Wollongong Visitor Information
Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
Located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Wollongong is a beautiful coastal city that offers visitors a range of recreational, cultural and natural attractions. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation or entertainment, Wollongong has something for everyone.
Attractions
Wollongong Beaches
Wollongong is famous for its beautiful beaches, which are great for swimming, surfing, fishing or simply lounging in the sun. Some of the best beaches in Wollongong include North Wollongong, City Beach and Port Kembla.
Nan Tien Temple
The Nan Tien Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere and is located in Wollongong. Visitors can explore the temple, learn about Buddhism and enjoy vegetarian meals at the on-site restaurant.
Illawarra Light Railway Museum
The Illawarra Light Railway Museum is a great attraction for train enthusiasts, with a collection of historic steam and diesel locomotives and carriages. Visitors can take a ride on the miniature train and explore the museum's exhibition spaces.
Activities
Skydiving
Wollongong is one of the best places to go skydiving in Australia, with stunning views of the coast and surrounding hinterland. Skydiving experiences are available for beginners and experienced jumpers.
Surfing
With world-class surf breaks and consistent waves, Wollongong is a popular destination for surfers. There are a number of surf schools in the area, offering lessons for beginners and advanced surfers.
Bushwalking
Wollongong is surrounded by beautiful national parks and nature reserves, which offer a range of bushwalking trails for all fitness levels. Popular trails include the Sublime Point track in the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area and the Wodi Wodi track in the Royal National Park.
Events
Jazz in the Vines
Every year in November, Wollongong hosts the Jazz in the Vines festival, a celebration of jazz music, food and wine. Visitors can enjoy performances by local and international jazz musicians, as well as sample wine from local vineyards.
Wollongong Fringe Festival
The Wollongong Fringe Festival is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that takes place every year in September. The festival features a range of performances, exhibitions, workshops and events that showcase local and international artists.
Getting There
Wollongong is located approximately 80 kilometres south of Sydney and is easily accessible by car, train or bus. The drive from Sydney takes approximately one hour, while the train journey takes around 90 minutes.
Accommodation
Wollongong offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, including hotels, motels, B&Bs, holiday parks and camping grounds. Popular accommodation options include the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, the Sage Hotel Wollongong and the Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort.