A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wollongong vs. Cromwell for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Wollongong or Cromwell?

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

Should I visit Wollongong or Cromwell? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a vibrant, student-friendly, and trendy coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Wollongong travel costs.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a outdoorsy, historical, and cultural town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Cromwell travel costs.

Wollongong and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wollongong or Cromwell?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wollongong. Although Wollongong and Cromwell are both popular with visitors, Wollongong has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wollongong is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Cromwell is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive. Cromwell is popular for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Wollongong different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Wollongong or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a popular place for skiing. However, Wollongong is not a skiing destination.

Head to Cromwell for some great skiing and other winter activities. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Wollongong is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wollongong or Cromwell?

Wollongong is a great coastal city for its historical sights. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Wollongong. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

Is the Food Better in Wollongong or Cromwell? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wollongong is a great coastal city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Wollongong has a huge number of terrific restaurants. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cromwell area. There are charming cafes and bakeries where you can grab a light meal or snack. There are also quaint restaurants and wineries with nice meals available.

Is Wollongong or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Wollongong is a great coastal city for nightlife and partying. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Wollongong has something for everybody. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

Is Wollongong or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is a great coastal city for the beach. However, Cromwell is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Wollongong attract visitors from all over. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Wollongong or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Cromwell is great for hiking. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Cromwell for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Many people include a hike when visiting Wollongong. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Wollongong or Cromwell?

If you're looking to go shopping, Wollongong and Cromwell both offer plenty of good spots.

Wollongong has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Cromwell is a great destination for shopping. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Is Wollongong or Cromwell Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wollongong or Cromwell.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Wollongong. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

Cromwell is a very family-friendly place to visit. The lakefront setting means that there are water activities during the warmer months. There are also ski fields nearby for the winter months. Biking and walking are also popular in the area.

Is Wollongong or Cromwell Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wollongong and Cromwell make for a excellent place to visit.

Wollongong is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

Cromwell is a very popular place to visit for couples. Cycling, walking, kayaking, and skiing all make this a romantic a charming town to visit as a couple. There are also wineries in the area with beautiful vineyards.

Is Wollongong or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Wollongong and Cromwell are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Wollongong. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Cromwell is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

Is Wollongong or Cromwell Better for Students?

Wollongong is a coastal city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Cromwell is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Wollongong. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Cromwell is not popular with students.

Is Wollongong or Cromwell Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Wollongong is a great coastal city for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known for its public transit.

Wollongong has some very good public transit options. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

Public transit is generally limited in Cromwell. Public transit around town is limited to a couple of buses.

Is Wollongong or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Wollongong is a great coastal city for its high level of walkability. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Wollongong is a very walkable coastal city. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

Cromwell is a somewhat walkable coastal city. Parts of the town are walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Wollongong Worth Visiting? and Is Cromwell Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Wollongong?

How long in Wollongong or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Wollongong or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Wollongong than Cromwell because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wollongong, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wollongong than Cromwell 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 Wollongong.

One day in Wollongong or Cromwell?

The coastal city of Wollongong offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With nightlife and food around the cultural town of Cromwell, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cromwell, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Wollongong or Cromwell?

Wollongong is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wollongong, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With food and shopping around the destination of Cromwell, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Wollongong or Cromwell?

Wollongong is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cromwell, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wollongong or Cromwell?

Wollongong is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Cromwell is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

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