A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Noosa Heads vs. Hobart for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Noosa Heads or Hobart?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Noosa Heads and Hobart can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads is a relaxed, peaceful, and scenic coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hobart

Hobart is a fascinating, quaint, and historical city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Noosa Heads and Hobart: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Noosa Heads or Hobart?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Noosa Heads than Hobart, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Noosa Heads is better known for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Hobart is more popular for its museums and shopping. Noosa Heads is well known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. Also, Noosa Heads is famous for Noosa Main Beach. Hobart is well known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails.

How is Noosa Heads different from Hobart?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Noosa Heads or Hobart?

Noosa Heads
Hobart

Hobart is a great city for its historical sights. However, Noosa Heads is not known for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hobart. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

Noosa Heads offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. As a holiday destination, it is all about the beaches and laid back natural beauty. You'll find little in the form of museums, but do make your way to Laguna Lookout to take in the view.


Is the Food Better in Noosa Heads or Hobart? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Noosa Heads
Hobart

Both Noosa Heads and Hobart offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

Noosa Heads has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The scenic setting means that there are peaceful restaurants that look out on the sea or river. Many restaurants use local ingredients from nearby farms. Farm-to-table is a popular concept here, and there are many sustainable seafood dishes that use locally caught fish.

Dining out in Hobart is an experience not to be missed. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Is Noosa Heads or Hobart Better for Nightlife?

Noosa Heads
Hobart

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Noosa Heads and Hobart.

If you're looking for night time activities Noosa Heads has a few options to choose from. There are a number of pubs and bars that have opened around town. You'll find cocktail lounges, beer gardens, an plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Is Noosa Heads or Hobart Better for Beaches?

Noosa Heads
Hobart

Noosa Heads is renowned for the beache. However, Hobart is not a beach destination.

Noosa Heads is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Visitors come for the laid back vibe and the spectacular beaches. For swimming, head to Noosa Main Beach. There's also surfing at the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and a peaceful and natural setting at Noosa National park.

Hobart is not a beach destination.


Is Noosa Heads or Hobart Better for Hiking?

Noosa Heads
Hobart

Both Noosa Heads and Hobart are destinations which offer great hiking.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads for the hiking trails. There are hiking trails that take in the coastal views or you can head inland and wander through wooded landscapes. Some of the best hiking trails are found at Noosa National Park.

Hobart is a popular spot for hiking. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

Is the Shopping Better in Noosa Heads or Hobart?

Noosa Heads
Hobart

Hobart is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Hobart is well-known for its shopping. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

Many visitors go to Noosa Heads to go shopping. The main shopping street through town is Hastings Street. It's where you'll find beachside boutiques, impressive art galleries, as well as international brands.

Is Noosa Heads or Hobart Better for Families?

Noosa Heads
Hobart

Both Noosa Heads and Hobart are great to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Noosa Heads is very family-friendly. There are playgrounds and green space where you can picnic at the Noosa Villages. Kids will also enjoy taking ferry rides and exploring Noosa National Park. Also nearby is the impressive K'Gari (Fraser Island).

Hobart is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.


Is Noosa Heads or Hobart Better for Couples?

Noosa Heads
Hobart

Both Noosa Heads and Hobart are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Noosa Heads is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with romantic beaches and fun outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. There are plenty of places to hike and explore, as well as sunset cruises and dolphin spotting tours. You can also unwind with a spa day or sip wine by the sea.

Hobart is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

Is Noosa Heads or Hobart Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Noosa Heads
Hobart

Noosa Heads is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Noosa Heads. The laid back atmosphere makes this a long running stop for backpackers to Australia. There are a number of hostels to choose from and many ways to explore nature.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

Is Noosa Heads or Hobart Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Noosa Heads
Hobart

Noosa Heads and Hobart both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Noosa Heads offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

Hobart has a few public transit options. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.


Is Noosa Heads or Hobart a more walkable city?

