Which place is cheaper, Brisbane or Wollongong?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Wollongong or Brisbane? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Brisbane is a diverse, cultural, and active 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Brisbane than Wollongong. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Brisbane is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and shopping, while Wollongong attracts visitors for its food. Wollongong is famous for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. Brisbane is famous for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also well known for the Cultural Centre.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Brisbane and Wollongong. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Brisbane and Wollongong.
Wollongong offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.
Many visitors head to Brisbane specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.
Wollongong is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
Wollongong has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.
Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.
The vibe at night is great in both Wollongong and Brisbane.
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.
Brisbane has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.
Brisbane is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Brisbane has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.
Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
For a relaxing beach holiday, both Wollongong and Brisbane are great choices.
Wollongong is considered a top beach destination. 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.
Brisbane is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.
If you're looking to go hiking, Wollongong and Brisbane both have nice trails.
Wollongong is a good destination for hiking. 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.
Many people include a hike when visiting Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.
Brisbane is great for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Brisbane. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.
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.
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wollongong or Brisbane.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Wollongong. 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.
Brisbane is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.
Wollongong is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.
Wollongong is a great coastal city if you're traveling as 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.
Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.
Brisbane 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 Brisbane. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.
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.
Brisbane is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.
Brisbane is a very popular coastal city for students and younger travelers. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.
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.
Wollongong is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.
Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.
Wollongong and Brisbane are great when it comes to 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.
Brisbane is very walkable. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Wollongong Worth Visiting? and Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Wollongong and Brisbane. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Wollongong than in Brisbane. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wollongong, and 2-3 days is enough time in Brisbane.
Couples should spend more time in Wollongong than Brisbane. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Wollongong that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Brisbane 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 Brisbane.
The coastal city of Wollongong offers food and shopping. 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.
With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the diverse coastal city of Brisbane, 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.
Wollongong is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Wollongong, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Brisbane, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.
Wollongong is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Brisbane, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.
Brisbane is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Wollongong is $121, while the average daily cost in Brisbane is $131. 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 Wollongong and Brisbane in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Wollongong or Brisbane? 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.
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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:
Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Brisbane and Wollongong 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wollongong:
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:
For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Brisbane.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:
When comparing the travel costs between Wollongong and Brisbane, we can see that Brisbane is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Wollongong Expensive? and Is Brisbane Expensive?.
Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Wollongong and Brisbane, 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.
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.
Both Brisbane and Wollongong are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Wollongong is around the same temperature as Brisbane in the summer. The daily temperature in Wollongong averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite sunny in Brisbane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. Wollongong usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Wollongong gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In January, Wollongong usually receives less rain than Brisbane. Wollongong gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Brisbane and Wollongong during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Wollongong is cooler than Brisbane. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wollongong in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Brisbane averages at about 22°C (71°F).
In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Wollongong often gets less sunshine than Brisbane. Wollongong gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.
Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Wollongong usually gets less rain in April than Brisbane. Wollongong gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Wollongong and Brisbane. Many visitors come to Wollongong in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In July, Wollongong is generally cooler than Brisbane. Daily temperatures in Wollongong average around 10°C (50°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wollongong usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Wollongong gets 208 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Wollongong usually receives less rain than Brisbane. Wollongong gets 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Wollongong as well as Brisbane. Most visitors come to Wollongong for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
Wollongong is cooler than Brisbane in the spring. The daily temperature in Wollongong averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. In the spring, Wollongong often gets less sunshine than Brisbane. Wollongong gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.
Wollongong usually gets less rain in October than Brisbane. Wollongong gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Wollongong | Brisbane | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
Feb | 23°C (73°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
Apr | 18°C (64°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
May | 14°C (58°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
Jun | 12°C (53°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
Jul | 10°C (50°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
Aug | 12°C (53°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Sep | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Oct | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |