A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Torquay vs. Wollongong for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Torquay or Wollongong?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Torquay 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.

Torquay

Torquay is a laid back, hip, and thriving surf town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Torquay and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Torquay or Wollongong?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wollongong. Although Torquay and Wollongong are both popular with visitors, Wollongong has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wollongong is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Torquay is known for its beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Torquay is popular for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Torquay different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wollongong is great for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its sights and museums.

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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Wollongong is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Wollongong has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Torquay or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Wollongong is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Wollongong for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Torquay or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Torquay 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 Torquay. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

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 Torquay or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Torquay 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 Torquay for the hiking trails. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

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 Torquay or Wollongong?

If you're looking to go shopping, Torquay and Wollongong both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Torquay. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

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.

Is Torquay or Wollongong Better for Families?

Wollongong is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Wollongong is very family-friendly. 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.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Torquay or Wollongong Better for Couples?

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

Torquay is a great surf town if you're traveling as a couple. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Torquay or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Torquay and Wollongong are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Torquay. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Wollongong is a good surf town to visit for backpackers. 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 Torquay or Wollongong Better for Students?

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

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

Torquay is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its public transit.

Wollongong has some very good public transit options. 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.

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Torquay or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Torquay and Wollongong are very good when it comes to walkability.

Torquay is a very walkable surf town. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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 Torquay Worth Visiting? and Is Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Torquay?

How long in Torquay or Wollongong?

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy surf town of Torquay, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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.

In Wollongong, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Torquay or Wollongong?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Torquay, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this surf town.

In Wollongong, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Wollongong has to offer.

Five days in Torquay or Wollongong?

Torquay, a popular surf town, 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Torquay or Wollongong?

Torquay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Wollongong. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Torquay or Wollongong?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Torquay 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 Torquay 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 Torquay or Wollongong in the Summer?

Both Wollongong and Torquay are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Torquay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, 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.

In the summer, Torquay is around the same temperature as Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Torquay in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite rainy in Torquay. In January, Torquay usually receives more rain than Wollongong. Torquay gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Torquay or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Torquay during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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 April, Torquay is generally a little warmer than Wollongong. Daily temperatures in Torquay average around 22°C (72°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Torquay usually gets more rain in April than Wollongong. Torquay gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Torquay or Wollongong in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Torquay and Wollongong. The winter months attract visitors to Torquay 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.

Torquay is a little warmer than Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Torquay averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In July, Torquay usually receives more rain than Wollongong. Torquay gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Torquay or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Torquay as well as Wollongong. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Torquay this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Torquay is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Torquay in October average around 21°C (71°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Torquay usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Wollongong. Torquay gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Torquay