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

Should you visit Canberra or Cromwell?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Cromwell? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Canberra travel costs.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historical town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Cromwell travel costs.

Canberra and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Cromwell?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Canberra than Cromwell, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Canberra is better known for its museums and attractions, food, and big city activities, while Cromwell is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Cromwell is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards. Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. Also, Canberra is famous for the Australian War Memorial.

How is Canberra different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Canberra or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Canberra is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Cromwell is a great destination to visit. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Canberra is not a skiing destination.

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

Canberra is a great 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 Canberra. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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 Canberra or Cromwell? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Canberra is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Canberra has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cromwell area. 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 Canberra or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Both Canberra and Cromwell have notable vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Canberra. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

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 Canberra or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Cromwell is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Canberra 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Cromwell?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Canberra and Cromwell.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Canberra. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

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 Canberra or Cromwell Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Canberra or Cromwell.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Canberra is very family-friendly. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Cromwell is known to be 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 Canberra or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Cromwell is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Canberra or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cromwell is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

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

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Cromwell Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Canberra. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Cromwell is not popular with students.

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

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

While Canberra offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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

Is Canberra or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Canberra and Cromwell are notable when it comes to walkability.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable place. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Cromwell?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Cromwell than Canberra. 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 Cromwell than Canberra 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 Cromwell.

One day in Canberra or Cromwell?

The city of Canberra offers food and shopping. 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 Canberra or Cromwell?

Canberra 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Canberra, 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 Canberra or Cromwell?

Canberra 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 Canberra or Cromwell?

Canberra is a great place to explore. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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