A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wollongong vs. Gili Trawangan for Nightlife, Beaches, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Wollongong or Gili Trawangan?

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

Should I visit Wollongong or Gili Trawangan? 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 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. See Wollongong travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a laidback, tropical, and idyllic island. With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Wollongong and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wollongong or Gili Trawangan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wollongong. Although Wollongong and Gili Trawangan are both popular with visitors, Wollongong has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wollongong is more popular for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Gili Trawangan is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Wollongong and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also home to Grand Pacific Drive.

How is Wollongong different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan?

Wollongong is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options 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.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Wollongong and Gili Trawangan 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, Gili Trawangan makes for a great culinary experience. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Is Wollongong or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Wollongong is not a resort destination.

Gili Trawangan has a few great resort options. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Wollongong is not a resort destination.

Is Wollongong or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

Wollongong is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Wollongong or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Wollongong is very good for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

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.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Wollongong or Gili Trawangan?

Wollongong is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Gili Trawangan is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Wollongong. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Gili Trawangan has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Is Wollongong or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Gili Trawangan is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Wollongong is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Wollongong or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wollongong or Gili Trawangan.

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.

Gili Trawangan is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

Is Wollongong or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wollongong and Gili Trawangan make for a great 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.

Gili Trawangan is a very popular place to visit for couples. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Wollongong or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

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 Gili Trawangan Better for Students?

Wollongong is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Gili Trawangan 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.

Gili Trawangan is not popular with students.

Is Wollongong or Gili Trawangan 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, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Gili Trawangan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Is Wollongong or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Wollongong and Gili Trawangan 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.

Gili Trawangan is very walkable. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Wollongong?

How long in Wollongong or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Wollongong or Gili Trawangan. In our opinion, Gili Trawangan has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Gili Trawangan than Wollongong. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan.

One day in Wollongong or Gili Trawangan?

In Wollongong, you'll find museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the tropical island of Gili Trawangan, 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.

A weekend in Wollongong or Gili Trawangan?

Wollongong is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Gili Trawangan, 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 island.

Five days in Wollongong or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wollongong. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Gili Trawangan, a popular island, 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.

A week in Wollongong or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal city of Wollongong. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

Gili Trawangan 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 Coach Bus Tours in Australia, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wollongong and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Wollongong is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wollongong is in Pacific and Gili Trawangan is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Gili Trawangan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gili Trawangan 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 Gili Trawangan.

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