A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Melbourne vs. Wollongong for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Melbourne or Wollongong?

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

Should I visit Melbourne or Wollongong? 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, 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.

Melbourne and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Melbourne or Wollongong?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Wollongong, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Melbourne is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Wollongong is known for its hiking. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also home to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches.

How is Melbourne different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Wollongong specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Melbourne or Wollongong? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Melbourne and Wollongong offer high quality 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.

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 Melbourne or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Melbourne and Wollongong.

Melbourne has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Wollongong is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Melbourne or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Melbourne and Wollongong are high quality choices.

Melbourne is considered a top beach destination. 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.

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 Melbourne or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

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

Wollongong is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Melbourne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Melbourne or Wollongong?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne. 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.

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 Melbourne or Wollongong Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Melbourne or Wollongong.

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.

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 Melbourne or Wollongong Better for Couples?

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

Wollongong makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

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 Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Melbourne and Wollongong are both good 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.

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Melbourne or Wollongong Better for Students?

Melbourne is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

Many students frequent Melbourne. 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.

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

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Melbourne and Wollongong.

Public transit in Melbourne can get you to some places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Melbourne and Wollongong are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

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 Melbourne Worth Visiting? and Is Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Melbourne?

How long in Melbourne or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Melbourne or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Melbourne due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Melbourne, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

Couples should spend more time in Wollongong than Melbourne. 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 Melbourne than Wollongong 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 Wollongong?

When visiting Melbourne, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal city of Wollongong. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Melbourne or Wollongong?

When visiting Melbourne, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the student-friendly destination of Wollongong. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Melbourne or Wollongong?

Melbourne, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the student-friendly coastal city of Wollongong. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Melbourne or Wollongong?

Melbourne 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.

Wollongong is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Melbourne or Wollongong?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne or Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Melbourne and Wollongong. The summer months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In the summer, Melbourne is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Melbourne in January average around 20°C (68°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Melbourne usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during summer. Melbourne gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

In January, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Wollongong. Melbourne gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Melbourne or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Melbourne as well as Wollongong. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In April, Melbourne is generally cooler than Wollongong. Daily temperatures in Melbourne average around 15°C (60°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the autumn, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Wollongong. Melbourne gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in April than Wollongong. Melbourne gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Melbourne or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Melbourne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Melbourne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Wollongong in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Melbourne is around the same temperature as Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Melbourne averages around 9°C (49°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. Melbourne usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during winter. Melbourne gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Melbourne usually receives less rain than Wollongong. Melbourne gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Melbourne or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong and Melbourne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Melbourne in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Melbourne is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Melbourne in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Melbourne. In the spring, Melbourne often gets less sunshine than Wollongong. Melbourne gets 216 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun.

Melbourne usually gets less rain in October than Wollongong. Melbourne gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Melbourne