Fast facts
- A vibrant, cosmopolitan city
- Set between the coast and the green hills of the escarpment
- 81 km south of Sydney, population 250,000
Why go there
Wollongong is a lively, likable city with glorious natural surroundings, superb beaches and a growing reputation as a city that appreciates fine food and wine.
The city has a range of accommodation options that make this a perfect base from which to explore the Illawarra region.
History
Wollongong began as a farming settlement and expanded hugely as a port city for the coal mined in the Illawarra. In the 20th century, the city expanded further when it became a major steel producer.
Things to do
- Sample the beer at Five Islands Brewery, Australia’s largest micro brewery, just the place to try a chemical, preservative and sugar-free beer.
- Explore Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, wander the gardens and experience the Buddhist way of life.
- Stroll around Wollongong Harbour, the horseshoe-shaped expanse also known as Belmore Basin, with its array of fishing boats and lighthouses.
Events
- Viva la Gong, held in October, is the city’s annual arts and entertainment spectacular. The festival brings together dance, drama, circus acts, film, music, craft, food and fun.
- Wollongong Eisteddfod in July attracts some of the hottest new talents from the world of dance: from ballet to folk to tap, classic and contemporary.
Don’t miss
- The view from 468m Mt Keira Lookout
- Wollongong City Gallery, the country’s largest regional art collection
- The delights of Wollongong's Botanic Garden
- The view from the harbour’s lighthouse in the evening
- The city’s surf beaches, some of the State's finest
- Sky dive the beach- the only place in NSW you can get this high velocity thrill
