A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Katoomba vs. Cromwell for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Katoomba or Cromwell?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Katoomba and Cromwell. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Katoomba

Katoomba is a peaceful, serene, and natural town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Katoomba because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Katoomba travel costs.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a historical, cultural, and outdoorsy town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Cromwell travel costs.

Katoomba and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Katoomba or Cromwell?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cromwell. Although Katoomba and Cromwell are popular destinations, Cromwell has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cromwell is very popular for its skiing, while Katoomba attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Katoomba is more touristy than Cromwell and is popular for its natural scenery, beautiful hikes, and its location in the Blue Mountains. Cromwell is famous for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards. It is also well known for the big fruit.

How is Katoomba different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Katoomba or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a good destination for snow skiing. However, Katoomba is not a skiing destination.

Cromwell is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Katoomba is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Katoomba and Cromwell have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Katoomba is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. For many, the town is used as a base for exploring the Blue Mountains. Scenic World is a great way to take in the highlights. It's also fun to check out the local street art.

Cromwell offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

Is the Food Better in Katoomba or Cromwell? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Katoomba and Cromwell both to be nice destinations.

Katoomba offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Many of the restaurants work hard to support local farmers and suppliers. You'll find local ingredients and homemade meals. The restaurant scene is growing, but many restaurants are still affiliated with hotels and tourist attractions.

Cromwell has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Katoomba or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Both Katoomba and Cromwell are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Katoomba. It's not known for its nightlife scene, but there are some relaxed places where you can enjoy craft beer or see a show. Katoomba is the hub of nightlife in the Blue Mountains.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

Is Katoomba or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Katoomba is very popular for hiking. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for the nearby hiking options.

Around Katoomba visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains, this town offers access to some of the area's best hikes. You'll see waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and lush landscapes.

Cromwell is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Is the Shopping Better in Katoomba or Cromwell?

Both Katoomba and Cromwell are nice shopping destinations.

Katoomba is a great destination for shopping. There are local markets and boutiques where you can pick up local items and handicrafts.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cromwell. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Is Katoomba or Cromwell More Beautiful?

Katoomba is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Cromwell is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Katoomba because of it's amazing beauty. It's a town surrounded by natural beauty. It offers easy access to breathtaking views and impressive hikes through the Blue Mountains.

Cromwell is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Katoomba or Cromwell Better for Families?

Katoomba is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Katoomba is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The surrounding Blue Mountains are filled with activities for the whole family. Scenic World is a highlight with its cable cars and skyway. There are also gardens, hiking trails, and cultural centers. Kids who love trains will enjoy Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

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 Katoomba or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Katoomba and Cromwell both very good destinations for a couple.

Katoomba is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are world class gardens like the Everglades Gardens, restaurants where you can enjoy high tea with a view, as well as hikes that will take your breath away. For the truly adventurous, there are also helicopter tours.

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.

Is Katoomba or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Katoomba. There are hostels in the area, as well as camping opportunities. Backpackers will appreciate the scenic beauty and natural setting.

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

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

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

While Katoomba offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through the Blue Mountains but it's easier to explore in depth if you have your own car.

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

Is Katoomba or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Katoomba and Cromwell both are nice when exploring on foot.

Katoomba is somewhat walkable. The town itself is relatively walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Katoomba?

How long in Katoomba or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Katoomba or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Katoomba than Cromwell because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Katoomba, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

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

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

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

One day in Katoomba or Cromwell?

Katoomba is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Katoomba or Cromwell?

Katoomba 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 Katoomba, 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 Katoomba or Cromwell?

Katoomba is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Katoomba or Cromwell?

Katoomba is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best Scuba Diving 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 Katoomba and Cromwell, we can see that Katoomba 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive? and Is Cromwell Expensive?.