A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Wollongong for Beaches, Food, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Wollongong?

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 Koh Tarutao and Wollongong. 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.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a undiscovered, secluded, and remote island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the 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.

Koh Tarutao and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Wollongong?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wollongong. Although Koh Tarutao and Wollongong are popular destinations, Wollongong has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wollongong is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Wollongong is more touristy than Koh Tarutao and is known for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also well known for Grand Pacific Drive. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Wollongong?

Wollongong is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

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

Wollongong is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Wollongong has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Wollongong is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Wollongong has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Wollongong Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Wollongong is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Koh Tarutao offers a few options. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Wollongong is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

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 Koh Tarutao or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao for the hiking trails. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

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 Koh Tarutao or Wollongong?

Wollongong is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for shopping.

Wollongong has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Wollongong Better for Families?

Wollongong is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Koh Tarutao is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Wollongong. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

Is Koh Tarutao or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Koh Tarutao and Wollongong both superb destinations for a couple.

Koh Tarutao makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

Couples visit Wollongong frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Koh Tarutao or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Tarutao and Wollongong are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Koh Tarutao or Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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

Koh Tarutao is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Wollongong can get you to most places easily. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

Is Koh Tarutao or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Wollongong is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options 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.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

Families should spend more time in Wollongong than Koh Tarutao. 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 Koh Tarutao. 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 Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao or Wollongong?

With around the beautiful island of Koh Tarutao, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the student-friendly coastal city of Wollongong. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Wollongong?

With around the destination of Koh Tarutao, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the student-friendly destination of Wollongong. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Wollongong?

Koh Tarutao, a popular island, 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.

The student-friendly coastal city of Wollongong offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Wollongong?

Koh Tarutao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wollongong. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tarutao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Koh Tarutao is in Asia and Wollongong is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Koh Tarutao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao.

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

When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Tarutao experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Also, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Koh Tarutao is a little warmer than Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Wollongongin January. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Wollongong. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Wollongong in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Wollongong averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in October than Wollongongin April. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. May and October in Koh Tarutao is the rainy season.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Wollongong for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Koh Tarutao is generally much warmer than Wollongongin July. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In January, Koh Tarutao usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wollongongin July. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong and Koh Tarutao during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Koh Tarutao is much warmer than Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in April than Wollongongin October. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Koh Tarutao. May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Koh Tarutao