A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Milford Sound can help you decide which place is right for you.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a spectacular, breathtaking, and other-worldly national park. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a world renowned, remote, and iconic fiord. Milford Sound is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Although Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Milford Sound are both popular with visitors, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Milford Sound is known for its skiing. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is more touristy than Milford Sound and is known for its natural beauty and its spiritual and sacred significance in the Anangu culture. It is also home to Uluru. Milford Sound is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Milford Sound and Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). The Cultural Center offers information on the local Anangu culture. Also make sure you visit Field of Light, which is an art installation that is impressive. Wintjiri Arts and Museum is another local spot that is worth visiting.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many of the dining options are connected with the resorts in the area. A bucket list experience is to enjoy outdoor dining with a 4 or 5 course menu under the desert moon. Many visitors also enjoy the unique experience of an outdoor barbecue, complete with local foods and a stunning sunset view. There are several fine dining options in the area, and a handful of budget-friendly places to eat as well.

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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Dining under the stars is the best way to experience a night at Uluru.

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

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound Better for Resorts?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) to choose from. While there is nowhere to stay inside the park, just outside there are many resorts and hotels. Many of the options in the area are run by one or two companies. There are also campgrounds nearby.

Milford Sound is not a resort destination.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

You'll find first-rate hiking in both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Milford Sound.

Many people visit Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) specifically for its hiking. There are countless walks in the area that pass by stunning viewpoints and surreal rock formations. You can feel the natural beauty and the spirituality of the park as you soak up the other-worldly landscape. Out of respect for the people and nature, always stay on marked trails.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find everything you need as far as forgotten essentials and tourist souvenirs nearby.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Milford Sound are somewhat similar when it comes to the first-rate scenery.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's dramatic beauty and spiritual setting make this an iconic destination. It's particularly striking at sunrise and sunset.

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.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is very family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will benefit from learning about the local Anangu culture. You can visit the Cultural Center or take an informative guided tour of the area. A visit to the Field of Lights is sure to impress as well. Other family-friendly activities include camel rides, beautiful hikes, helicopter rides and reptile shows.

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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is an amazing national park to visit for couples. Also, Milford Sound is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The natural and spiritual beauty of this sight make it a truly romantic destination. Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular. There are also romantic resorts, adventure-filled activities, and unique dining opportunities that will make this an amazing honeymoon or anniversary trip.

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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Many backpackers choose to stay at a hostel or campground near the sight. There are also some cheaper tour options that cater to the backpacker crowd.

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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Milford Sound is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). There's no public transit or taxis in the area, but there is a hop-on hop-off bus as well as private bus tours and rental cars that you can arrange.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its walkability.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a somewhat walkable national park. There are many walks in the area, and seeing Uluru on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to explore.

Milford Sound is not a walkable national park. 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Worth Visiting? and Is Milford Sound Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

How long in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock).

One day in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the spectacular destination of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the hiking, 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 destination of Milford Sound. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A weekend in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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.

Visitors enjoy the skiing when visiting the breathtaking destination of Milford Sound. It offers something for everyone. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this fiord makes for a great vacation. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this fiord.

Five days in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This national park 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 beautiful destination of Milford Sound. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days here is typical. Your budget might influence how long you stay. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this fiord.

A week in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Milford Sound?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful national park of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people visit for the hiking. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Milford Sound, we can see that Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Expensive? and Is Milford Sound Expensive?.