A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Wollongong vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Wollongong or Cairns?

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

Should I visit Wollongong or Cairns? 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

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.

Cairns

Cairns is a adventure-filled, tropical, and idyllic city. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Wollongong and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wollongong or Cairns?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cairns than Wollongong. While Wollongong is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cairns is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Wollongong attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Cairns is more touristy than Wollongong and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also well known for the Great Barrier Reef. Wollongong is famous for its surrounding nature and urban beaches.

How is Wollongong different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wollongong is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Wollongong and Cairns can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cairns makes for a great culinary experience. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Wollongong or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns 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 Cairns is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

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 Wollongong or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wollongong is not a resort destination.

Cairns is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Wollongong is not a resort destination.

Is Wollongong or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Cairns a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Wollongong or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns 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 Cairns. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

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 Wollongong or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns 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 Cairns specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

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 Wollongong or Cairns?

Cairns 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 Cairns. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

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 Wollongong or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns 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, Cairns is a very family-friendly destination. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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 Wollongong or Cairns Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wollongong and Cairns make for a high quality place to visit.

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.

Cairns is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

Is Wollongong or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns 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 Cairns, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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 Wollongong or Cairns Better for Students?

Wollongong is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairns 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.

Cairns is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cairns 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 Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Wollongong or Cairns a more walkable city?

Wollongong is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options 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.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Wollongong?

How long in Wollongong or Cairns?

In either Wollongong or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Wollongong because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wollongong, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns 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 Cairns.

One day in Wollongong or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wollongong. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With shopping and nightlife around the outdoorsy city of Cairns, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A weekend in Wollongong or Cairns?

Wollongong is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cairns, 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.

Five days in Wollongong or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wollongong. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wollongong or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the student-friendly destination of Wollongong. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cairns 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Wollongong or Cairns?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Wollongong and Cairns, 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 Wollongong or Cairns?

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 Wollongong or Cairns in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wollongong and Cairns. The summer months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

Wollongong is cooler than Cairns in the summer. The daily temperature in Wollongong averages around 23°C (74°F) in January, and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Cairns receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Wollongong usually receives less rain than Cairns. Wollongong gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Should I visit Wollongong or Cairns in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Wollongong as well as Cairns. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cairns for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Wollongong is much colder than Cairns. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Wollongong in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Cairns averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite rainy in Cairns. Wollongong usually gets less rain in April than Cairns. Wollongong gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season.

Should I visit Wollongong or Cairns in the Winter?

Both Cairns and Wollongong are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Wollongong for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cairns in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In July, Wollongong is generally much colder than Cairns. Daily temperatures in Wollongong average around 10°C (50°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Wollongong usually receives more rain than Cairns. Wollongong gets 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Wollongong or Cairns in the Spring?

Both Cairns and Wollongong during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Wollongong in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cairns for the beaches during these months.

Wollongong is much colder than Cairns in the spring. The daily temperature in Wollongong averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Wollongong usually gets more rain in October than Cairns. Wollongong gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns. November to March is the rainy season in Cairns.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Wollongong