A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Melbourne vs. Cromwell for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Melbourne or Cromwell?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Cromwell? 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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a cultural, outdoorsy, and historical town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Melbourne and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Cromwell?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Cromwell, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Melbourne is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Cromwell is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Melbourne is well known for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. Also, Melbourne is famous for the Royal Botanic Gardens. Cromwell is well known for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Melbourne different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Melbourne or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Melbourne is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Cromwell is a great destination to visit. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Melbourne is not a skiing destination.

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

Melbourne is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Melbourne. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cromwell. There are some interesting historical activities around town like Goldfields Mining Centre.

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

Melbourne is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Melbourne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cromwell area. 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 Melbourne or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Melbourne has something for everybody. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cromwell. There are a few breweries and a number of wineries around town where you can have a relaxing night out.

Is Melbourne or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is a great city for the beache. However, Cromwell is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Melbourne attract visitors from all over. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Melbourne or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Cromwell is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cromwell. There are many beautiful walks in the area that take you through diverse landscapes and to impressive views.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Cromwell?

Melbourne is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Melbourne is well-known for its shopping. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Many visitors go to Cromwell to go shopping. There's a farmers market in town as well as several local vendors and cute shops.

Is Melbourne or Cromwell Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Cromwell.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Melbourne is very family-friendly. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Cromwell is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Melbourne or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Cromwell are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Cromwell is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

Is Melbourne or Cromwell Better for Students?

Melbourne is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Cromwell is not popular with students.

Melbourne is a very popular city for students. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Cromwell is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known for its public transit.

Melbourne has some very good public transit options. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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

Is Melbourne or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Melbourne is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Melbourne is a very walkable city. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Melbourne or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Melbourne than Cromwell because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

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

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

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

One day in Melbourne or Cromwell?

Melbourne is a big city with plenty to do. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the town of Cromwell. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cromwell has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Cromwell?

Melbourne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the outdoorsy destination of Cromwell. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Cromwell?

Melbourne is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural town of Cromwell. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Cromwell?

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Cromwell is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Melbourne and Cromwell, we can see that Melbourne 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive? and Is Cromwell Expensive?.