A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hobart vs. Picton for Attractions, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Hobart or Picton?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hobart and Picton 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.

Hobart

Hobart is a quaint, historical, and charming city. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping. See Hobart travel costs.

Picton

Picton is a picturesque, scenic, and quaint town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Picton travel costs.

Hobart and Picton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hobart or Picton?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Picton. Although Hobart and Picton are both popular with visitors, Picton has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Picton is more popular for its beaches and small town charm, while Hobart is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Hobart is popular for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Picton is popular for its picturesque scenery, laid back setting, and beautiful walking trails. It is also home to the Queen Charlotte Track.

How is Hobart different from Picton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hobart or Picton?

Hobart is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hobart. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

Picton is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a few local museums around town that are fun to visit with the weather isn't cooperating. Edwin Fox Ship is the world's oldest merchant ship. You can also learn about the town's whaling past at the Picton Heritage and Whaling Museum.

Is the Food Better in Hobart or Picton? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Hobart and Picton.

Hobart has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Dining out in Picton is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with restaurants that stay true to New Zealand's culinary traditions. Mussels and salmon are common on menus, and there are many bakeries and waterfront cafes to try.

Is Hobart or Picton Better for Nightlife?

Hobart is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Picton is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Picton. It's a small town with a quiet and calm atmosphere.

Is Hobart or Picton Better for Beaches?

Picton is great for the beach. However, Hobart is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Picton attract visitors from all over. There are four beaches in the area. Picton Beach is by the town center and near many restaurants and cafes. About a ten minute walk from town is Shelley Beach and if you're up for more walking, Bob's Bay is secluded and nice. If you have a car you can make it to Governer's Bay.

Hobart is not a beach destination.

Is Hobart or Picton Better for Hiking?

Both Hobart and Picton are destinations which offer very good hiking.

Many visitors go to Hobart for the hiking trails. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

Picton is a popular spot for hiking. There are many nice walking paths in the area and this is a great way to explore, reach beaches, and see the surrounding landscapes. If you're up for a longer trip, Queen Charlotte Track is a popular trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Hobart or Picton?

Hobart is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Picton is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hobart. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Picton. There are a few galleries and local shops around town.

Is Hobart or Picton Better for Families?

Both Hobart and Picton are very good to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hobart is very family-friendly. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Picton is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy taking a boat cruise to Motuara Island. You can see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife. There are also wildlife centers in the area, family-friendly walking trails, museums, aquariums, and kayaking opportunities.

Is Hobart or Picton Better for Couples?

Both Hobart and Picton are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hobart is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

Picton is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic and quaint bed and breakfasts, beautiful walking paths, wildlife encounters, and many more fun activities for couples. Kayak trips, vineyard tours, and local spas make this a great couple's getaway destination.

Is Hobart or Picton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Picton is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Picton. There are plenty of hostels in the area as well as great transportation links, making this a great spot for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hobart. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

Is Hobart or Picton Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hobart and Picton both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Hobart offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

Picton has a few public transit options. There are water taxis but no buses around town.

Is Hobart or Picton a more walkable city?

Hobart and Picton are very good when it comes to walkability.

Hobart is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

Picton is a very walkable destination. It's a quaint and compact town that's easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Hobart Worth Visiting? and Is Picton Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Picton or Hobart?

How long in Hobart or Picton?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hobart or Picton to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Hobart than Picton because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Hobart, and 1-2 days is enough time in Picton.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Picton than Hobart 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 Picton.

One day in Hobart or Picton?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hobart. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Picton. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Hobart or Picton?

Hobart is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Picton is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Hobart or Picton?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hobart. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Picton. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Hobart or Picton?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Hobart. This city 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Picton. This town 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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hobart or Picton?

Hobart has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Hobart and Picton, 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 Hobart or Picton?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Hobart or Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton and Hobart during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hobart this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hobart is around the same temperature as Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hobart in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Hobart usually gets less rain in January than Picton. Hobart gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hobart or Picton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hobart and Picton. Many travelers come to Hobart for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Picton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In April, Hobart is generally around the same temperature as Picton. Daily temperatures in Hobart average around 14°C (57°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In April, Hobart usually receives less rain than Picton. Hobart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hobart or Picton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hobart as well as Picton. Many visitors come to Hobart in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hobart is cooler than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Hobart averages around 9°C (47°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Picton. Hobart usually gets less rain in July than Picton. Hobart gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hobart or Picton in the Spring?

Both Picton and Hobart are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Hobart is around the same temperature as Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hobart in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In October, Hobart usually receives less rain than Picton. Hobart gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Picton and Hobart