A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Wollongong vs. Milford Sound for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Wollongong or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Wollongong or Milford Sound? 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.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a iconic, breathtaking, and world renowned fiord. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the skiing and hiking.

Wollongong and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Wollongong or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Wollongong. Although Wollongong and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Wollongong has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wollongong is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Wollongong is famous for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also well known for Grand Pacific Drive. Milford Sound is famous for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains.

How is Wollongong different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Wollongong or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is great for skiing. However, Wollongong is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Wollongong is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Wollongong or Milford Sound?

Wollongong is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Wollongong. 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Wollongong is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Wollongong or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Wollongong is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Wollongong has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Milford Sound is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Wollongong or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Wollongong for it's beautiful 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Wollongong or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

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 Milford Sound?

Wollongong is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Wollongong or Milford Sound Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Wollongong or Milford Sound.

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.

Milford Sound is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

Is Wollongong or Milford Sound Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Wollongong and Milford Sound make for a superb 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.

Milford Sound is a very popular place to visit for couples. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

Is Wollongong or Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Wollongong and Milford Sound are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Wollongong. 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.

Milford Sound is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

Is Wollongong or Milford Sound Better for Students?

Wollongong is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not popular with students.

Is Wollongong or Milford Sound 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. However, Milford Sound is lacking in options for its public transit.

Wollongong offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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 generally limited in Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Wollongong or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Wollongong is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable coastal city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Wollongong?

How long in Wollongong or Milford Sound?

Wollongong and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Wollongong because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Wollongong, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

Families should spend more time in Wollongong than Milford Sound. 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 Milford Sound. 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 Wollongong than Milford Sound 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 Wollongong or Milford Sound?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the trendy destination of Wollongong. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With skiing around the world renowned fiord of Milford Sound, 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.

A weekend in Wollongong or Milford Sound?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Wollongong. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With skiing around the destination of Milford Sound, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the hiking. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this fiord.

Five days in Wollongong or Milford Sound?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Wollongong. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Milford Sound, a popular fiord, 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 fiord. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Wollongong or Milford Sound?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal city of Wollongong. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milford Sound 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours in New Zealand, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Wollongong and Milford Sound, we can see that Wollongong 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 Milford Sound Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Wollongong or Milford Sound?

Wollongong has a larger population, and is about 600 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Wollongong and Milford Sound, 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.