Wollongong

Understand

Geography Geography defines Wollongong, as the city is never more than roughly 6 km at its widest but stretches over 40 km from south to north. Its growth was limited by mountains, which are not so much high as steep, and the sea, Wollongong has grown to include a whole chain of coastal towns, from Dapto and Port Kembla in the south to Bulli, Austinmer, and even up to Stanwell Park in the north. Continuous development has stretched the urban area along the coast as far as Kiama in the distant south but those areas are serviced by the growing centre of Shellharbour. Most of Wollongong's suburbs, including several popular beach towns, are covered in this article. The very northern suburbs of Helensburgh and Stanwell Park are covered in their own articles; in many ways they have closer ties to southern Sydney than to Wollongong.

Industry Its modern origins are in coal mining and steel production, industries which persist, notably the BlueScope steel facility at Port Kembla to the south. A dedicated port exists for the transport of materials whereas private craft and fishing boats use a separate facility nearer the CBD in Belmore Basin. New industries, such as financial services, information technology, tourism and education are fast becoming trademarks of the city. Wollongong people are proud of the employment and heavy industry in the area, and choose to be more than just an outer commuter suburb for Sydney.

Community The University of Wollongong is popular with local, other Australian and international students. Due to post war migration involving heavy industry, Wollongong also includes a large Mediterranean, Indian and Asian population which has left its mark on the city and means there is a great range of food and entertainment options. There are many interesting and beautiful locations within easy reach. The immediate area possesses some fine, often uncrowded beaches and reasonable surfing.

Getting there

By car

The quickest way from Sydney is to take A1/M1 south. You leave Sydney, and enter greater Wollongong just before the motorway starts. It's about a 50 minutes drive to this point, and around another 20 minutes down the motorway to the Wollongong CBD. Expect to take longer in the afternoon peak, Wollongong is a part of the Sydney commuter belt. If you have a little longer, you can take a route via the Bulli Pass and the Wollongong Northern Beaches. At the end of the motorway the Bulli Pass road throws itself straight down the escarpment and along the coast. The exit is well signposted after the end of the motorway. Add 10 minutes for this diversion. If you have a little longer still, a very scenic way to see more of Wollongong, the escarpment and the cliffs, is to take the Grand Pacific Drive (official website). Exit from the motorway at Helensburgh through Stanwell Park and down the coast. The road is well signposted to Wollongong. The Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight of this trip, between Coalcliff and Scarborough. From the south of Wollongong, follow the Princes Highway (A1) north. From Canberra or Melbourne, you can access Wollongong via the Illawarra Highway (A48) or via Picton Road (B88). Picton Road offers a faster, straighter trip, while the Illawarra Highway (A48) offers scenery with windy roads and the occasional waterfall and picnic areas. To go the quick, Picton Road (A48) route, ignore the first exit sign to Wollongong from the Hume Highway (M31) at Moss Vale, and take the second, where the exit is also signposted to Picton and Cataract.

By train The train services from Sydney to Wollongong are operated by NSW TrainLink, and have a usual weekday frequency of 15-30 minutes and 60 minutes on weekends. Each four-car train has two quiet carriages for those who want peace and quiet during their journey, and one easy access toilet on board. The trains can get pretty crowded during the morning and evening peaks heading towards and away from Sydney respectively (especially if there are only four carriages), but you should usually get a seat. In the weekday evening peak, these trains fill to standing room only until you pass Sutherland, as well as on Sunday afternoons heading back into Sydney. Similarly to all trains in the region, you can't book a seat, but rather pay with a reloadable Opal Card, a single trip Opal ticket, or a contactless credit/debit card at the Opal gates. 1 Wollongong Station is conveniently located in the CBD, and many of the other suburbs going up and down the coast have their own stations. The train journey is a scen

Getting around

By bus Wollongong bus services form part of the Greater Sydney public transport network. You can either use the Opal card or a contactless debit/credit card when boarding the bus – tap the card when you get on and off so you're charged the correct fare. Most bus routes have a service every hour or every 30 minutes.

