A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Queenstown for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Melbourne or Queenstown?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Queenstown? 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.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a outdoorsy, nature-oriented, and spirited city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Melbourne and Queenstown: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Queenstown?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne. Although Melbourne and Queenstown are popular destinations, Melbourne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Melbourne is very popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Queenstown attracts visitors for its skiing, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Queenstown is more touristy than Melbourne and is popular for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery. 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 Queenstown?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Melbourne or Queenstown Better for Skiing?

Queenstown is very popular for skiing and snowboarding. However, Melbourne is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Queenstown should be on your list. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.

Melbourne is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Melbourne or Queenstown?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city 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.

While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.

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

Queenstown is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Queenstown is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.

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

Is Melbourne or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Queenstown.

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.

Queenstown is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.

Is Melbourne or Queenstown Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Queenstown 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.

Queenstown is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Queenstown Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Queenstown specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Queenstown?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Melbourne and Queenstown.

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 Queenstown. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.

Is Melbourne or Queenstown Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Queenstown.

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.

Queenstown is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.

Is Melbourne or Queenstown Better for Couples?

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

Queenstown makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.

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 Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Queenstown 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, Queenstown is extremely popular for backpackers. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.

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 Queenstown Better for Students?

Melbourne is a world-class destination for students. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.

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

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

Public transit in Melbourne is fairly effecient and thorough. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.

Is Melbourne or Queenstown a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Queenstown are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Queenstown is a very walkable destination. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Queenstown?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.

One day in Melbourne or Queenstown?

When visiting Melbourne, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Queenstown. 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 Queenstown?

When visiting Melbourne, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the adventure-filled destination of Queenstown. 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 Queenstown?

Melbourne, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the spirited city of Queenstown. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Melbourne or Queenstown?

Melbourne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Queenstown is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Queenstown, 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 Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Queenstown?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne and Queenstown, 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.