A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surfers Paradise vs. Cromwell for Nightlife, Families, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Cromwell?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Surfers Paradise or Cromwell, 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.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a high energy, thrilling, and active city. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Cromwell

Cromwell is a outdoorsy, historical, and cultural town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Cromwell travel costs.

Surfers Paradise and Cromwell: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Cromwell?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Surfers Paradise and Cromwell are both popular with visitors, Surfers Paradise has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surfers Paradise is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Cromwell is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Cromwell and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also home to the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Cromwell is popular for its fruit farms, orchards, and vineyards.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Cromwell?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Surfers Paradise or Cromwell Better for Skiing?

Cromwell is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Surfers Paradise is not a skiing destination.

Head to Cromwell for some great skiing and other winter activities. The town isn't far from several ski fields, so it attracts winter sports enthusiasts when the weather gets cold.

Surfers Paradise is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surfers Paradise or Cromwell?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

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 Surfers Paradise or Cromwell? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surfers Paradise 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.

Surfers Paradise has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

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 Surfers Paradise or Cromwell Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

Surfers Paradise is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

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 Surfers Paradise or Cromwell Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Cromwell is not a resort destination.

Surfers Paradise is a world class resort vacation destination. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Cromwell is not a resort destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Cromwell Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a great city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Cromwell is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Cromwell Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for the beach. However, Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Surfers Paradise is considered to be a world-class beach destination. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Cromwell is not a beach destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Cromwell Better for Hiking?

Cromwell is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Surfers Paradise or Cromwell?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Surfers Paradise draws large crowds to its stores. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

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 Surfers Paradise or Cromwell Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Surfers Paradise is an extremely popular city to visit for families. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

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 Surfers Paradise or Cromwell Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise and Cromwell are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Surfers Paradise makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Couples visit Cromwell frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Surfers Paradise or Cromwell Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cromwell is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Surfers Paradise is extremely popular for backpackers. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cromwell. There are a handful of great hostels in the area and plenty of things to keep backpackers entertained.

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

Surfers Paradise is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Cromwell is not known for its public transit.

While Surfers Paradise offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

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

Is Surfers Paradise or Cromwell a more walkable city?

Surfers Paradise and Cromwell are good when it comes to walkability.

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable city. There are walking and bike paths around town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cromwell or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Cromwell?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Surfers Paradise or Cromwell to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Surfers Paradise than Cromwell because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Surfers Paradise, and 1-2 days is enough time in Cromwell.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Surfers Paradise or Cromwell?

The city of Surfers Paradise offers museums and nightlife. 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 food and shopping around the cultural destination of Cromwell. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Cromwell?

Surfers Paradise is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural town of Cromwell. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Surfers Paradise or Cromwell?

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

Cromwell is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Surfers Paradise or Cromwell?

Surfers Paradise is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surfers Paradise has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Cromwell is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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