Wollongong

History & heritage tours

Wollongong, known for its history of coal mining and steel industry, has transformed into a foodie haven, creative community, and outdoor adventure hub. Understand the city's past on a guided tour of the Port Kembla Steelworks and the historic Blue Mile, before exploring its new cafés, galleries, and trails. For a personalised tour with lots of professional-quality photos along the way, book in with Picture Me Wollongong. Combining a passion for photography and the outdoors, learn about the history of the region and explore its beautiful coastline with their expert guides. 

A short drive south of Wollongong is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, Nan Tien Temple. Join a tour and explore the pretty gardens or enjoy lunch in their café. 

Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong

Arts & culture

The city also has a vibrant arts precinct led by the Wollongong Art Gallery, one of Australia’s finest regional art galleries that houses a large collection of contemporary, Aboriginal, Asian and colonial artworks. At the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, there are three venues that host theatre, music and comedy.

Journey to the stars at Science Space, home to Australia’s most digitally advanced planetarium with over 100 interactive exhibits. Early Start Discovery Space offers hand’s on experiences that will inspire the imagination, perfect for children 10 years and under. 

Wollongong Art Gallery, Wollongong

Beaches & ocean pools

Take a dip at one of the 17 beautiful patrolled beaches along Wollongong's coastline from Stanwell Park in the north to Windang in the south. Popular options include North Wollongong Beach, known for its lively atmosphere and city proximity, and Port Kembla Beach, offering a more expansive stretch of sand and surf. For a relaxing swim head to one of the region's many rock pools including Gentlemen's Pool in North Wollongong, Coalcliff Rock Pool, and Woonona Rock Pool near Bulli — each have amazing views. 

North Wollongong Beach, Wollongong

Walks & lookouts

Nestled between the Illawarra Escarpment and the Pacific Ocean, there are no shortage of great walks and views in the region. Immerse yourself in nature at Wollongong Botanic Garden with their excellent network of paths to explore, and water features and sculptures to discover. For incredible views head to Mount Keira Lookout, Mount Kembla Lookout, Wollongong Lighthouse and Robertson Lookout.

Hike Forest Walk to Sublime Point, a rewarding 11km trail that threads through cool upland swamps, blackbutt forests and cliff-top rainforests. Looking for something shorter but no less scenic? The Wodi Wodi Track, named after the First Nations Custodians of the land, is a 6.5km circuit showcasing cultural and natural history. For a trail that takes in mining heritage and bushland, try the 5km Mount Kembla Ring Track. Bird watchers will love Mount Keira Ring Track that loops around a mountain full of birdsong. 

Mount Keira Lookout, Wollongong

Outdoor adventures

Visit the Symbio Wildlife Park, where you'll meet native and exotic animals, and hand-feed kangaroos. Tour the area on a Harley-Davidson with Just Cruisin’ Motorcycle Tours or slow down and take in the views by bicycle. Ride over the Instagram sensation Sea Cliff Bridge or pedal to Thirroul (one of the most popular cycling routes in the state). Mountain bike riders will enjoy Cringilla Hills Bike Park and Greenvalleys Mountain Bike Park.  

For aerial views, book into Skydive Wollongong and Touchdown Helicopters. Join Aquilla Fishing Charters for an unforgettable day on the water catching snappers and flathead, or jump on board one of their whale watching cruises. Check out our guide to day trips from Wollongong to discover even more outdoor adventures.

Touchdown Helicopters, Sea Cliff Bridge - Credit: Touchdown Helicopters

Cafes, restaurants & a foodie market

From visiting bustling Crown St Night Market packed with independent food stalls and trucks to enjoying a cocktail at a hidden small bar, Wollongong's foodie scene is growing from strength to strength. Start by exploring the dedicated ‘eat street’ on Keira Street between Crown and Smith streets. Visit Babyface Kitchen for a seasonal produce-inspired menu, His Boy Elroy for American-style burgers and Diggies Cafe for a modern Australian brunch with water views. Head to Restaurant Santino, an Italian bistro with a mantelpiece overflowing with awards that serves up classic favourites with a twist.

Diggies Cafe, Wollongong

Bars & nightlife

Wollongong’s small bar scene is quite exciting, with top options including The Prince, Night Parrot Bar and Kitchen, Humber rooftop bar, and Howlin’ Wolf Whisky Bar. Or enjoy a cool drink at The Illawarra, a historic pub, and visit the cellar door of Five Barrel Brewing for a freshly brewed craft beer. Just a 30-minute drive away is the Darkes Glenbernie Orchard, home to Darkes Cider, where you can pick your own seasonal fruit or enjoy a crisp cider.   

At Breakout Bar, not only will you find cool cocktails and all-ages karaoke rooms, but there are also five escape rooms for you and your mates to test your problem-solving skills. Gamers and nostalgia seekers will love a night out at B. Lucky & Sons, a cocktail bar packed with both retro and modern arcade games. To watch the game on the big screen alongside foosball, pool, and darts, head to Teddy's Bar. Continue planning your evening's out in Wollongong with our guide to the city's nightlife.

Five Barrel Brewing, Wollongong - Credit: Five Barrel Brewing

Where to stay

Choose between beach retreats, service apartments, hotels, and motels with a wide range of accommodation options on offer in Wollongong. Book into Hotel TOTTO for a stylish and stress-free stay in the centre of Wollongong just steps away from the beach. Use one of their self-serve kiosks to check in at your own time or enjoy a family holiday with rooms that have a mixture of king, single, and bunk beds to accommodate everyone. For a unique experience stay at Pilgrim Lodge nestled in the tranquil Nan Tien Temple grounds and overlooking a lotus pond.

Getting there

Wollongong is located just south of Sydney and the drive takes around 90 minutes. For the scenic option, take the Grand Pacific Drive — a spectacular touring route through the Royal National Park to Stanwell Park and south over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Stop at Hill 60 lookout for scenic views. You can also catch the train from Sydney, which also takes around 90 minutes.

Port Kembla is a working industrial port and cruise ships dock at a dedicated terminal. Because of this, it’s considered a ‘closed port’ and you can’t walk around the area. A free shuttle bus meets the cruise ships and takes passengers into the city centre, where they will be met by friendly local ambassadors. You can also book a taxi or private car.