl: $17
  • Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $19
  • Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $25
  • Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $33
  • Laid back,Small-Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour :Wine,Gin,Cider+more: $86
  • Yarra Valley Wine Tour inc lunch with a glass of wine, tastings and chocolate: $116
  • Yarra Valley Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $127
  • Southern Gippsland boutique Wine Tour with Tapas from Melbourne : $139
  • Wine Tour Yarra Valley, Vic - inc. 2 course lunch + glass of wine: $165
  • Yarra Valley Premium Tour Lunch and Sparkling Wine Tasting at Domaine Chandon: $179
  • Champion Racehorse Tour with Beer and Wine Tasting: $192
  • Yarra Valley Full Day Private Wine Tour : $245


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

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