Noosa Heads
Hobart

Noosa Heads and Hobart are great when it comes to walkability.

Noosa Heads is a very walkable coastal town. It's fun to explore the town and surrounding areas on foot. There are walking and bike paths throughout.

Hobart is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Noosa Heads Worth Visiting? and Is Hobart Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hobart or Noosa Heads?

How long in Noosa Heads or Hobart?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Noosa Heads and Hobart. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Noosa Heads than in Hobart. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Noosa Heads, and 2-3 days is enough time in Hobart.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Noosa Heads than Hobart 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 Noosa Heads.


  • How many days in Noosa Heads or Hobart? Ideal Length of Stay
    Noosa Heads 2-4 
    Hobart 2-3

One day in Noosa Heads or Hobart?

Noosa Heads might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Hobart. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Noosa Heads or Hobart?

Noosa Heads is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating destination of Hobart. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Noosa Heads or Hobart?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Noosa Heads. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The quaint city of Hobart offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Noosa Heads or Hobart?

Noosa Heads is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Hobart. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney.


Which place is cheaper, Hobart or Noosa Heads?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Noosa Heads is $110, while the average daily cost in Hobart is $134. 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 Noosa Heads and Hobart in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Noosa Heads $58
    Hobart $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Noosa Heads $116
    Hobart $152
Compare Hotels in Noosa Heads and Hobart

Looking for a hotel in Noosa Heads or Hobart? 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 Noosa Heads


Hotels in Hobart


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: Noosa Heads Hotel Prices and Hobart Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Noosa Heads $17
    Hobart $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Noosa Heads

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

  • Premium Airport/ Cruise Terminal Transfers: $232
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $216
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (8pax): $127
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa up to 5 pax: $121
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (6pax): $114
  • Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa up to 3 pax: $101
  • Private Transfer from Noosa to Sunshine Coast Airport up to 3 pax: $101
  • Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (4pax): $98
  • Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $88
  • Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa, Coolum, Marcoola & Twin Waters: $78
  • Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer from Noosa, Noosaville & Mooloolaba: $31
  • Sunshine Coast and Noosa Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hobart

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

  • Port Arthur Return Transfer, mimimum 4 passengers : $216
  • Private Transfer from Hobart City Hotels to Arthur Cruise Port : $50
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Airport (HBA) to Arthur Cruise Port: $50
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Cruise Port to Hobart Airport (HBA): $29
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Airport (HBA) to Hobart Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Hobart Cruise Port to Hobart city hotels: $29
  • Private Transfer from Hobart City Hotels to Hobart Cruise Port: $29
  • Grand Cayman Shared Airport Transfer: $22
  • Hobart Airport: Express Bus Transfer to Hobart City: $13

Is it cheaper to fly into Noosa Heads or Hobart?

Prices for flights to both Hobart and Noosa Heads 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
    Noosa Heads $33
    Hobart $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Noosa Heads

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

  • Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Noosa Heads $40
    Hobart $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Noosa Heads

For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Surf Lesson
    $42
  • Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)
    $84
  • Sunset Cruise (for 2)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Noosa Heads.

  • 1 Hour Self Guided Water Bike Tour of the Noosa River: $33
  • 2 Hours Sunset Experience on Noosa River: $21
  • Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $33
  • Australia Zoo, Glass House Mountains Tour Combo: $182
  • Brisbane Airport and Cruise Terminal to Sunshine Coast 11 pax: $258
  • Bushtucker Cruise: $49
  • Epic Kayak With Dolphins & Wildlife - 4WD Beach Adventure Noosa: $105
  • Everglades Explorer - Noosa Everglades Tour: $97
  • Fliteboard eFoil Experience for Two People in Noosaville: $235
  • Fliteboard eFoil Lesson and Experience: $176
  • Glass House Mountains Tour with Lunch, Lookouts, and Nature Walks: $169
  • Maleny Botanic Gardens Bird Aviary Experience Ticket: $27

Tours and Activities in Hobart

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hobart.

