A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Adelaide vs. Wollongong for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Adelaide or Wollongong?

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 Wollongong 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a trendy, vibrant, and student-friendly coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Adelaide and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Wollongong?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Wollongong than Adelaide. While Adelaide is larger than Wollongong, Wollongong has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Wollongong is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Adelaide is more popular for its shopping. Adelaide is well known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events. Wollongong is well known for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. Also, Wollongong is famous for Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Adelaide different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wollongong is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Wollongong is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Wollongong. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Is Adelaide or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Wollongong is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Wollongong has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Is Adelaide or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Both Adelaide and Wollongong are considered to be excellent beach destinations.

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.

Many people visit Wollongong for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Is Adelaide or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Both Adelaide and Wollongong are destinations which offer notable hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Adelaide. 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.

Wollongong offers some nice hiking trails. 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 Adelaide or Wollongong?

Adelaide is great for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Adelaide. 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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Adelaide or Wollongong Better for Families?

Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

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 Wollongong Better for Couples?

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

Wollongong makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

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 Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adelaide and Wollongong are both notable 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 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.

Is Adelaide or Wollongong Better for Students?

Both Adelaide and Wollongong are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students 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.

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

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Adelaide and Wollongong.

Public transit in Adelaide is fairly effecient and thorough. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

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.

Is Adelaide or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Adelaide and Wollongong are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Adelaide or Wollongong. In our opinion, Wollongong has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Wollongong than Adelaide. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wollongong than Adelaide 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 Adelaide or Wollongong?

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Adelaide, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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.

A weekend in Adelaide or Wollongong?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Adelaide, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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.

Five days in Adelaide or Wollongong?

Adelaide, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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.

A week in Adelaide or Wollongong?

Adelaide 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Adelaide and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Wollongong?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Wollongong, 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 Adelaide or Wollongong?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Adelaide or Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Wollongong. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Wollongong in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Adelaide is generally around the same temperature as Wollongong. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 22°C (72°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during summer. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Wollongong. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Adelaide or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Wollongong. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Adelaide is around the same temperature as Wollongong in the autumn. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Adelaide this time of the year. In the autumn, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Wollongong. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Wollongong. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Adelaide is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the winter temperatures in Adelaide in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Wollongong averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. Adelaide usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during winter. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Adelaide usually receives more rain than Wollongong. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Adelaide or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong and Adelaide during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In October, Adelaide is generally around the same temperature as Wollongong. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 16°C (61°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the spring, Adelaide often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongong. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Wollongong. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Adelaide