Dions Bus Service. Operates bus services in the northern suburbs of Wollongong, going as far as Austinmer. Premier Coaches (Green's Northern Coaches). Operates bus services between Wollongong and Stanwell Park, as well as between Helensburgh and Stanwell Tops. (updated Feb 2020) Premier Illawarra. Operates buses from the suburb of Bellambi (north of Wollongong), to as far south as Kiama. The free Gong Shuttle Bus operates between the University of Wollongong and the CBD, via Wollongong Station, the Hospital, Burelli St and the UOW's Innovation Campus. On weekends they also stop at North Wollongong station. They run every 10 minutes peak from 7AM-6PM, and every 20 minutes off-peak from 6PM-10PM weekdays, and weekends from 8AM-6PM. These are usually operated by distinctive bright green buses, though the regular blue and white buses are occasionally used. Look out for route numbers 55A and 55C. Take note that the free buses only stop at bus stops marked by the green Gong Shuttle Bus signboard at the top; they won't stop at ordinary bus stops even if you flagged them down! There are also the navy blue North Gong (NG) and Gwynneville Keiraville (GK) shuttle buses, operated by the UOW, which are free to ride as well.

By train The northern coastal suburbs of Wollongong are well-serviced by train; however, depending on the station, you can still be a kilometre or so from the beach. Stanwell Park, Austinmer, Coledale, Wombarra and Bulli are the best stations to access nearby beaches, with Austinmer the most popular. All stations see hourly services.

By car A car will take you everywhere in the region you want to go. Parking in the multi-story carparks in the Wollongong CBD is less than $2/hr, up to a maximum of $15. Parking along the Wollongong beaches and foreshore is free. Parking on Sundays is free. Car hire is also available in Wollongong. Avis, Europcar and Hertz are located in Flinders St, just north of the CBD.

By bike

An extensive cycle track runs from Wollongong north for 10 km to Thirroul, hugging the scenic beaches, or the same distance south to Windang and Lake Illawarra. This is generally uncrowded and a great way to get a feel for the city and surroundings. Within the city itself, cycling is a bit more challenging thanks

See

Lookouts The escarpment next to Wollongong provides spectacular views over the coastline and city.

Bulli Pass (10 min North of Wollongong on the main Sydney road, only accessible by car). Spectacular views over Wollongong and up and down the coast are available from the lookouts at the top of the Bulli Pass. Barbecues, picnic tables and kiosks are available at the lookouts. There are actually three lookout locations here, including Bulli Lookout and Sublime Point. 1 Sublime Point is probably the most famous, and best for a picnic or the view. Sublime Point can be reached by car, or by a steep hike. Bulli Lookout has a restaurant/cafe on the top of the cliff. Free. Mount Keira Lookout (from Wollongong take Tourist Drive 11, Mount Kiera Rd). More spectacular views from the top, as well as some walks and views of the hang-gliders launching. Cafe at the top, serving Devonshire Teas. Worth a visit at night to see the lights of the town. Free. Mount Kembla Lookout (car park off Cordeaux Rd, in the Illawarra Escarpment Conservation Area). Free.

Museums 2 Science Space (Science Centre and Planetarium), 60 Squires Way, North Wollongong (Squires Way, Fairy Meadow), ☏ +61 2 4286 5000, [email protected]. Two-storey museum with lots of stuff to do for kids aged 1 to 15 (and their parents, of course). Don't miss the 3PM Planetarium show. $15 for adults and $11 for children. (updated May 2019) The HARS Aircraft museum is actually located to the south of Wollongong in Albion Park.

Landmarks and attractions

3 Nan Tien Temple, Berkeley Rd, Berkeley, ☏ +61 2 4272 0600, fax: +61 2 4272 0601, [email protected]. Tuesday to Sunday: 9AM-5PM (open Mondays on public holidays). Opened in October 1995 it is a branch temple of Fo Guang Shan and the biggest Buddhist temple in Australia. "Nan Tien" in Chinese means "Paradise of the South". Reminiscent of Buddhist temples in China, it contains a vegetarian restaurant and has received awards for its beautiful lighting, gardens and architecture. Free. 4 St Francis Xavier Cathedral (SFX), 36 Harbour St (a block away from WIN Entertainment Centre). This is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wollongong. A wooden chapel was built in 1836, and a larger, more permanent church was constructed three years later. St Francis Xavier was designated as the Cathedral for the new Diocese of Wollongong in 1951, with the diocese officially being established on 11 February 1952. (updated Jul 2019) 5 WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres (the WEC), Corner of Crown and Harbour Streets (southern end of the Central Business Distr

Do

Swimming and surfing During the summer months, Wollongong has 17 surf beaches to choose from, each with less crowds and more space than most Sydney beaches. All have free foreshore parking, and most are accessible by public transport and bicycle. To the north of the city try...

