A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Surfers Paradise vs. Wollongong for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surfers Paradise or Wollongong?

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

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

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a active, ritzy, and glamourous city. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Surfers Paradise and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surfers Paradise or Wollongong?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise. Although Surfers Paradise and Wollongong are popular destinations, Surfers Paradise has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surfers Paradise is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Wollongong attracts visitors for its big city activities. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Wollongong and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. It is also well known for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Wollongong is famous for its surrounding nature and urban beaches.

How is Surfers Paradise different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Wollongong and Surfers Paradise.

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Wollongong. 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 Surfers Paradise or Wollongong? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Surfers Paradise and Wollongong.

Surfers Paradise has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Wollongong makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Surfers Paradise or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise or Wollongong Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Surfers Paradise is a great choice. 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.

Wollongong is not a resort destination.

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

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. 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.

Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surfers Paradise or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise 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 Surfers Paradise. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Surfers Paradise and Wollongong are both places where visitors can find nice hiking trails.

Surfers Paradise has hiking trails worth exploring. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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 Surfers Paradise or Wollongong?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many people travel to Surfers Paradise specifically to go shopping. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise or Wollongong Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Surfers Paradise is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Wollongong is 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 Surfers Paradise or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Surfers Paradise and Wollongong are both very good 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 Wollongong frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Surfers Paradise or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Surfers Paradise, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

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 Surfers Paradise or Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

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

Surfers Paradise is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Wollongong can get you to most places 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.

You'll find some public transit in Surfers Paradise, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Is Surfers Paradise or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Wollongong is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Surfers Paradise?

How long in Surfers Paradise or Wollongong?

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

Families should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Wollongong. 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 Wollongong. 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 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Surfers Paradise or Wollongong?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the thrilling city of Surfers Paradise, 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the student-friendly destination of Wollongong. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Surfers Paradise or Wollongong?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Surfers Paradise, 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the vibrant coastal city of Wollongong. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Wollongong?

Surfers Paradise, 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.

Wollongong is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Wollongong?

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

Wollongong is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Sydney.

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

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 Wollongong Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surfers Paradise or Wollongong?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Surfers Paradise and Wollongong. Many visitors come to Surfers Paradise in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, 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.

Surfers Paradise is around the same temperature as Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 25°C (77°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In Surfers Paradise, it's very sunny this time of the year. Surfers Paradise usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during summer. Surfers Paradise gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Surfers Paradise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Wollongong. Surfers Paradise gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Wollongong in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Surfers Paradise as well as Wollongong. Most visitors come to Surfers Paradise for the hiking trails and the shopping scene 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, Surfers Paradise is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surfers Paradise in April average around 22°C (71°F), and Wollongong averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Surfers Paradise this time of the year. In the autumn, Surfers Paradise often gets more sunshine than Wollongong. Surfers Paradise gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun.

Surfers Paradise receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in April than Wollongong. Surfers Paradise gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Surfers Paradise are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Surfers Paradise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

In July, Surfers Paradise is generally a little warmer than Wollongong. Daily temperatures in Surfers Paradise average around 15°C (59°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Wollongong. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually receives more sunshine than Wollongong during winter. Surfers Paradise gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Surfers Paradise usually receives more rain than Wollongong. Surfers Paradise gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Surfers Paradise or Wollongong in the Spring?

Both Wollongong and Surfers Paradise during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Surfers Paradise this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Surfers Paradise is a little warmer than Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Surfers Paradise averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Surfers Paradise. In the spring, Surfers Paradise often gets more sunshine than Wollongong. Surfers Paradise gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Surfers Paradise. Surfers Paradise usually gets more rain in October than Wollongong. Surfers Paradise gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Surfers Paradise