A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Noosa Heads vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Noosa Heads or Milford Sound?

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 Milford Sound 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 charming, laid back, and relaxed coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking.

Noosa Heads and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Noosa Heads or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Noosa Heads. Although Noosa Heads and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Noosa Heads has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Noosa Heads is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Noosa Heads is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and surfing culture. It is also home to Noosa Main Beach. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Noosa Heads different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Noosa Heads or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a great fiord for skiing. However, Noosa Heads is not a skiing destination.

Visitors travel far to experience snow skiing in Milford Sound. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Noosa Heads is not a skiing destination.

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

Noosa Heads is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Noosa Heads specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Noosa Heads is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Noosa Heads has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Noosa Heads or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Noosa Heads is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Noosa Heads or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Noosa Heads is an amazing coastal town to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Noosa Heads offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Noosa Heads or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Noosa Heads is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

Around Milford Sound visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Noosa Heads is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Noosa Heads or Milford Sound?

Noosa Heads is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Noosa Heads has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Noosa Heads or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Both Noosa Heads and Milford Sound are very good 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).

Milford Sound is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Noosa Heads or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Both Noosa Heads and Milford Sound are very good 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.

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Noosa Heads or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Noosa Heads is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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 budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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

Noosa Heads is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Noosa Heads or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Noosa Heads is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Milford Sound is not a walkable coastal town. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Noosa Heads?

How long in Noosa Heads or Milford Sound?

Noosa Heads and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Noosa Heads because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Noosa Heads, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Noosa Heads than Milford Sound. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Noosa Heads, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Noosa Heads than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound?

Even though Noosa Heads is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the breathtaking fiord of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Noosa Heads. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the remote destination of Milford Sound. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This fiord 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 Milford Sound?

Noosa Heads is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the breathtaking fiord of Milford Sound. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Milford Sound?

Noosa Heads is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the skiing when visiting Milford Sound. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Noosa Heads and Milford Sound, we can see that Milford Sound is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Noosa Heads or Milford Sound?

Noosa Heads has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Noosa Heads and Milford Sound, 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.