A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Adelaide vs. Cromwell for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Adelaide or Cromwell?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Cromwell 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.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a under-rated, elegant, and welcoming city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking. See Adelaide travel costs.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a historical, cultural, and outdoorsy town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Cromwell travel costs.

Adelaide and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Adelaide or Cromwell?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adelaide. Although Adelaide and Cromwell are popular destinations, Adelaide has more sights and attractions for tourists. Adelaide is very popular for its beaches and shopping, while Cromwell attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Adelaide is famous for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. It is also well known for the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Cromwell is famous for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Adelaide different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Adelaide or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Adelaide
Cromwell

Cromwell is a town with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Adelaide is not a skiing destination.

Cromwell is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Adelaide is not a skiing destination.


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

Adelaide
Cromwell

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Adelaide or Cromwell.

Adelaide is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Cromwell offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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

Adelaide
Cromwell

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Adelaide and Cromwell.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Cromwell. 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 Adelaide or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Adelaide
Cromwell

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Adelaide and Cromwell.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Adelaide. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Cromwell has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.


Is Adelaide or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Adelaide
Cromwell

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

The beaches at Adelaide attract visitors from all over. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Adelaide or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Adelaide
Cromwell

Cromwell is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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

Adelaide offers some nice hiking trails. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Cromwell?

Adelaide
Cromwell

Adelaide is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Adelaide is well-known for its shopping. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Many visitors go to Cromwell to go shopping. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.


Is Adelaide or Cromwell Better for Families?

Adelaide
Cromwell

Cromwell is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cromwell is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Adelaide
Cromwell

Cromwell is a very popular place for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cromwell makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Adelaide or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide
Cromwell

Adelaide and Cromwell are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Adelaide is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.


Is Adelaide or Cromwell Better for Students?

Adelaide
Cromwell

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

It's common for students to visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Cromwell is not popular with students.

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

Adelaide
Cromwell

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

Adelaide has some very good public transit options. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

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

Is Adelaide or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Adelaide
Cromwell

Adelaide is a great 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.

Adelaide is a very walkable city. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Adelaide or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Adelaide 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 Adelaide, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Adelaide or Cromwell? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adelaide 2-4 
    Cromwell 1-2

One day in Adelaide or Cromwell?

The city of Adelaide 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.

The town of Cromwell offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Adelaide or Cromwell?

Adelaide is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this 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 Adelaide, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cromwell is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. 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, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Cromwell?

Adelaide 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 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.


A week in Adelaide or Cromwell?

Adelaide 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 city offers something for everyone.

Cromwell is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Cromwell or Adelaide?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Adelaide is $133, while the average daily cost in Cromwell is $100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Adelaide and Cromwell in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adelaide $65
    Cromwell $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adelaide $130
    Cromwell $78
Compare Hotels in Adelaide and Cromwell

Looking for a hotel in Adelaide or Cromwell? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Adelaide


Hotels in Cromwell


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Adelaide Hotel Prices and Cromwell Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adelaide $18
    Cromwell $25
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Adelaide

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Adelaide are as follows:


  • Shuttle from the Train Station
    $3.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Adelaide

Also for Adelaide, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Airport & Houseboat Transfers Adelaide Bus: $298
  • ADL Airport to City Centre | Port Private Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Adelaide or Cromwell?

Prices for flights to both Cromwell and Adelaide change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Adelaide $54
    Cromwell $45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • HandleBar Bike Tour with Pub Stops & Dinner Option: $30
  • Local Food Tour and Tastings with Guide: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adelaide $14
    Cromwell $16

Tours and Activities in Adelaide

For Adelaide, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • "Barossa Tour from 4 Tastings & Lunch Included": $109
  • 90 Minute Port River Dolphin & Ships Graveyard Cruise: $59
  • Adelaide Central Market Tour with Lunch: $122
  • Adelaide Central Markets: Food Walking Tour: $46
  • Adelaide City Highlights Full-Day Tour: $152
  • Adelaide City Highlights Tour: $58
  • Adelaide City Highlights via Hahndorf Half-Day Tour: $107
  • Adelaide City Highlights- Hahndorf and Mt. Lofty Half-Day Tour: $87
  • Adelaide City and First Nations Cultural tour: $99
  • Adelaide City and Hahndorf Full Day Tour: $127
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Tours: $208
  • Adelaide Cruise Ship Tours to Hahndorf & Hills Wildlife Wonders: $245

Tours and Activities in Cromwell

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cromwell.

  • Queenstown to Middlemarch Small-Group Guided Tour (One-Way): $92
  • Queenstown: Mount Cook Premium Guided Day Tour: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adelaide $22
    Cromwell $9.10

Sample the Local Flavors in Adelaide

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Adelaide:

  • Half-day McLaren Vale & Glenelg Wine Tasting Tour: $59
  • McLaren Vale and Glenelg Wine Tasting and Sightseeing (Half-day Afternoon): $60
  • Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting: $89
  • Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour: $91
  • Adelaide Food Odyssey: Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Barossa Day Out: Wines, Brewery, Chocolate & Lunch: $105
  • Discover Barossa: 4 Wine Tastings, Gourmet Lunch, and Hidden Gems: $111
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting tour & Winery Lunch: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Food and Wine Tour: $118
  • From Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $118
  • Barossa Premium Wine Tasting Tour & lunch Departs 7 days a week : $120
  • Barossa Valley Full-Day Wine Tasting & Maggie Beers Farm Join Us: $120


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Cromwell, we can see that Adelaide 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 Adelaide would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Adelaide 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 Adelaide Expensive? and Is Cromwell Expensive?.