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

Should you visit Noosa Heads or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne 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. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Noosa Heads and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Noosa Heads or Melbourne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Noosa Heads, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Melbourne is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Noosa Heads is more popular for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Noosa Heads is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

How is Noosa Heads different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Melbourne 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 Melbourne?

Melbourne 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 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.

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 Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Noosa Heads and Melbourne offer a number of excellent 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 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 Noosa Heads or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Melbourne is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Melbourne has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Noosa Heads. 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.

Is Noosa Heads or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Noosa Heads is very popular for the beache. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Noosa Heads. 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.

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 Noosa Heads or Melbourne Better for Hiking?

Noosa Heads is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Noosa Heads. 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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Noosa Heads or Melbourne?

Melbourne 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.

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.

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 Melbourne Better for Families?

Both Noosa Heads and Melbourne are excellent 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).

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.

Is Noosa Heads or Melbourne Better for Couples?

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

Noosa Heads makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Melbourne is a good coastal town 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 Noosa Heads or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Noosa Heads is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

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 Noosa Heads or Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Noosa Heads is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular city 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.

Noosa Heads is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

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).

Noosa Heads has a few public transit options. There's a ferry that travels along the river. There are also buses that travel to local destinations.

Is Noosa Heads or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Noosa Heads and Melbourne are excellent 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Noosa Heads?

How long in Noosa Heads or Melbourne?

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

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

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

One day in Noosa Heads or Melbourne?

Even though Noosa Heads is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

Melbourne is a progressive city where you can fill many days. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Melbourne?

Noosa Heads is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. 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 coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Melbourne is a progressive big city where you can fill many days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Melbourne?

Noosa Heads is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Melbourne is a friendly city where you can fill many days. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Noosa Heads or Melbourne?

Noosa Heads 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Melbourne. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Noosa Heads and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne 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 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 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 Melbourne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Noosa Heads or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads or Melbourne?

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 Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Noosa Heads and Melbourne. Many travelers come to Noosa Heads for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Noosa Heads is around the same temperature as Melbourne in the summer. The daily temperature in Noosa Heads averages around 20°C (67°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Noosa Heads gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Noosa Heads usually receives more rain than Melbourne. Noosa Heads gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Noosa Heads as well as Melbourne. Many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Noosa Heads is around the same temperature as Melbourne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Noosa Heads in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Melbourne averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Noosa Heads usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Melbourne. Noosa Heads gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne and Noosa Heads are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Noosa Heads is generally cooler than Melbourne. Daily temperatures in Noosa Heads average around 7°C (44°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In July, Noosa Heads usually receives more rain than Melbourne. Noosa Heads gets 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Noosa Heads or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Noosa Heads during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

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

Noosa Heads usually gets more rain in October than Melbourne. Noosa Heads gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Noosa Heads