North Beach. One of the most popular beaches, in front of Stuart Park and the Novotel. There is a kiosk right on the beach as well as other takeaway and restaurant options nearby. You can find a shady spot under the trees in the park, just a few steps from the sand. City (South) Beach. Right at the end of Crown St, by WIN Entertainment Centre. Not as popular as North Beach, perhaps because the views to the south take in the steelworks and dunes rather than parks and headlands. Still, it is nice sand and a place to cool off only minutes walk from the CBD. Austinmer. A very pleasant cove and small beach. Cafes and restaurants across the road, park and barbecues behind, some would say the ultimate beach, sometimes suffers from its popularity. Go early or late on a sunny day. Towradgi. A beach you are sure to get your own stretch of sand. To the south of the city try..

Port Kembla. Maybe the Gong's most underrated beach. Possibly associated with the steelworks and the town, but the beach is over the headland, very pretty, and possibly the longest stretch of sand on the Wollongong coastline. Has parking, is on the coastal cycle track, and is about 2km from Port Kembla station. Windang. Has the caravan park, and a feel more like a south coast beach. Just near the entrance to Lake Illawarra, there are also nearby parks and bicycle rides near the lake. If you just want to do some laps, or for the kids to splash in the water, try the lap and leisure pools at Beaton Park, on Foley St (off Gipps Rd).

Walk and pedal

Cycle. There are designated cycle routes all across the Wollongong Region. If you want coastal scenery, cycle north from Wollongong towards Bulli, all off road and long stretches through parks. If you want to see Wollongong industry close up, cycle south to Port Kembla, passing the steelworks along the way. Mount Keira Ring Track, 5 km loop. A very popular 5 km walk around Mount Keira. Eucalypt and rainforest scenery. However, beware of leeches if there is the slightest bit of rain. Mountain Bike. There are rides for all levels of fitness and technical abilities on or around the escarpment. Rides include fire trails, single track and lightly used roads which provide a good workout for all ages. Hiking. Various trails crisscross the escarpment west of Wo

Buy

1 Wollongong Central, 200 Crown St, ☏ +61 2 4228 5999. The largest shopping centre in the Illawarra, Wollongong Central incorporates what used to be known as Crown Central and Crown Gateway malls. Its architecture is a reflection the region - the steelworks, the escarpment, and the ocean. (updated May 2019) 2 Crown Street Mall. A pedestrian mall on Crown St from Keira St in the west to Kembla St in the east, with the main department stores, cafes and specialty stores lining both sides. At the centre is a small stage, where local talent (schools and dance groups) often perform on weekends. Every Thursday from 5PM-9PM there is an evening market called Eat Street, which has numerous stalls serving a variety of local and international food. On Fridays from 8AM-2PM is the Friday Forage Market, where you can buy locally-grown and organic produce and pastries. (updated Feb 2020) 3 Warrawong Plaza, Cnr King & Cowper St, Warrawong. The usual obligatory and formulaic chain stores, food halls, and supermarket shopping, with cinemas and shopping strips in most of the northern beachside suburbs along the Princes Highway. (updated May 2019) 4 Lederer - Corrimal (Stockland - Corrimal), 270 Princes Highway, Corrimal, ☏ +61 2 42831133. 9AM - 5PM hours vary. (updated May 2019) 5 Foragers Market Bulli, Bulli Showground, Bulli. Second Sunday of the month, 9AM–2PM. Monthly market with food, drinks, crafts, live music, and a community atmosphere. Excellent vegan pastries available. $1 for entry. (updated May 2022)

Eat

Everything about Wollongong's eateries is excellent. Most restaurants are located on either Keira St or Corrimal St, but don't be afraid to venture down a laneway, or further north or south to the outer suburbs, to find great food. There is something for everyone.

