A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shiretoko National Park vs. Wollongong for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine. With stunning beauty, Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Shiretoko National Park travel costs.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a student-friendly, trendy, and vibrant coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Wollongong travel costs.

Shiretoko National Park and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less hiking options


Is there more to do in Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wollongong. Although Shiretoko National Park and Wollongong are popular destinations, Wollongong has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wollongong is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Wollongong is more touristy than Shiretoko National Park and is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also well known for Grand Pacific Drive. Shiretoko National Park is famous for its pristine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and rugged coastline.

How is Shiretoko National Park different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong?

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Wollongong is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Shiretoko National Park. This is a beautiful and pristine park, but there are limited amenities and museums in the area. You can hit up the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center for information on the region.


Is the Food Better in Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Wollongong is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for its restaurants.

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.

While Shiretoko National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are a couple of restaurants on the edge of the park, but if you're planning to do any hiking, it's best to bring your own food.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Wollongong is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for nightlife.

Wollongong offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Shiretoko National Park doesn't offer many options. Peaceful evenings and relaxing in nature are the best way to pass the time here, not socializing in a bar.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Wollongong is a well-known place for the beach. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Wollongong. 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Shiretoko National Park is an unbeatable place for hiking. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby hiking options.

People visit Shiretoko National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The park is pristine with striking and varied landscapes as well as diverse wildlife. Hiking is the best way to experience the area, and the scenic views, and world class hiking trails are among the best.

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 Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong?

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Wollongong is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Wollongong to go shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Shiretoko National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong More Beautiful?

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Shiretoko National Park is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Shiretoko National Park attracts visitors from all around. The park is among the most beautiful in Japan. It has a scenic natural setting that is particularly nice during the winter season.

Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong Better for Families?

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Wollongong is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Shiretoko National Park is a family-friendly remote,natural,scenic,pristine. Kids who enjoy an outdoor adventure will appreciate a visit to this park. There are wildlife viewing opportunities as well as mult-day hiking trails. Some parts of the park are challenging to access, so younger kids may be limited in what they can do.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Shiretoko National Park and Wollongong are both very good to visit as a couple.

Shiretoko National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, wildlife, and pristine hiking trails will enjoy a visit to this remote and natural park. There are many great hikes as well as scenic spots that you can explore.

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 Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Shiretoko National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shiretoko National Park. Multi-day treks are a great way to explore the park and see the parts that are less popular with tourists.

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 Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong Better for Students?

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Wollongong is a nice place to visit for students. However, Shiretoko National Park 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.

Shiretoko National Park is not popular with students.

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

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Wollongong is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Shiretoko National Park is not a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Shiretoko National Park. While there are buses that travel from Utoro to the east coast, they are infrequent. Your best options for visiting the park are having a private vehicle or joining a tour. Many parts of the park are only accessible by hiking or by boat.

Is Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Shiretoko National Park
Wollongong

Wollongong is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Shiretoko National Park is not as famous, but is still a good remote,natural,scenic,pristine to visit for its walkability.

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

Shiretoko National Park is somewhat walkable. It's a vast park with many hiking and cycling trails.


For even more information, also check out Is Shiretoko National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Shiretoko National Park?

How long in Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong. In our opinion, Wollongong has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Wollongong than Shiretoko National Park. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Shiretoko National Park, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

Families should spend more time in Wollongong than Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park 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.


  • How many days in Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong? Ideal Length of Stay
    Shiretoko National Park 3-4 
    Wollongong 2-4

One day in Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong?

With around the national park remote,natural,scenic,pristine of Shiretoko National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and food around the trendy coastal city of Wollongong. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong?

With around the destination of Shiretoko National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Wollongong is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong?

Shiretoko National Park, a popular remote,natural,scenic,pristine, 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.

Wollongong is a great place to explore. Five days 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


A week in Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong?

Shiretoko National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wollongong. Most people come for the beaches. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Wollongong or Shiretoko National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Shiretoko National Park Prices
    Japan Prices
    Wollongong Prices
    Australia Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shiretoko National Park $96
    Wollongong $144

The average daily cost (per person) in Shiretoko National Park is $96, while the average daily cost in Wollongong is $144. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Shiretoko National Park and Wollongong in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shiretoko National Park $34
    Wollongong $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shiretoko National Park $68
    Wollongong $130
Compare Hotels in Shiretoko National Park and Wollongong

Looking for a hotel in Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Shiretoko National Park


Hotels in Wollongong


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices and Wollongong Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $27
    Wollongong $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong?

Prices for flights to both Wollongong and Shiretoko National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Shiretoko National Park $45
    Wollongong $53

Typical Food Prices in Wollongong

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wollongong:


  • Lunch
    $7.85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shiretoko National Park $15
    Wollongong $22

Tours and Activities in Wollongong

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Wollongong.

  • From Sydney: Jervis Bay Tour with Beach, Koalas & Kangaroos: $145
  • Sydney: Kiama Costal Private Day Tour with Local Experiences: $562
  • Sydney: Private South Coast, Highlands and Kiama Tour: $906

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shiretoko National Park $11
    Wollongong $18


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

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



When is the best time to visit Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shiretoko National Park as well as Wollongong. Many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Shiretoko National Park is cooler than Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Shiretoko National Park averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. In the summer, Shiretoko National Park often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin January. Shiretoko National Park gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

Shiretoko National Park usually gets less rain in July than Wollongongin January. Shiretoko National Park gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F) 
    Wollongong 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Wollongong. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shiretoko National Park in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Wollongong averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

Shiretoko National Park usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during autumn. Shiretoko National Park gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shiretoko National Park usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wollongongin April. Shiretoko National Park gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F) 
    Wollongong 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Shiretoko National Park during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In January, Shiretoko National Park is generally much colder than Wollongongin July. Daily temperatures in Shiretoko National Park average around -6°C (20°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Shiretoko National Park often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin July. Shiretoko National Park gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Shiretoko National Park usually gets more rain in January than Wollongongin July. Shiretoko National Park gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F) 
    Wollongong 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Shiretoko National Park or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shiretoko National Park and Wollongong. The natural beauty are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the spring. Shiretoko National Park is much colder than Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Shiretoko National Park averages around 5°C (40°F) in April, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. Shiretoko National Park usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during spring. Shiretoko National Park gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Shiretoko National Park usually receives less rain than Wollongongin October. Shiretoko National Park gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F) 
    Wollongong 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park Wollongong
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Mar -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Apr 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in) 10°C (50°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)


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