  • Grand Hobart with Richmond Village Tour: $95
  • 2-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour of Hobart: $25
  • 3 day Tasmanian highlights tour – Hobart, Port Arthur and Bruny Island: $206
  • 48 Hour Hobart City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $32
  • Art and History Trail Walking Tour in Tasmania: $25
  • Bonorong Wildlife Park and Richmond Afternoon Tour from Hobart: $76
  • Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary Half-Day Tour from Hobart: $75
  • Bruny Island Food, Sightseeing, Guided Lighthouse Tour & Lunch : $170
  • Bruny Island Traveller - Gourmet Tasting and Sightseeing Day Trip from Hobart: $173
  • Cruise Ship Wine Shore Excursion: $160
  • Day Tour in Mt. Field, Mt. Wellington, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Richmond: $117
  • Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise From Hobart: $18

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Noosa Heads $10
    Hobart $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads

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

  • Eumundi Market and Distillery Experience Market Days Wednesday & Saturday: $92
  • Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $160
  • Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $163
  • Sunshine Coast & Noosa Scenic Food & Wine Tour Inc. Lunch: $171
  • Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour- visit 2 distilleries, a winery and a brewery : $193
  • Noosa Hinterland Drinks Private Tour with Gin, Beer, Mead & Wine Tastings: $274

Sample the Local Flavors in Hobart

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

  • Tasmanian Premium Wine Tour with Tasmanian Cheese Platter: $134
  • Signature Wine Tour - Hobart and SE Tasmania: $141
  • Signature Wine Tour from Hobart and Southern Tasmania: $144
  • From Drink Tasmania Whisky Distillery Tour: $192
  • Tasmanian Whisky Distillery Tour: $195
  • Whisky Distillery Tours and Tastings - Hobart/SE Tasmania: $225
  • Tasmanian Tipples: Hobart Distillery Discovery Tours: $225
  • 6 Hour Distillery Guided Tours in Tasmania with Lunch and Tasting: $229
  • Whisky Distillery Tours and Tastings in Hobart and SE Tasmania: $229


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Noosa Heads and Hobart, we can see that Hobart is more expensive. And not only is Noosa Heads much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Noosa Heads would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Noosa Heads 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 Hobart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hobart than you might in Noosa Heads.

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


Which is Bigger, Noosa Heads or Hobart?

Hobart has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Noosa Heads and Hobart, 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 Noosa Heads or Hobart?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Hobart in the Summer?

Both Hobart and Noosa Heads are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hobart this time of year.

Noosa Heads is a little warmer than Hobart in the summer. The daily temperature in Noosa Heads averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Hobart fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Noosa Heads. In January, Noosa Heads usually receives more rain than Hobart. Noosa Heads gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January
    Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F) 
    Hobart 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Hobart in the Autumn?

Both Hobart and Noosa Heads during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hobart for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Noosa Heads is around the same temperature as Hobart. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Noosa Heads in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Hobart averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Noosa Heads usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hobart. Noosa Heads gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April
    Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F) 
    Hobart 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Hobart in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Noosa Heads and Hobart. Many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hobart in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Noosa Heads is generally cooler than Hobart. Daily temperatures in Noosa Heads average around 7°C (44°F), and Hobart fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In July, Noosa Heads usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hobart. Noosa Heads gets 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July
    Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F) 
    Hobart 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Hobart in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Noosa Heads as well as Hobart. Many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Noosa Heads is around the same temperature as Hobart in the spring. The daily temperature in Noosa Heads averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Hobart fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Noosa Heads usually gets more rain in October than Hobart. Noosa Heads gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Hobart receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October
    Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F) 
    Hobart 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Hobart and Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads Hobart
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (67°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 19°C (67°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 18°C (64°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 7°C (44°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 11°C (51°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 76 mm (3 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)