A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Hobart vs. Wollongong for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Hobart 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 Hobart 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.

Hobart

Hobart is a fascinating, quaint, and historical city. It's also popular because of the hiking, 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.

Hobart and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hobart or Wollongong?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wollongong. Although Hobart and Wollongong are both popular with visitors, Wollongong has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wollongong is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Hobart is known for its hiking and shopping. Hobart is more touristy than Wollongong and is known for its quaint historical center, fresh seafood, and nearby hiking and biking trails. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Hobart different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Hobart and Wollongong.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hobart. The town has many landmarks and museums such as Port Arthur, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Mawson's Huts Replica Museum, and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. A highlight of the city is Battery Point, which is like an open-air museum. Make sure you explore the Battery Point Sculpture Trail.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Hobart and Wollongong.

Hobart has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has seen a surge in its culinary scene in recent years. Local chefs like to highlight the regional flavors and ingredients such as octopus, kingfish, abalone, and leatherwood honey.

Dining out in Wollongong is an experience not to be missed. 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 Hobart or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Wollongong is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Wollongong for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Hobart. While it's a smaller city, there is still a good mix of local bars, trendy lounges, and elegant wine bars. you'll also find some great venues for live music.

Is Hobart or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is great for the beache. However, Hobart is not a beach destination.

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.

Hobart is not a beach destination.

Is Hobart or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Hobart 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 Hobart for the hiking trails. The city is surrounded by bushland reserves as well as nearby Mount Wellington. The area offers many diverse hiking and walking trails and there are a wide range to choose from so whatever your hiking level, you'll find something of interest.

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 Hobart or Wollongong?

Hobart 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 Hobart. It has some of the best shopping in Tasmania. You'll find a great shopping experience along Elizabeth Street, which is lined with boutiques and quirky shops. The city also has a couple of outdoor flea markets that offers a unique shopping experience.

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 Hobart or Wollongong Better for Families?

Both Hobart and Wollongong are excellent to visit with kids.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hobart is very family-friendly. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also fruit farms to visit and vineyards to explore in the area, as well as great hiking. For an interactive museum, head to the Tasmanian Transport Museum and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery has some toddler-friendly displays.

Wollongong is known to be 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 Hobart or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Both Hobart and Wollongong are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Hobart is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring the waterfront and Sullivans Cove. There are also outdoor markets and breweries around town. Botanical gardens and quaint neighborhoods also make this a lovely town to visit.

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 Hobart or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Hobart and Wollongong are good places to visit.

Hobart is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels around town and many great hiking trails.

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 Hobart or Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is a coastal city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Hobart 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.

Hobart is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Hobart is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Wollongong has some very good public transit options. 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.

Hobart has a few public transit options. There's a public bus system and many of the buses leave from Elizabeth Street (between Macquarie and Collins Streets) or Franklin Square.

Is Hobart or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Hobart and Wollongong are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Hobart is a very walkable city. It has a compact city center that many people enjoy exploring on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Hobart?

How long in Hobart or Wollongong?

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Hobart, 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wollongong. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hobart or Wollongong?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Hobart, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Wollongong is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Hobart or Wollongong?

Hobart, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wollongong. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Hobart or Wollongong?

Hobart 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the student-friendly destination of Wollongong. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Hobart and Wollongong, we can see that Hobart is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Hobart or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hobart. When comparing the sizes of Hobart 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 Hobart 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 Hobart or Wollongong in the Summer?

Both Wollongong and Hobart are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hobart for the hiking 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, Hobart is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hobart in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hobart. Hobart usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during summer. Hobart gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Hobart usually receives less rain than Wollongong. Hobart gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hobart or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Hobart during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hobart in the autumn for the hiking trails and 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 April, Hobart is generally cooler than Wollongong. Daily temperatures in Hobart average around 14°C (57°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Hobart often gets less sunshine than Wollongong. Hobart gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun.

Hobart usually gets less rain in April than Wollongong. Hobart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hobart or Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hobart and Wollongong. Most visitors come to Hobart 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.

Hobart is cooler than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Hobart averages around 9°C (47°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. Hobart usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during winter. Hobart gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Hobart usually receives more rain than Wollongong. Hobart gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hobart or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hobart as well as Wollongong. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In the spring, Hobart is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hobart in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Wollongong averages at about 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 Hobart this time of the year. In the spring, Hobart often gets less sunshine than Wollongong. Hobart gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun.

Hobart usually gets less rain in October than Wollongong. Hobart gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Hobart