A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Gold Coast vs. Wollongong for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Gold Coast or Wollongong?

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

Should I visit Gold Coast or Wollongong? 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.

Gold Coast

Gold Coast is a colorful, high energy, and fun-filled coastline. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a student-friendly, trendy, and vibrant coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Gold Coast and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gold Coast or Wollongong?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Gold Coast than Wollongong. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Gold Coast is more touristy than Wollongong and is known for its colorful theme parks, thrilling water sports, and nearby rainforests. It is also well known for the long sandy beaches. Wollongong is famous for its surrounding nature and urban beaches.

How is Gold Coast different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gold Coast or Wollongong?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Wollongong and Gold Coast.

Gold Coast offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The views from the observation deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa are a not-to-be-missed experience. You'll also find many amusement parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Gold Coast and Wollongong both to be high quality destinations.

Gold Coast has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The coastline is filled with modern Australian restaurants that serve locally caught seafood and modern twists on traditional dishes. There are wine bars, fine dining restaurants, and more casual options. You'll also find plenty of international eateries as well.

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 Gold Coast or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene is filled with ritz and glam, but you'll also find wild beach parties and lively nightclubs. There are backpackers and students that keep the parties going until the morning hours.

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 Gold Coast or Wollongong Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Gold Coast is a great choice. Resorts range from family-friendly to backpacker-focused with everything in between. There are many high rise resorts that have luxury pools and beachfront views.

Wollongong is not a resort destination.

Is Gold Coast or Wollongong Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gold Coast is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Gold Coast. There are many dive shops and snorkeling excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are excursions that will not disappoint. There are also many places that offer certification courses.

Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Gold Coast or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. This stretch of beachline is perfect for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are miles of coastline that are sandy and beautiful and some of the most popular beaches include the Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach.

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 Gold Coast or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast for the hiking trails. The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk connects the area's diverse and lush rainforests through the Numinbah Valley. It's a World Heritage Area with subtropical rainforest as well as warm temperate rainforest, and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.

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 Gold Coast or Wollongong?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast. There are large outlet malls, outdoor markets, and designer shopping centers. You'll find trendy fashion designers as well as the typical souvenir shops.

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 Gold Coast or Wollongong Better for Families?

Gold Coast is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Gold Coast is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with popular theme parks and other adrenaline-filled activities. There are surfing lessons, wildlife sanctuaries, ropes courses, and water sports. Kids of all ages will appreciate this fun-filled setting with its many family-friendly resorts and restaurants.

Wollongong is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Gold Coast or Wollongong Better for Couples?

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

Gold Coast makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples that energy high energy activities, water sports, theme parks, and parties that last into the morning, will love a stay at this vibrant coast. There's no shortage of great restaurants, entertaining shows, and fun activities that you can experience.

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 Gold Coast or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast, as it is a very popular coastline for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this vibrant coastline. There are hostels and budget-friendly places to stay, and there's a huge nightlife scene. The many activities and long sandy beaches make this a well established stop on Australia's backpacker circuit.

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 Gold Coast or Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Gold Coast is not popular with students.

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

Gold Coast is not popular with students.

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

Gold Coast and Wollongong both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Gold Coast offers a very effecient public transportation network. There's a bus, train, and tram network that's operated by TransLink and runs along the coast.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Wollongong. 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 Gold Coast or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Wollongong is a great coastal city for its ease of walking around. Also, Gold Coast is not as popular, but is still a nice coastline for its walkability.

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

Gold Coast is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the area that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Gold Coast?

How long in Gold Coast or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Gold Coast or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Gold Coast due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Gold Coast, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast.

One day in Gold Coast or Wollongong?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the high energy coastline of Gold Coast, 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.

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant coastal city of Wollongong, 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.

A weekend in Gold Coast or Wollongong?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Gold Coast, 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wollongong, 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 coastal city.

Five days in Gold Coast or Wollongong?

Gold Coast, a popular coastline, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastline. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wollongong, a popular coastal 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.

A week in Gold Coast or Wollongong?

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

Wollongong 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Gold Coast or Wollongong?

Gold Coast has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast or Wollongong in the Summer?

Both Wollongong and Gold Coast are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

Gold Coast is around the same temperature as Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Gold Coast averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. Gold Coast usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during summer. Gold Coast gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. In January, Gold Coast usually receives more rain than Wollongong. Gold Coast gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Gold Coast or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Gold Coast during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Gold Coast is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gold Coast in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Wollongong averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Gold Coast. In the autumn, Gold Coast often gets more sunshine than Wollongong. Gold Coast gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. Gold Coast usually gets more rain in April than Wollongong. Gold Coast gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gold Coast or Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Gold Coast and Wollongong. Many travelers come to Gold Coast for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wollongong in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Gold Coast is generally a little warmer than Wollongong. Daily temperatures in Gold Coast average around 15°C (59°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Gold Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gold Coast usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during winter. Gold Coast gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Gold Coast usually receives more rain than Wollongong. Gold Coast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Gold Coast or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Gold Coast as well as Wollongong. Many visitors come to Gold Coast in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Gold Coast is a little warmer than Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Gold Coast averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gold Coast this time of the year. In the spring, Gold Coast often gets more sunshine than Wollongong. Gold Coast gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun.

Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the spring. Gold Coast usually gets more rain in October than Wollongong. Gold Coast gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Gold Coast