A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Newcastle vs. Melbourne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Newcastle or Melbourne?

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

Should I visit Newcastle or Melbourne? 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.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a coastal, vibrant, and high energy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a livable, friendly, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle or Melbourne?

Both Melbourne and Newcastle have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Newcastle is more popular for its hiking, while Melbourne is known for its big city activities. Newcastle is popular for its bustling harbor, sandy beaches, and coastal walks. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Newcastle different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Newcastle or Melbourne.

Newcastle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are some interesting sights around town such as Nobbys Lighthouse. There's also the popular Ocean Baths. These pools offer a nice break from the surf. You can also check out the sights along the Newcastle Memorial Walk. For a history lesson, head to Fort Scratchley.

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Newcastle and Melbourne.

Dining out in Newcastle is an experience not to be missed. It's a moderately sized city, so you'll find a good mix of restaurants. Head to the beachfront if you want fine dining and good seafood. There are also some good breweries and cafes, as well as brunch places and international flavors around town.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Is Newcastle or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Both Newcastle and Melbourne are high quality when it comes to partying.

Newcastle offers plenty to do in the evening. It's a vibrant city, and the best nightlife can be found in the Honeysuckle Precinct. This is where you'll find the largest number of bars and pubs. Hunter Street is also a cool hangout area where you'll find the hidden gems where the locals hang out. Civic Theatre is the place to see a show.

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.

Is Newcastle or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Newcastle and Melbourne are high quality choices.

Newcastle is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches in and near the city. Nobbys Beach is the most popular and you'll find families, surfers, and locals hanging out here. Newcastle Beach is also popular with its many restaurants and cafes.

Melbourne is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Is Newcastle or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

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

Newcastle is a good destination for hiking. There are many places to enjoy a stroll or hike near town. The most famous walk is the Bathers Way Walk, which runs along the coastline and offers spectacular views. It's particularly nice during the winter whale watching season.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle or Melbourne?

Both Newcastle and Melbourne are high quality shopping destinations.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Newcastle. It's gained popularity for its trendy fashions and chic style. You'll find great shopping around town that highlight both local and international brands.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Newcastle or Melbourne Better for Families?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Newcastle is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the long sandy beaches, but there's also a working harbor that you can explore. You can also visit the Newcastle Museum or try one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Newcastle or Melbourne Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Newcastle and Melbourne make for a good place to visit.

Newcastle is a good city for couples to visit. The city has some great restaurants as well as many coastal walks and a vibrant nightlife scene that couples enjoy.

Melbourne is a nice destination for couples. 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 Newcastle or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Newcastle and Melbourne are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Newcastle. While it's not Australia's most popular backpacker destination, there are some hostels and a good nightlife scene that are worth checking out.

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 Newcastle or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is terrific for students. However, Newcastle is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Melbourne. 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.

Newcastle is not popular with students.

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

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

The public transit in Melbourne can get you to most places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Newcastle has some public transit options. There's both a light rail system and a bus system.

Is Newcastle or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Melbourne is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Newcastle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Newcastle is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Newcastle?

How long in Newcastle or Melbourne?

In either Newcastle or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Melbourne than Newcastle because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Newcastle, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Newcastle. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Newcastle or Melbourne?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Newcastle. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Newcastle or Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Newcastle. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

People visit Melbourne because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Newcastle or Melbourne?

Newcastle is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Newcastle or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Newcastle. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle and Melbourne, 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 Newcastle or Melbourne?

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 Newcastle or Melbourne in the Summer?

Both Melbourne and Newcastle during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Newcastle because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In January, Newcastle is generally a little warmer than Melbourne. Daily temperatures in Newcastle average around 22°C (72°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Newcastle. In the summer, Newcastle often gets less sunshine than Melbourne. Newcastle gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. Newcastle usually gets more rain in January than Melbourne. Newcastle gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle and Melbourne. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Newcastle this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Newcastle is a little warmer than Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newcastle averages around 19°C (67°F) in April, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Newcastle usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during autumn. Newcastle gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Newcastle gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Newcastle usually receives more rain than Melbourne. Newcastle gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle or Melbourne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Newcastle as well as Melbourne. Many travelers come to Newcastle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Newcastle is a little warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newcastle in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newcastle this time of the year. In the winter, Newcastle often gets more sunshine than Melbourne. Newcastle gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun.

Newcastle usually gets more rain in July than Melbourne. Newcastle gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Newcastle are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Newcastle in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Melbourne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Newcastle. Newcastle usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during spring. Newcastle gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Newcastle usually receives more rain than Melbourne. Newcastle gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Newcastle