//
City in New South Wales, Australia
Photo: taken by inas, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Heading south, Wollongong starts where Sydney finishes. It is the third largest city in New South Wales behind Sydney and Newcastle and is thinly wedged on a coastal plain between an escarpment and the Pacific Ocean, in the Illawarra region. It is pronounced Wool-un-gong, a word of Aboriginal origin although the translation is not certain. The traditional owners of the land are the Dharawal people.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
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. 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.
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.
Science Centre and Planetarium
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.
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.
SFX
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.
the WEC
The Sports stadium hosts rugby league (St.George Illawarra), rugby union, and soccer and has a capacity of 18,500 (11,000 seated). The Entertainment Centre is situated to the north of the stadium and hosts a variety of sports and special events.
The Port Kembla Steelworks is located 80 km south of Sydney in the heart of Port Kembla, an industrial suburb in the Greater City of Wollongong, A fully integrated plant with steelmaking capacity of 5 million tonnes a year, the Steelworks is situated on an area of 800 hectares and directly employs up to 6,000 people. The Steelworks is one of the world's most technically advanced producers of high quality slab, plate and strip products. It has become arguably one of Australia's most valuable industries, competing for overseas markets and providing valuable export dollars for the Australian economy. A drive through the area at night can be interesting, with the flames more visible. You can even sometimes see the glow of the hot steel.
An iconic road bridge that hugs the cliffs between Wollongong and Sydney, with beautiful ocean views. Pedestrians can walk along the bridge, and the flat rocky area below has interesting marine life at low tide – meander down and look for crabs, sea snails, and if you're lucky, seals, manta rays, and octopuses.
A usually uncrowded open space, with duck ponds and short walks. Bring some bread for the ducks, and a picnic.
Botanical garden with flora from all over Australia, including a planted rainforest area and lots of grevilleas.
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.
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.
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.
A beach you are sure to get your own stretch of sand.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Various trails crisscross the escarpment west of Wollongong's northern suburbs. For instance, some nice hikes start from Foothills Road in Austinmer and Stephen Drive in Woonona.
A steep, physically demanding hike through dense forest up the escarpment. Roughly an hour of hiking (if you don't take breaks), including lots of steps and some ladders, is rewarded with beautiful views of the Illawarra and the ships out at sea. The trailhead is about 30 minutes from Austinmer train station on foot. As of October 2022, the top part of the trail is temporarily closed for repairs, though the lookout is still reachable by car.
The Cockatoo Run is a vintage train that climbs through the Morton National Park Rainforest to Robertson and Moss Vale. The services run irregularly, and the best place to check for timings in on the Facebook page of the operator.
Model train rides are offered to the public on the 4th Sunday of every month down at Stuart Park. Fun for all the family just remember to wear enclosed shoes and no drinking on trains
A PADI 5 Star centre about three minutes drive from Bass point offering all facilities including boat dives, nitrox and courses. Some of the best temperate water diving to be encountered anywhere can be found in Wollongong and areas to the south. Bass Point should be your stopping off point as it offers at least a dozen dives suitable to all standards of diver.
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.
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.
An eclectic mix of American and East Asian food – burgers, dumplings, drinks, etc. Indoor and outdoor seating. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
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.
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.
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.
Popular Thai restaurant. Duck curry is served with lots of fresh vegetables and some fresh grapes, the duck is succulent and tender while the broth is mild but tasty.
Casual eatery serving brunch and lunch, with outdoor seating and vegetarian/vegan options.
Often busy, and for good reason. Book in advance if you can.
Popular burger joint and bar with indoor and outdoor seating.
A harbourside seafood restaurant with a wide array of seafood. The windows towards the harbour facing north are made of glass, and it's possible to see the north of the CBD along the bay.
North Gong for short
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.
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.
previously known as Cooneys
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.
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.
Craft beer and burgers.
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.
Mainly older laidback crowd but The Builders is also very popular with students taking advantage of cheap drinks and $2 pool. The Builders is fantastic for a few early drinks and then maybe kicking on to the nightclubs later. Worth visiting to see the huge mural painted on the front wall. Thursday night and Friday day poker games.
Cocktail bar with a rooftop terrace.
Craft beer, wine, and food (with vegetarian and vegan options). Hosts a lively and challenging trivia competition 7PM–9PM on Wednesdays (open to any teams, but book before coming as the tables fill up) and Drag Bingo at 7PM on Thursdays.
Harp Mhotel
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.
Part of Wollongong Golf Club and close to the CBD, WIN Stadium, WIN Entertainment Centre, and local beaches.
In the city's main entertainment and business precinct.
Serviced apartment in the CBD, close to Crown Street Mall and Wollongong Central.
Serviced apartment near Wollongong City Beach and a few blocks from Crown Street Mall.
Beach views, a day spa and is just 5 minutes from the Wollongong CBD and retail precinct.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By plane
Wollongong is primarily serviced by scheduled international and domestic airline flights operating into Sydney Airport (SYD) to the north of the city.
By bus
If you're coming from south-western Sydney, you can catch the 887 bus from Campbelltown to Wollongong train station, via Appin and the University of Wollongong.
By boat
A couple of Royal Caribbean cruise ships a year visit Wollongong, docking at Port Kembla.
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.
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.
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.
By taxi or rideshare
The Illawarra Taxi Network (formerly Radio Cabs of Wollongong) and 13cabs serve Wollongong and the surrounding suburbs. The main taxi rank is on Church St next to the Greater Union cinemas.
On foot
Despite its hilly topography, Wollongong is a relatively walkable city - you can easily walk from the train station to the Wollongong CBD, and all the way to Wollongong City Beach in about 30 minutes.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Sydney (Mascot) · International · SYD
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Wollongong and Australia.
Travel tipsCompare and apply for the Australia ETA and New Zealand NZeTA in 2026. Step-by-step mobile app guides, fees, the IVL levy, and trans-Tasman rules.
8 min read
Travel tipsPlan your trip to the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia with match cities, ticket windows, domestic flights, visa rules, and budget advice.
8 min read
Travel tipsDiscover how to use AI to find cheap flights. Learn prompt strategies, smart fare engines, open-jaw routings, and error-fare booking techniques.
6 min read
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to visa-free travel for US citizens. Learn where American passport holders can go without a visa, new eTA rules, and entry fees.
8 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.