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

Should you visit Brisbane or Cromwell?

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 Brisbane and Cromwell can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a diverse, cultural, and active coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Brisbane and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Cromwell?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Brisbane. Although Brisbane and Cromwell are both popular with visitors, Brisbane has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Brisbane is more popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Cromwell is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Brisbane is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre. Cromwell is popular for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Brisbane different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Brisbane or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is very good for skiing. However, Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is not a skiing destination.

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

Brisbane 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 Brisbane. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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 Brisbane or Cromwell? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Brisbane and Cromwell can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Brisbane is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Cromwell offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Brisbane or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane has something for everybody. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

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 Brisbane or Cromwell Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Brisbane attract visitors from all over. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Cromwell is great for hiking. Also, Brisbane 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.

Brisbane has hiking trails worth exploring. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Cromwell?

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

Brisbane is well-known for its shopping. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

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 Brisbane or Cromwell Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Brisbane or Cromwell.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Brisbane. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

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 Brisbane or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Cromwell is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Cromwell is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

Is Brisbane or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Brisbane is a great coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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

Is Brisbane or Cromwell Better for Students?

Brisbane is a great coastal city for its student-friendly activities. However, Cromwell is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Brisbane. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Cromwell is not popular with students.

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

Brisbane is a coastal city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known for its public transit.

While Brisbane offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

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

Is Brisbane or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is a very walkable coastal city. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Brisbane or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Brisbane than Cromwell because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Brisbane, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

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

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

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

One day in Brisbane or Cromwell?

The coastal city of Brisbane offers museums and nightlife. 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 Brisbane or Cromwell?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane, 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 Brisbane or Cromwell?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Cromwell?

Brisbane 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 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 Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

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