Did you know that Wollongong is the third-largest city in New South Wales and the tenth-largest in Australia? But don’t let its size fool you. Wollongong is a city with a big heart and a lot of charm. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a cultural and culinary adventure, or an adrenaline-filled outdoor experience, Wollongong has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll show you why Wollongong is the perfect destination for your next holiday, and what you can do, see, eat and enjoy in this wonderful city on the South Coast of NSW.
Things to Do in Wollongong
Wollongong is a city that never runs out of things to do. No matter what your interests, preferences or budget are, you’ll find something that suits you in Wollongong. Here are some of the best things to do in Wollongong:
Visit the Wollongong Art Gallery, the largest regional art gallery in NSW, and admire its collection of contemporary, Aboriginal and Asian art. The gallery also hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, talks and events that showcase local and international artists and cultures.
Experience the thrill of skydiving over the beach with Skydive Sydney-Wollongong, the only beach skydive in Sydney. You’ll get to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline, the ocean and the city as you freefall from 15,000 feet and land on the soft sand of North Wollongong Beach.
Explore the Science Space, the largest hands-on science centre in NSW, and enjoy its interactive exhibits, planetarium and live shows. You’ll learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a fun and engaging way, and discover the wonders of the universe, the human body, the natural world and more.
Discover the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, and learn about its architecture, culture and teachings. You can also join a guided tour, a meditation session, a vegetarian lunch or a tea ceremony, and experience the peace and harmony of this sacred place.
Tour the Port Kembla Steelworks, one of the largest and most complex steel production facilities in the world, and witness its impressive operations and processes. You’ll get to see the blast furnace, the coke ovens, the hot strip mill and the steel products, and learn about the history, technology and innovation of the steel industry.
Beaches in Wollongong
Wollongong is blessed with some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in Australia. Whether you’re looking for a place to swim, surf, fish, relax or have fun, you’ll find it in Wollongong. Here are some of the best beaches in Wollongong:
North Wollongong Beach, a popular and patrolled beach that offers swimming, surfing, fishing, picnicking and playground facilities. It’s also home to the iconic Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort, where you can stay in a range of accommodation options, from cabins to apartments, and enjoy amenities such as a pool, a spa, a gym and a mini golf course.
City Beach, a scenic and sandy beach that features a saltwater pool, a surf club, a cafe and a lighthouse. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunrise, the sunset and the whales during their migration season.
Towradgi Beach, a long and wide beach that boasts a rock pool, a cycleway, a park and a bowling club. It’s also a popular venue for events and festivals, such as the Towradgi Beach Hotel Beer, Food and Wine Festival, which showcases local and international brews, cuisines and entertainment.
Austinmer Beach, a charming and picturesque beach that has two large rock pools, a grassy area, a kiosk and a restaurant. It’s also a favourite among photographers, who capture its stunning views and colours, especially during the golden hour.
Stanwell Park Beach, a stunning and secluded beach that is surrounded by cliffs, bushland and the Bald Hill lookout. It’s also a hotspot for hang gliding and paragliding, as you can soar above the beach and enjoy the panoramic scenery.
Food and Drink in Wollongong
Wollongong is a city that loves food and drink. From casual cafes and pubs to fine dining and hatted restaurants, Wollongong has something for every taste and occasion. Here are some of the best food and drink options in Wollongong:
Diggies Cafe, a trendy and award-winning cafe that serves fresh and local produce, coffee and juices, with a stunning view of the ocean. It’s also a great place to enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch, with dishes such as the Diggies Big Breakfast, the Smashed Avocado and the Corn and Zucchini Fritters.
Caveau, a fine dining and hatted restaurant that offers a seasonal and degustation menu, featuring local and organic ingredients, wine and cocktails. It’s also a place to celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries and weddings, with a private dining room and a personalised service.
Five Barrel Brewing, a craft brewery and taproom that produces and pours a range of beers, from pale ales to stouts, with a food truck and live music on weekends. It’s also a place to learn about the brewing process, join a tasting session, or even brew your own beer with the help of the experts.
His Boy Elroy, a hidden and hip small bar that specialises in burgers, wings, fries and shakes, with a selection of beers, wines and spirits. It’s also a place to have fun, with a retro arcade machine, a jukebox and a DJ booth.
Glenbernie Orchard, a family-owned and operated orchard that grows and sells a variety of fruits, such as apples, peaches, nectarines and plums, with a farm shop and a cafe. It’s also a place to experience the farm life, with a tractor ride, a fruit picking tour, a picnic area and a playground.
