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

Should you visit Atami 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 Atami 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.

Atami

Atami is a authentic, overlooked, and nostalgic town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

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.

Atami and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Atami or Wollongong?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wollongong. Although Atami and Wollongong are both popular with visitors, Wollongong has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wollongong is more touristy than Atami and is known for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive. Atami is popular for its onsen (hot springs) and sandy beaches.

How is Atami different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wollongong is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Atami 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Atami. The onsen, or hot springs, have historically been a big draw to this town. Places to experience them include Oedo Onsen Monogatari Atami, Otsuki Hotel Wafukan, and Myoraku-Yu. Other sights around town include Kaminiya Shrine and the MOA Museum of Art.

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

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

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 Atami area. You'll find an authentic Japanese dining experience here, with a lot of seafood due to the city's coastal location. Popular dishes include sushi, dried fish, and fish boiled in broth.

Is Atami or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Wollongong is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Atami has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town was once a place to escape the city and enjoy a fun night out, but these days it's a bit quieter and has more of a nostalgic vibe. Head to Yushima Yugijo Yushima Amusement Center for some of the best nightlife in town.

Is Atami or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is a very popular place for the beache. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

Atami offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the city is Atami Sun Beach, which is right in town. It's a place to relax in the sun, and there are sometimes fireworks throughout the year.

Is Atami or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Wollongong is a coastal city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Atami is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Atami is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Atami or Wollongong?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Atami and Wollongong.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atami. You'll find a couple of retro shopping streets in town such as Atami Ekimae Shopping Street, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Heiwadori Shopping Street. There are arcades and food stalls where you can sample local dishes.

Many visitors go to Wollongong to go shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Atami or Wollongong Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wollongong is very family-friendly. 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 Atami. The city is a hot springs area, but you can also head to the nearby beaches and other family-friendly activities.

Is Atami or Wollongong Better for Couples?

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

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.

Atami is a good town for couples to visit. This is a beach and hot springs resort area, and in historic times it was a honeymoon destination. Today you'll find beaches, hot springs, shopping, and museums to explore, but most visitors use it as a base to explore the nearby areas, as the town itself doesn't have a lot to offer.

Is Atami or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Atami and Wollongong are both good destinations for backpackers.

Atami is a good town to visit for backpackers. While there aren't a huge number of hostels in the area, and backpackers often skip over this town, prices aren't particularly high so you should be able to find something affordable.

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 Atami or Wollongong Better for Students?

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

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

Atami is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Wollongong can get you around easily. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Atami, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses, such as the YuYu Bus, which has two routes and passes by many of the town's attractions.

Is Atami or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Wollongong is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Atami is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Atami is a somewhat walkable town. Some parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Atami?

How long in Atami or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Atami or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wollongong due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Atami, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

Families should spend more time in Wollongong than Atami. 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 Atami. 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 Atami 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 Atami or Wollongong?

With museums and nightlife around the nostalgic town of Atami, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Atami, one day is sufficent for most.

In Wollongong, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Atami or Wollongong?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wollongong. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Atami or Wollongong?

Atami, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Wollongong. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Atami or Wollongong?

Atami 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the student-friendly destination of Wollongong. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Atami and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong is more expensive. And not only is Atami much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Atami is in Asia and Wollongong is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Atami would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atami 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 Atami.

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

Which is Bigger, Atami or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Atami. When comparing the sizes of Atami 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 Atami or Wollongong?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wollongong is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Atami has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Atami or Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Atami and Wollongong. Many travelers come to Atami for the beaches 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 the summer, Atami is around the same temperature as Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Atami in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. Atami usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during summer. Atami gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Atami gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Atami usually receives more rain than Wollongongin January. Atami gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Atami or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Atami as well as Wollongong. Many visitors come to Atami in the autumn for 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.

In October, Atami is generally around the same temperature as Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Atami average around 18°C (64°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Atami often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin April. Atami gets 130 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun.

Atami receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Atami usually gets more rain in October than Wollongongin April. Atami gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Atami or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Atami are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Atami 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.

Atami is much colder than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Atami averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. Atami usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during winter. Atami gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Atami usually receives more rain than Wollongongin July. Atami gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Atami or Wollongong in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Atami is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Atami in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Atami often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin October. Atami gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. Atami usually gets more rain in April than Wollongongin October. Atami gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Atami