A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) vs. Wollongong for Hiking, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Wollongong can help you decide which place is right for you.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a other-worldly, spiritual, and spectacular national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

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.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wollongong. Although Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Wollongong are both popular with visitors, Wollongong has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wollongong is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is known for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is more touristy than Wollongong and is known for its natural beauty and its spiritual and sacred significance in the Anangu culture. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

Wollongong is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Wollongong specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). The Cultural Center offers information on the local Anangu culture. Also make sure you visit Field of Light, which is an art installation that is impressive. Wintjiri Arts and Museum is another local spot that is worth visiting.


Is the Food Better in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

Dining out at restaurants in both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Wollongong can be an enjoyable experience.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Many of the dining options are connected with the resorts in the area. A bucket list experience is to enjoy outdoor dining with a 4 or 5 course menu under the desert moon. Many visitors also enjoy the unique experience of an outdoor barbecue, complete with local foods and a stunning sunset view. There are several fine dining options in the area, and a handful of budget-friendly places to eat as well.

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.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

Wollongong is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Wollongong has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. Dining under the stars is the best way to experience a night at Uluru.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong Better for Resorts?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wollongong is not a resort destination.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is known as a popular and fun resort destination. While there is nowhere to stay inside the park, just outside there are many resorts and hotels. Many of the options in the area are run by one or two companies. There are also campgrounds nearby.

Wollongong is not a resort destination.


Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

Wollongong is a very popular place for the beache. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not a beach destination.

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.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not a beach destination.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are countless walks in the area that pass by stunning viewpoints and surreal rock formations. You can feel the natural beauty and the spirituality of the park as you soak up the other-worldly landscape. Out of respect for the people and nature, always stay on marked trails.

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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Wollongong.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). You'll find everything you need as far as forgotten essentials and tourist souvenirs nearby.

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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong Better for Families?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is very family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will benefit from learning about the local Anangu culture. You can visit the Cultural Center or take an informative guided tour of the area. A visit to the Field of Lights is sure to impress as well. Other family-friendly activities include camel rides, beautiful hikes, helicopter rides and reptile shows.

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.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The natural and spiritual beauty of this sight make it a truly romantic destination. Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular. There are also romantic resorts, adventure-filled activities, and unique dining opportunities that will make this an amazing honeymoon or anniversary trip.

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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). Many backpackers choose to stay at a hostel or campground near the sight. There are also some cheaper tour options that cater to the backpacker crowd.

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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong Better for Students?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

Wollongong is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not popular with students.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

Wollongong is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). There's no public transit or taxis in the area, but there is a hop-on hop-off bus as well as private bus tours and rental cars that you can arrange.

Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Wollongong

Wollongong is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is a somewhat walkable national park. There are many walks in the area, and seeing Uluru on foot is one of the most rewarding ways to explore.


For even more information, also check out Is Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Worth Visiting? and Is Wollongong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

How long in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong?

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

Families should spend more time in Wollongong than Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock). 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) than Wollongong. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Wollongong than Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong? Ideal Length of Stay
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 3-4 
    Wollongong 2-4

One day in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong?

With museums and food around the spectacular national park of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Wollongong. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A weekend in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong?

With food and shopping around the destination of Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Wollongong. It offers something for everyone. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Five days in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), a popular national park, 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the destination of Wollongong. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


A week in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong?

Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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.

Wollongong is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Wollongong or Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is $152, while the average daily cost in Wollongong is $122. 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Wollongong in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $58
    Wollongong $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $116
    Wollongong $130
Compare Hotels in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Wollongong

Looking for a hotel in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)


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: Wollongong Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $75
    Wollongong $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

Also for Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Coach Transfer from Ayers Rock (Uluru) to Kings Canyon: $114

Is it cheaper to fly into Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) or Wollongong?

Prices for flights to both Wollongong and Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) 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
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $47
    Wollongong $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

For Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Base and Sunset Half-Day Trip with Opt Outback BBQ Dinner: $131
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunset + Outback Barbecue Dinner & Star Talk : $191
  • Uluru and Kata Tjuta Experience with BBQ Dinner: $205
  • Mount Conner 4WD Small Group Tour from Ayers Rock including Dinner: $237

Typical Food Prices in Wollongong

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


  • Lunch
    $7.84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $37
    Wollongong $22

Tours and Activities in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)

For Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock), here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Driving Tour in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park: $13
  • Aboriginal Homelands Experience from Ayers Rock including Sunset: $237
  • Afternoon Kata Tjuta Small Group Tour: $105
  • Discover Uluru: Aboriginal Art & Culture 4.5 Hours Tour: $170
  • Kata Tjuta Small-Group Tour Including Sunrise and Breakfast: $142
  • Small Group Uluru Sunset Viewing Tour: $65
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Field of Light Sunrise Tour: $60
  • Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunset Tour: $67
  • Uluru Audio Tour App: $13
  • Uluru Small Group Tour including Sunset: $142

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) $11
    Wollongong $18


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) and Wollongong, we can see that Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) is more expensive. And not only is Wollongong much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Wollongong would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Wollongong 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 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) than you might in Wollongong.

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


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