Affectionately referred to as ‘The Gong’, Wollongong is a beautiful seaside city perfectly nestled between the Illawarra escarpment and the Tasman Sea, and only an hour’s drive south of Sydney.

With a history of coal-mining and steelmaking, the city has evolved into a bustling dining, entertainment and adventure destination.

Glistening beaches, a spectacular green backdrop, a new city centre, several eating and entertainment zones-this dynamic changing city is just the perfect size to explore!

You’ll see skydivers descend on the beach, surf schools and hang gliders in the air.

Enjoy 17 amazing beaches, beautiful botanic gardens, a spectacular historic harbour and beachfront ‘Blue Mile, art gallery, small bars and now a brand new shopping centre and city mall.

The stunning Illawarra escarpment provides the backdrop as it adjoins the coast with the dramatic cliff faces. Mt Keira is directly west of the city and provides sweeping views and a variety of walking trails through the escarpment.

The northern villages of Bulli, Austinmer and Coledale are beachside playgrounds with great beaches, popular cafes and boutique shopping.

Port Kembla

The port of Port Kembla is a key gateway supporting New South Wales’ motor vehicle, mining, agricultural, manufacturing and construction industries. The port operates across two precincts, the Inner Harbour and the Outer Harbour.

The port has a deep water shipping channel that can accommodate vessels with ship length (LOA) of 300m and has capacity for capesize vessels (at nominated berths).

A short shipping channel minimises vessel transit time and contributes to port efficiency. Ownership of the port rail network by NSW Ports provides flexibility in port operations.

The port operates 24 hours per day, seven days a week (24/7).

For more information visitwollongong.com.au

 

Tabs

Activities

ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES

  • Bald Hill is one of the region’s most famous lookouts. It's where hang gliders take off over the cliff and glide like a bird over the stunning coastline below. On a clear day you can see all the way south to Wollongong and beyond.
     
  • See Australia's and the world's favourite wildlife from the cutest koala to the crankiest crocodile in a natural setting where you can get up really close at Symbio Wildlife Park.
     
  • Experience the Grand Pacific Drive on the back of a bike with Just Cruisin’ Motorcycle Tours, or if cars are your thing, this is your chance to drive a Porsche across the famous Sea Cliff Bridge with Cliff to Coast Sports Car Drives.
     
  • The only beach skydive in the Sydney region, and what an experience! You'll freefall above ocean and sand, making memories for a lifetime. You'll jump from Australia's highest altitude of up to 14,000 feet, directly over North Wollongong beach with Skydive Australia.
     
  • Visit the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere – the Nan Tien Temple.
     
  • Wollongong’s food culture is second to none. From fine seafood dining on the ocean to bustling cafes with delicious coffee, lively small bars with the perfect cocktails and every cuisine covered, you are spoilt for choice in Wollongong.
     

GRAND PACIFIC DRIVE

Take the Grand Pacific Drive which encompasses some of the most spectacular coastline in NSW. The drive from the Royal National Park (the world’s second oldest National Park) to Wollongong and through to Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven, takes you through coastal rainforests, quaint seaside villages, the bustling city of Wollongong and past the rolling hills, wineries and dairy farms of the South.

Some highlights of the Grand Pacific Drive

  • Traverse over the 665m Sea Cliff Bridge, an icon along the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive.
  • The fabled beaches Mystics and The Farm are the stuff of legend, some of the best on the coast. Located in Shellharbour, Killalea State Park is over 260 hectares of pristine coastal reserve with a spectacular coastline, littoral rainforest walking trails, extensive estuarine wetlands and seabird breeding areas. It’s also recognised as a national surfing reserve.
  • Visit the famous Kiama Blowhole, with the right sea conditions it can shoot water up to 25 metres in the air or about as high as a five level building.
  • The Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures takes you over the rainforest canopy, 50m from the forest floor. More than 700 metres above sea level enjoy stunning views of the rainforest, the beautiful surrounding countryside and the magnificent Pacific Ocean.
  • Jamberoo Action Park is the place for some of the greatest thrill rides in the world. The Funnel Web is the world's longest and biggest, most exhilarating water thrill ride of its kind.
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