Wollongong

Wollongong, Australia

The spectacular escarpment and beautiful beaches make Wollongong idyllic for outdoor adventures and fun. Just 80 km south of Sydney, Wollongong is NSW's third-largest city. Skydive, hang-glide and paraglide above the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Surfing, water skiing, sailing and fishing are popular, too. Play golf on picturesque courses or relax on a beach. Rent a bike and ride along 60 km of cycle paths or walk on rainforest trails. After all the outdoor activities, visit the city’s splendid art gallery and enjoy quality cafés and restaurants.

Population:

Approximately 200,000.

Currency:

Australian Dollar (AUD) $1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Police, Ambulance, Fire 000

Opening Hours:

General city shopping hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm with late night shopping on Thursday until 9pm. Most shops are open Saturday from 9am - 4pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Newspapers:

The Illawarra Mercury (daily)
The Wollongong Advertiser (weekly)
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW)
The Daily Telegraph (NSW)
The Australian (National)

Top 5

Discover the unspoilt natural beauty of Wollongong by relaxing on the fine white sands of its beaches, enjoying spectacular panoramic views by driving on coastal roads, or from the air by skydiving and hang-gliding. And meet native animals including koalas, kangaroos, dingoes and water dragons in an enthralling wildlife park.

The City

Wollongong is delightful drive south of Sydney. You can drive to the city in an hour or take a little longer and follow the winding Grand Pacific Drive around the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge. With superb beaches, accommodation options and al fresco dining by the beach, Wollongong is a great base for exploring the NSW South Coast.

Take in the stunning panorama of the escarpment and coast from Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell Tops, a popular place for hang-gliding. Cycleways line the coast, so rent a bike and explore Wollongong under brilliant blue skies, or explore the bush on walking trails.

Walk in the forest canopy at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures in the escarpment and meet native animals at Symbio Wildlife Park. Thrill-seekers can skydive, hang-glide or paraglide, and take a joyride on a motorcycle into the fragrant bushland and along the sparkling coast.

Stop at lovely Nan Tien Buddhist Temple with its pretty gardens to restore your inner peace. And don’t miss Wollongong City Gallery's fascinating exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

Do and See

A holiday or a weekend escape in Wollongong offers beautiful natural scenery, exciting sports and adventure activities, plus world-class cultural attractions and events.

Dining

From fine dining at award-winning restaurants to relaxed cafés, enjoy delicious meals overlooking the Pacific Ocean in delightful venues. Talented chefs create mouth-watering dishes using fresh seafood and seasonal produce.