Accommodation in Wollongong
Wollongong has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every need, preference and budget. Whether you’re looking for a hotel, an apartment, a cottage or a campground, you’ll find it in Wollongong. Here are some of the best accommodation options in Wollongong:
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, a four-star and beachfront hotel that features spacious and modern rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a spa and a gym. It’s also a convenient and comfortable base to explore the city and the region, with easy access to the beach, the CBD and the attractions.
Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong, a four-star and central hotel that offers stylish and self-contained apartments, with a kitchen, a laundry, a lounge and a balcony. It’s also a flexible and functional option for short or long stays, with facilities such as a pool, a gym, a parking and a 24-hour reception.
Headlands Austinmer Beach, a four-star and coastal hotel that boasts luxurious and contemporary rooms, suites and penthouses, with a restaurant, a bar, a pool and a function centre. It’s also a relaxing and romantic retreat, with stunning views of the ocean, the beach and the escarpment, and a range of services such as massages, yoga and pilates.
Corrimal Beach Tourist Park, a three-star and caravan park that provides comfortable and affordable cabins, villas, cottages and sites, with a camp kitchen, a playground, a pool and a beach access. It’s also a family-friendly and pet-friendly option, with activities such as fishing, cycling, kayaking and birdwatching.
Sky Accommodation, a two-star and budget hotel that caters to backpackers and travellers, with a choice of dorms, singles, doubles and triples, with a shared kitchen, a lounge, a laundry and a garden. It’s also a social and lively option, with events such as trivia nights, karaoke nights and BBQ nights.
Getting to and Around Wollongong
Wollongong is easy to get to and around, whether you’re travelling by car, train, bus, bike or foot. Here are some tips and information on how to get to and around Wollongong:
To get to Wollongong from Sydney by car, you can take the M1 motorway, which takes about 90 minutes, or the scenic route along the Grand Pacific Drive and the Sea Cliff Bridge, which takes about two hours. You’ll need to pay tolls on the motorway, but you’ll enjoy spectacular views and attractions on the scenic route.
To get to Wollongong from Sydney by train, you can take the South Coast Line from Central Station, which takes about two hours, or the Illawarra Line from Bondi Junction, which takes about two and a half hours. You’ll need to buy an Opal card or use a contactless payment method to pay for your fare, but you’ll benefit from frequent and reliable services and comfortable seats.
To get around Wollongong by public transport, you can use the free Gong Shuttle bus, which runs every 10 to 20 minutes between the CBD, the beach, the university and the hospital. You can also use the regular bus services, which cover most of the city and the suburbs, or the train services, which connect Wollongong to other towns and cities on the South Coast Line and the Illawarra Line. You’ll need to buy an Opal card or use a contactless payment method to pay for your fare, but you’ll enjoy cheap and convenient travel options.
To get around Wollongong by bike, you can use the Wollongong Bike Hire stations, which are located at various points around the city, such as the North Wollongong Beach, the Wollongong Train Station and the Wollongong Central Shopping Centre. You’ll need to register online or download the app to access the bikes, but you’ll only pay for the time you use them, with the first 30 minutes free. You’ll also have access to over 60 kilometres of cycleways and paths, which offer scenic and safe routes for cyclists of all levels.
To get around Wollongong by car, you can use the parking options available in the city, such as the on-street parking, the off-street parking and the parking stations. You’ll need to pay for the parking fees, which vary depending on the location, the duration and the time of the day, but you’ll find plenty of spaces and signs to guide you. You’ll also be able to drive to other attractions and destinations in the region, such as the Royal National Park, the Kiama Blowhole and the Jervis Bay.
To get around Wollongong by foot, you can use the walking trails that criss-cross the city, such as the Blue Mile, the Wollongong Heritage Trail and the Illawarra Escarpment Walking Track. You’ll need to wear comfortable shoes and carry water and sunscreen, but you’ll experience the best views and vibes of the city, the beach and the bush. You’ll also discover hidden gems and landmarks, such as the Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse, the Wollongong Harbour and the Mount Keira Summit.
Wollongong is a city that has it all: amazing beaches, food, arts, outdoor activities and more. It’s a perfect destination for your next holiday, whether you’re looking for a relaxing, cultural or adventurous experience. In this article, we’ve shown you what you can do, see, eat and enjoy in Wollongong, and how you can get to and around this wonderful city on the South Coast of NSW.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Wollongong today and discover why it’s one of the best places to visit in Australia. And don’t forget to share your stories and photos with us on Tripoto, the world’s largest travel community. We’d love to hear from you!
