Wollongong
Experience the stunning coastal city of Wollongong, a city nestled between the cool blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the sheer sandstone cliffs of the Illawarra Escarpment. The seaside city lies upon a narrow coastal plain and is Australia's ninth largest city.
You can feel the historic atmosphere of the city as you arrive, with a short stroll through the main streets offering up plenty of historic buildings. Catch a glimpse of the Court House, the region's oldest remaining building, or relax in Market Square - a Victorian-era park complete with band rotunda. Visit the Illawarra Museum and cast your eyes over its extensive collection of artefacts from the city's early history.
Go for a walk or a ride along the Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track and take in the stunning coastal views of the city. Marvel as the track takes you from the city centre to its northern end and offers up some of the best scenery the region has to offer.
Climb to the top of one of the peaks of the Illawarra Escarpment, and experience panoramic views of the city below and the ocean stretching out in front of you. This is the best way to take in the city and discover its natural beauty.
Head to Win Stadium and catch the St George Illawarra Dragons in action as they do battle against other NRL teams at this modern venue.
Wollongong is also home to a thriving arts scene, from the gothic mansion housing the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music - with outdoor recitals often staged in the manor grounds - to the Wollongong City Gallery and its thought-provoking exhibitions and programs. The gallery is widely recognised as the best regional gallery in the country and is a must see.
Take in a live performance at the Wollongong Performing Arts Centre, which often features opera, drama and musical performances.
Experience the calming environment of the Nan Tien Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Southern Hemisphere. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped grounds, or through the corridors of the main temple.
Wollongong is also a busy heavy industry area. Get a behind the scenes look and tour of the Port Kembla Steelworks. See first hand how the factory works and experience the sheer heat of the furnaces.
The city features a vibrant culture and some of the best scenery along the coast of New South Wales. Explore its history, walking tracks, sport, culture, industry and more, and discover why Wollongong has become such a popular tourist attraction.
Catch a train directly from Sydney and the South Coast Line will deliver you right to the Wollongong Railway Station.
Many coach companies also run buses out to the area.
- Experience the calming atmosphere of the Nan Tien Temple and stroll through its beautiful grounds
- Take a tour of the Port Kembla Steelworks and discover the inner workings of the factory
- Stroll through the Wollongong Botanic Gardens and discover the BHP Fountain and the Japanese wooden bridge.
- Climb to the top of the Illawarra Escarpment along the Mount Keira Ring Track and take in the views of the city.
- Watch the St. George Illawarra Dragons in action
- Visit the Illawarra Museum and discove the city's heritage
- Take in a show at the Wollongong Performing Arts Centre
- Enjoy a recital in the manor grounds of the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music
- Experience unique art works at the Wollongong City Gallery
- Ride along the Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track and explore the coastline
- Visit the Science Centre and Planetarium
- See a collection of historic cars at the Illawarra Motoring Museum
