A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Matsue vs. Wollongong for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Matsue 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 Matsue 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.

Matsue

Matsue is a pretty, serene, and historic town. With stunning beauty, Matsue attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Matsue travel costs.

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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Wollongong travel costs.

Matsue and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Matsue or Wollongong?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wollongong than Matsue, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Wollongong is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Matsue is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Matsue is more touristy than Wollongong and is popular for its 17th century castle and its quaint atmosphere. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Matsue different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Matsue and Wollongong.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Matsue. Most people visit town specifically to see the Matsue Castle, which is one of the last original castles left in Japan. The city also has parks and gardens, as well as the Shimane Art Museum, Yaegaki Shrine, and Miho Shrine.

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 Matsue or Wollongong? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Matsue and Wollongong can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Matsue. There are peaceful restaurants and cafes around town where you can sample the local dishes. Many restaurants have beautiful gardens and set lunch menus, which is a great way to sample fine dining cuisine at a reasonable price.

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.

Is Matsue or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Wollongong is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Matsue is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Wollongong know how to have a good time. 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.

Matsue doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town and there's not much of a nightlife scene, but if you spend the night you can probably find a quaint local bar where you can hang out.

Is Matsue or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is a great destination for the beach. However, Matsue 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.

Matsue is not a beach destination.

Is Matsue or Wollongong Better for its Old Town?

Matsue is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Wollongong does not have a historic old town.

Matsue has an old town worth visiting. The town has one of the last of the twelve original castles that are still in Japan. There are also many canals that cross the town.

Wollongong does not have a historic old town.

Is Matsue or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Wollongong is a coastal city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Matsue is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Matsue or Wollongong?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Wollongong and Matsue.

Matsue offers some nice shopping areas. Kyomise Shopping District is a charming street near Ohashi Bridge. It is lined with shops and restaurants and tourists will enjoy visiting the souvenir and specialty stores in the area.

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.

Is Matsue or Wollongong More Beautiful?

Matsue is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Matsue attracts visitors from all around. This is a pretty town with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a lakefront setting.

Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Matsue or Wollongong Better for Families?

Wollongong is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Wollongong is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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.

Matsue offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the city's history as much as adults. There are several temples and shrines to explore as well as Lake Shinji. The best views of the lake are from the Shimane Art Museum.

Is Matsue or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Wollongong is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Matsue is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Matsue is a good town for couples to visit. Castles, gardens, and museums all make this a beautiful and romantic destination. Couples will enjoy immersing themselves in the city's history. There's also a beautiful lake and the impressive Matsue Vogel Park.

Is Matsue or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Matsue and Wollongong are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Matsue is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and guesthouses as well as budget hotels around town for backpackers.

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 Matsue or Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is a coastal city with good options for students. However, Matsue is not popular with students.

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

Matsue is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Matsue and Wollongong.

Public transit in Matsue can get you to some places easily. There are city buses as well as Ichibata Bus. Tourists will mostly use the Lakeline loop, which connects the two railway stations with all of the city's major attractions. Buses run every 20 minutes.

Many visitors use the public transit system 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 Matsue or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Matsue and Wollongong both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Matsue is a very walkable town. Most of the town's sights can be reached on foot. You can walk from the JR Matsue Station to the castle in half an hour and it's only 15 minutes from the Shinjiko Onsen Station.

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 Matsue Worth Visiting? and Is Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Matsue?

How long in Matsue or Wollongong?

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

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

With museums and food around the serene town of Matsue, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Matsue or Wollongong?

With food and shopping around the destination of Matsue, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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 Matsue or Wollongong?

Matsue, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Matsue or Wollongong?

Matsue 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 vibrant 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Matsue or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Matsue 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 Matsue or Wollongong?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wollongong is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Matsue has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Matsue or Wollongong in the Summer?

Both Wollongong and Matsue during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wollongong in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Matsue is around the same temperature as Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Matsue in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Matsue. In the summer, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Matsue gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. Matsue usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Matsue gets 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Matsue or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Matsue and Wollongong. Many visitors come to Matsue in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Matsue is generally around the same temperature as Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Matsue average around 17°C (62°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during autumn. Matsue gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Matsue usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Matsue gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Matsue or Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Matsue as well as Wollongong. Most visitors come to Matsue for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Matsue can be very cold during winter. Matsue is much colder than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Matsue averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. In the winter, Matsue often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin July. Matsue gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the winter. Matsue usually gets more rain in January than Wollongongin July. Matsue gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Matsue or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong and Matsue are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Matsue because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In the spring, Matsue is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Matsue in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. Matsue usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during spring. Matsue gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. In April, Matsue usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Matsue gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Matsue