Budget 1 Food World. Chinese and Vietnamese food, big meals and very cheap. Mains $8-10. Great atmosphere. They have some of the most satisfying Chinese food for prices that don't ever seem to be affected by inflation. Highly recommended if you want a quick, cheap and filling meal; try the chicken and rice. 2 Amigo's Mexican Restaurant. A casual Mexican place which serves huge tasty Mexican meals. Recommended are the Lunchtime Special (meal and drink for $8.50) and $3 tacos (Tuesday nights, 5:30PM - 9:30PM), which is very popular with students. Fujiyama Teppanyaki Restaurant, 12 Daisy St, Fairy Meadow, ☏ +61 2 4283 8830. Japanese and Chinese restaurant. Chefs cook the food at the BBQ in front of (and sometimes behind) your eyes. A delight to the senses at budget prices.

Mid-range 3 City Diggers Wollongong (RSL), 82 Church St, ☏ +61 2 4225 2563, fax: +61 2 4225 2685. Nice atmosphere, but on weekends reservations are highly suggested. Food gets served within 10-15 minutes. Mains: $13-17. Beer: $4-6. 4 Dagwood, 19 Market St, ☏ +61 2 4228 6504, [email protected]. W Th 4–10PM, F Sa noon–midnight, Su 11:45AM–10PM. An eclectic mix of American and East Asian food – burgers, dumplings, drinks, etc. Indoor and outdoor seating. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. (updated Apr 2022) Mylan. There are a number of Vietnamese restaurants around (Mylan, Twins, Ha Long Bay etc) Mylan is by far the best and is always busy. Book ahead if you can. 5 Jasmine Rice, 131 Corrimal St, ☏ +61 2 4226 2495. 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5:30–10:00PM daily. Thai food with traditional seating on cushions in one room or tables and chairs in another. The food is consistently good, although dearer than some of the other Thai restaurants. Roppongi, Market St (Close to Extreme surf store and the Illawarra Hotel), ☏ +61 2 4226 3243. Japanese styled restaurant. Choose from the sashimi (raw fish) to delicious Japanese salad and schnitzel with special sauce. If you want to indulge in a more cultural experience you can also sit in the Japanese style room where you sit on cushions. The lunchtime special is also great for those on a budget as they continue the Japanese tradition of offering cheaper prices for the dinner meals. 6 Thai Carnation (Corner of Corrimal and Crown St), ☏ +61 2 4228 4102. Popular Thai restaurant. Du

Drink & nightlife

A growing city, Wollongong city holds a wide variety of bars. Generally, pubs close to the city but not in the actual CBD/North Wollongong proper tend to have unsavoury reputations. Wednesday nights are 'uni nights', and at places such as Castros and the Grand feature drink specials and cheap or free entry - expect a lot of young patrons.

The North Wollongong Pub (North Gong for short) (North Wollongong train station). The "local" for the University of Wollongong, across the Princes Hwy from the North Wollongong train station. Major renovations in 2006 provided several bars, including a spacious outdoor garden, a bistro and bar inside, and a more formal (and dress-coded so you can't just wear your thongs/flip-flops) upstairs cocktail lounge. Although frequented by UOW students, North Gong remains popular with all ages. Hotel Illawarra (Illawarra). Large hotel/pub that has been refurbished in wood and chrome. It receives the early morning crowd as it is the only bar that consistently closes at 3AM most nights of the week. Somewhat upper-class. Dress in smart casual. The Grand Hotel (previously known as Cooneys) (at the south end of Keira St). A three part hotel. One features a number of 'pokies', pool tables, a bar, game machines and a lounge area. The second is a large outdoor beer garden and smoking area, while the third is a proper nightclub, complete with DJ booth and impressively sized dance floor and two separate bars. Hosts local and international acts on occasion. Harp Hotel, 124 Corrimal St. A 'working class' pub with two bars (And a third that is only open day times or during special events, such as Australia day, for punters) featuring pokies, karaoke on Saturday nights, some live music Thursday evenings and a crowd of locals the rest of the time. The 'new bar' features a night club and a window onto the smoking section and the old bar is an area with a stage and a number of seating options. Five Barrels Brewing, 318 Keira St (for directions see below), ☏ +61 2 4200 8881, [email protected]. Craft beer and burgers. Dicey Riley's, 329-333 Crown St. An Irish hotel near Wollongong Train Station. Once known for being 'dicey', it is now one of the only venues in Wollongong to have live music on Friday and Saturday nights. With a new bistro, The Red Fox, it is the place to be. Especially on St Patrick's Day. Fever Nightclub. Opens at 9PM yet is the only bar in town open past 3AM. Fever closes at 6AM weekend evenings, so if you want to make the most of a night out, it is the place to be! The club is smaller than some of the other ve

