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

Should you visit Bali or Wollongong?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Wollongong can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a frequented, spiritual, and cultural island. Many visitors also come to Bali because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Bali travel costs.

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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Wollongong travel costs.

Bali and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Wollongong?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Wollongong than Bali. While Bali is larger than Wollongong, Wollongong has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wollongong is more popular for its museums and attractions and big city activities, while Bali is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Bali is more touristy than Wollongong and is popular for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Bali different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wollongong is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Wollongong specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Bali does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Bali is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Bali is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Wollongong makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Bali or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Bali is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Wollongong has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Bali or Wollongong Better for Resorts?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Wollongong is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Bali is a great choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Wollongong is not a resort destination.

Is Bali or Wollongong Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Bali a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bali or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Bali is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Bali. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for its 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 Bali or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Bali 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 Bali for the hiking trails. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

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 Bali or Wollongong?

Bali 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 Bali. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

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 Bali or Wollongong More Beautiful?

Bali is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Bali because of it's amazing beauty. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning countryside. It's also a very cultural island with a lot of spirituality.

Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bali or Wollongong Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Bali or Wollongong.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

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.

Is Bali or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Bali is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Bali makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Bali or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Bali, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Bali or Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is very good for students. However, Bali is not popular with students.

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

Bali is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Wollongong can get you to some places 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.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Bali or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Wollongong is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island 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.

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Bali?

How long in Bali or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Bali or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bali due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 7-14 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

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

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

One day in Bali or Wollongong?

With shopping and nightlife around the cultural island of Bali, 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. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Wollongong. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Wollongong?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bali, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Wollongong is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Wollongong?

Bali, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, five days is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the trendy destination of Wollongong. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bali or Wollongong?

Bali is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The trendy coastal city of Wollongong offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali 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 Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Wollongong?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bali as well as Wollongong. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bali is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the summer, Bali often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongongin January. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets less rain in July than Wollongongin January. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Should I visit Bali or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In October, Bali is generally much warmer than Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during autumn. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bali usually receives less rain than Wollongongin April. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The rainy season in Bali is October to March.

Should I visit Bali or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Bali during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wollongong for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bali is much warmer than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Bali often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin July. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Bali usually gets more rain in January than Wollongongin July. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wollongong in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bali is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Bali, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bali usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongong during spring. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bali usually receives less rain than Wollongongin October. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring. April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Bali