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

Should you visit Sydney or Milford Sound?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Milford Sound, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sydney

Sydney is a energetic, outdoorsy, and adventurous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Sydney travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a remote, iconic, and breathtaking fiord. The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Sydney and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney. Although Sydney and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Sydney has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sydney is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Sydney is more touristy than Milford Sound and is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Sydney different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Sydney or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is well known for winter skiing. However, Sydney is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. 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.

Sydney is not a skiing destination.

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

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Sydney has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

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 Sydney or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Sydney has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Sydney or Milford Sound Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Milford Sound is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sydney or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Sydney offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Sydney or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Known for its hiking, Milford Sound draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Milford Sound?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Sydney specifically to go shopping. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sydney or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Milford Sound is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Sydney is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Is Sydney or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Sydney is very family-friendly. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

Milford Sound is 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 Sydney or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Sydney is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Sydney or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Sydney is a very popular place to visit for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

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

Sydney is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Sydney is top-notch. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

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

Sydney is a very walkable destination. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. 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 Sydney Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Milford Sound?

Sydney and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sydney than Milford Sound because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sydney, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

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

One day in Sydney or Milford Sound?

Sydney is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the destination of Milford Sound. 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.

A weekend in Sydney or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sydney. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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.

Five days in Sydney or Milford Sound?

Sydney is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milford Sound. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Milford Sound?

Sydney is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the skiing when visiting the world renowned destination of Milford Sound. This fiord 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Milford Sound?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 10100 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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.