Comparison · Hobart vs Melbourne · Australia
Hobart vs Melbourne
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: File:Franklin Wharf 2015.jpg : Michael fromholtz derivative work: Georgfotoart, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Hobart for MONA and Salamanca Market; choose Melbourne for Laneway cafés, Street art and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 598 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 598 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Hobart
- December–March
- Best time for Melbourne
- February–April and October–November
Side by side
| Hobart | Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Australia | Australia |
| Known for | MONA, Salamanca Market and kunanyi/Mount Wellington | Laneway cafés, Street art and Trams |
| Best time to visit | December–March | February–April and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $180–$320 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | January, 22°C (72°F) | January, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | July, 12°C (54°F) | June, 14°C (57°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 12 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | Kingston Beach | St Kilda Beach |
| Airports | HBA | MEL, AVV |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Hobart for…
MONA and Salamanca Market. Hobart is Australia's second-oldest capital, founded in 1804 on the Derwent estuary below kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Its Georgian sandstone warehouses at Salamanca Place, the cottages of Battery Point and the working fishing docks make the waterfront easy to…
Choose Melbourne for…
Laneway cafés, Street art and free sights. Melbourne is a grid-planned city on the Yarra River, known less for single landmarks than for laneway cafés, galleries, sport and food. The CBD's Hoddle Grid is covered by a free tram zone, and inner suburbs such as Fitzroy, Carlton, Richmond and St Kilda…
Top sights compared
| # | Hobart | Melbourne |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MONA – Museum of Old and New Art | Federation Square and Flinders Street Station |
| 2 | Salamanca Market | Hosier Lane and the CBD laneways |
| 3 | Salamanca Place | National Gallery of Victoria |
| 4 | Battery Point and Arthur Circus | Queen Victoria Market |
| 5 | kunanyi/Mount Wellington | Royal Botanic Gardens |
Food compared
| Hobart | Melbourne |
|---|---|
| Tasmanian oysters | Specialty coffee and the 'magic' |
| Scallop pie | Melbourne brunch |
| Fish and chips | Dim sim |
| Tasmanian salmon | Souvlaki |
Which is cheaper?
Hobart and Melbourne cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $180–$320 in Hobart and $180–$320 in Melbourne (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Hobart on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Hobart and Melbourne are about 598 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Hobart and 5 in Melbourne.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Hobart or Melbourne cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 in Hobart and $180–$320 in Melbourne (estimates).
+Is Hobart or Melbourne better for a first trip?
Pick Hobart for MONA and Salamanca Market, or Melbourne for Laneway cafés, Street art and free sights.
+How far is Hobart from Melbourne?
About 598 km in a straight line.