A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Phuket vs. Wollongong for Nightlife, Beaches, Food, and Families

Should you visit Phuket or Wollongong?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Wollongong, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Phuket

Phuket is a energetic, party-hard, and stunning resort island. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

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.

Phuket and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Phuket or Wollongong?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wollongong than Phuket, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Wollongong is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and big city activities, while Phuket is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Phuket is more touristy than Wollongong and is popular for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Phuket different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wollongong is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Wollongong can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Phuket does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Wollongong is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Phuket is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

Is Phuket or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Phuket is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Phuket is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

Wollongong has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Phuket or Wollongong Better for Resorts?

Phuket is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Wollongong is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Phuket is a great choice. It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

Wollongong is not a resort destination.

Is Phuket or Wollongong Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Phuket is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Phuket. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Phuket or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Phuket 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 Phuket. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

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 Phuket or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Wollongong is a nice place to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Wollongong has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Phuket is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Phuket or Wollongong?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Wollongong and Phuket.

Phuket offers some nice shopping areas. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

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 Phuket or Wollongong Better for Families?

Wollongong is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Phuket 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.

Phuket offers lots of family activities. Many people visit this island with kids because it has beautiful beaches and tons of activities including water sports, water parks, and amusement areas. The island is filled with a diversity of tourists, so you'll encounter a number of areas with party-hard atmospheres, but there are also tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from as well.

Is Phuket or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Phuket and Wollongong are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Phuket frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The island is filled with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all travel styles. It's a tourist and party mecca in Thailand with many resorts and restaurants to choose from.

Wollongong is a great resort island if you're traveling as 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 Phuket or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Wollongong is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Phuket is a resort island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Phuket is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It has a long history as a party island with expensive prices and hordes of tourists. Many backpackers complain about the lack of authenticity and prefer to spend their time elsewhere.

Is Phuket or Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is a nice place to visit for students. However, Phuket 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.

Phuket is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Wollongong can get you around 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.

While Phuket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.

Is Phuket or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Wollongong is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Phuket is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Wollongong is a very walkable coastal city. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

Phuket is a somewhat walkable resort island. Most of the hotels and resorts are walking distance to the beach and many resort areas are small enough to be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Phuket?

How long in Phuket or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Phuket or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Phuket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Phuket, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

With shopping and nightlife around the energetic resort island of Phuket, there's plenty to do. 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.

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 Phuket or Wollongong?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Phuket, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Phuket or Wollongong?

Phuket, a popular resort island, 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 resort island. 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 Phuket or Wollongong?

Phuket is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this resort island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this resort island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the student-friendly 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Phuket and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Phuket is in Asia and Wollongong is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Phuket or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket or Wollongong?

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

Should I visit Phuket or Wollongong in the Summer?

Both Wollongong and Phuket during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Phuket is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°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 Phuket. In the summer, Phuket often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Phuket gets 206 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 Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Phuket or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Phuket is generally much warmer than Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongong during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.

Should I visit Phuket or Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Wollongong. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

Phuket is much warmer than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°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. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Wollongongin July. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Wollongongin July. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season.

Should I visit Phuket or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Phuket is much warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongong during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Phuket