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

Should you visit Nara or Wollongong?

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

Should I visit Nara 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.

Nara

Nara is a traditional, tranquil, and natural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nara and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nara or Wollongong?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Wollongong than Nara. While Nara is larger than Wollongong, Wollongong has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wollongong is more popular for its food, beaches, and big city activities, while Nara is known for its historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Nara is popular for its many temples and shrines, its beautiful natural areas, and its free roaming deer. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Nara different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Nara and Wollongong.

Nara offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with history. There are many ancient temples such as Tōdai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Yakushi-ji Temple, and Tōshōdai-ji Temple. You can also visit the Nara National Museum as well as the many parks and gardens.

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 Nara or Wollongong? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wollongong is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Nara is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Wollongong. 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.

Nara is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The cuisine is simple and traditional with its roots in the history of the area. Many residents start their morning with a simple rice porridge. The area is also known for its persimmon leaf sushi and miwa somen (a thin, chewy noodle).

Is Nara or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are high quality in both Nara and Wollongong.

Nara has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town offers a serene and relaxed atmosphere at night. There are plenty of bars around town that are known for their friendly bartenders and you'll find many of the bars in Naramachi, which is the old town area.

Wollongong has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Nara or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is notable for the beache. However, Nara is not a beach destination.

Wollongong is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Nara is not a beach destination.

Is Nara or Wollongong Better for its Old Town?

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

Nara has an old town worth visiting. Naramachi is the old town of Nara. This is the old merchant district and today you'll find several traditional residential buildings and warehouses that are open to the public.

Wollongong does not have a historic old town.

Is Nara or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Nara 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 Nara for the hiking trails. The city is all about its surrounding nature. There are historic pilgrim routes that pass through the hills and mountains, taking you by sacred sights and ancient forests. In the area you'll find some of Japan's most ancient byways.

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 Nara or Wollongong?

Nara 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 Nara. Sanjo-dori is the main street through town. This is where you'll find many souvenir shops that sell local items and traditional food. Mochiido Center Town is the oldest shopping arcade in town and it is filled with history.

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 Nara or Wollongong Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Nara or Wollongong.

Nara is a very kid-friendly city. Head to Nara Park for a bit of nature in the city. Deer roam freely in the park, which is filled with pine trees and beautiful lawns. Kids will also appreciate a visit to Ikomasanjo Amusement Park or the NARAMACHI-KARAKURI Toy Museum. You can also take a ride on the Ikoma Cable Line or spend some time at the Tennenyamato Hot Spring Nara Kenko Land.

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.

Is Nara or Wollongong Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nara and Wollongong make for a high quality place to visit.

Nara is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city is smaller than you might expect, and it's filled with green space and parks. You can wander through Nara Park, see the deer, and soak up the romantic atmosphere. You can also visit one of the beautiful temples such as Todaiji Temple. Many couples also enjoy exploring Yoshikien Garden.

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.

Is Nara or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Nara and Wollongong are good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nara. There are a couple of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers and the budget travel crowd.

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 Nara or Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is a popular place for students. However, Nara is not popular with students.

Wollongong is a good coastal 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.

Nara is not popular with students.

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

Both Nara and Wollongong offer high quality public transit options.

The public transit in Nara can get you around easily. There are city buses that will take you through town and to the many tourist spots.

Wollongong offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 Nara or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Nara and Wollongong both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Nara is a very walkable city. Many of the sights are within walking distance of each other, so many visitors enjoy exploring on foot.

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 Nara Worth Visiting? and Is Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Nara?

How long in Nara or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Nara or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wollongong due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nara, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

One day in Nara or Wollongong?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Nara, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nara, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Wollongong. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nara or Wollongong?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nara, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Wollongong is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nara or Wollongong?

Nara, a popular city, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the student-friendly destination of Wollongong. This coastal city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nara or Wollongong?

Nara 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.

The vibrant coastal city of Wollongong offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, The Best Cultural Tours in Japan, 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 Nara and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong is more expensive. And not only is Nara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nara 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 Nara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nara 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 Nara.

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

Which is Bigger, Nara or Wollongong?

Nara has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Nara 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 Nara 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 Nara has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Nara or Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nara as well as Wollongong. The summer months attract visitors to Nara because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, 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, Nara is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nara in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. In the summer, Nara often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Nara gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nara usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Nara gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Nara are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nara 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 October, Nara is generally around the same temperature as Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Nara average around 17°C (63°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Nara usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during autumn. Nara gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nara. In October, Nara usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Nara gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nara or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Nara during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nara 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nara. Nara is much colder than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Nara averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Nara often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin July. Nara gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Nara usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Wollongongin July. Nara gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nara or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nara and Wollongong. Many visitors come to Nara in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. Nara usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during spring. Nara gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nara usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Nara gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Nara