Sleep

Budget 1 Downtown Motel, 76 Crown St, ☏ +61 2 4229 8344. (updated Feb 2020) 2 Motel Harp (Harp Mhotel), 124 Corrimal St. (updated Feb 2020) 3 Thirroul Beach Motel, 222-226 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, ☏ +61 2 4267 2333, +61 488 005 962 (reception), [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. Unpretentious lodging a block from the beach in the northern suburb of Thirroul. Rooms available with mini-kitchens (fridge, microwave, and dishes) and reliable Wi-Fi. Check-in information is sent by SMS, so make sure you have a valid Australian mobile number. The staff are friendly but there's no designated reception area, so you'll likely have to call if you need something. (updated May 2022)

Mid-range 4 Best Western City Sands, 151-161 Corrimal St (corner of Corrimal and Harbour Sts), ☏ +61 2 4222 3111, fax: +61 2 4222 3100, [email protected]. Part of Wollongong Golf Club and close to the CBD, WIN Stadium, WIN Entertainment Centre, and local beaches. 5 Elsinor Motor Lodge, 376 Prince Edward Drive &, Cnr Kanahooka Rd, ☏ +61 2 4261 3366. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. (updated Nov 2021) ibis Hotel, Cnr Market & Church St, ☏ +61 2 4223 6000, fax: +61 2 4223 6006, [email protected]. In the city's main entertainment and business precinct. 6 Quest Wollongong, 59-61 Kembla St, ☏ +61 2 4221 1500. Serviced apartment in the CBD, close to Crown Street Mall and Wollongong Central. (updated Feb 2020) 7 Adina Wollongong, 19 Market St (across from Top Choice restaurant). Serviced apartment near Wollongong City Beach and a few blocks from Crown Street Mall. (updated Feb 2020) 8 Mantra Wollongong, 6-10 Gladstone Ave (near Wollongong railway station). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. (updated Feb 2020) 9 Sage Wollongong, 60-62 Harbour St, ☏ +61 2 4201 2111. (updated Feb 2020)

Splurge 10 Novotel Northbeach Wollongong, 2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, ☏ +61 2 4224 3111, fax: +61 2 4226 2072, [email protected]. Beach views, a day spa and is just 5 minutes from the Wollongong CBD and retail precinct. From $175-300. Chifley Wollongong, 60-62 Harbour St, toll-free: 1300 650 464Country code missing, [email protected]. Ultra-modern hotel adjacent to WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre. A short walk to the beach, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. From $135-700.

Go next

From Wollongong you can follow the coast southwards towards the Victorian border along the Princes Highway. This road is quite an interesting stretch of highway in Australia in that it follows the coast and headlands, giving you views as you drive along it. Many other coastal Australian highways usually stay a small distance from the coast, requiring side trips to see the scenery. At Batemans Bay you can turn inland to the Hume Highway via Braidwood to Canberra and Melbourne via the highway. The Illawarra Highway (A48) is a scenic route through the Southern Highlands to the Hume Motorway/Highway. The road winds its way up through the Macquarie Pass, through Robertson and then on to the open road.

Royal National Park. Travel north to the world's second national park and camp by the beach. Kiama Blowhole. Travel south by train or car to Kiama, and visit the blowhole. The wait is worth it. Kangaroo Valley. Kangaroo Valley is a peaceful location, inland of Nowra, and hour south of Wollongong. Minnamurra Rainforest and the larger, Budderoo National Park, near Jamberoo, is one of the state's most visited national parks. There's a visitors centre and many boardwalks through subtropical rainforest. Go early in the morning for the best chance at seeing wildlife such as lyrebirds and wombats. If you are staying in Wollongong, Sydney is a fairly comfortable day trip.