Wollongong

Adorned by rainforest-covered escarpment and the stunning golden beaches of the South Coast, NSW’s third-largest city is a fun, vibrant and delicious urban centre that offers diverse appeal. Dial up the adventure by going skydiving, playing golf or cycling, or discover beautiful botanic gardens, relaxed cafes and restaurants, and a thriving arts scene.

Wollongong is located just south of Sydney and the drive takes around 90 minutes. For the scenic option, journey via the Grand Pacific Drive. 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.

(Words courtesy of Visit NSW)

Articles within the Wollongong area

finding hygge

Step into a local slice of Scandinavia via Dansk in Helensburgh. A bar where the flavours are just like the owners, a blend of Danish and Australian, the mood is “hygee” and the warmth of giving back to a community they love.

a century in the making

For David and Henry, age is just a number. But for these two centenarians, discovering a new friendship has been the key to enjoying a new chapter of life.

the art of collecting

Meet multidisciplinary artist and Bulli local, Samantha Arnull will present a workshop in tiny sculpture at Woodfest 2024

the queen’s nanny arrives in wollongong

Direct from its world premiere season at Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre, The Queen’s Nanny is set to enthrall audiences in Wollongong. We spoke to playwright Melanie Tait to find out about her connection to the Illawarra and what makes this play so captivating.

the cardinal rules

In a thought-provoking new production, Rose Maher channels her childhood journey of growing up in the Catholic church to challenge authority and life’s big questions.

being married to the sound

With the launch of her newest album 'Married to the Sound', Elana Stone speaks on her musical evolution, the impact of motherhood and her home of the Illawarra region.

a forest of young voices

Red Room Poetry and Wollongong City Council have partnered this year to plant a ‘POEM FOREST’ in Wollongong.

the mousetrap set to thrill wollongong

Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’ is the world’s longest running play, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats for over 70 years. Directed by Australian theatre icon Robyn Nevin, the regional tour will close its final curtain at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Wollongong. We caught up with leading actor Alex Rathgeber to find out what keeps people coming back to the genre-defining murder mystery…

stellar experiences

This unique business idea has recognised that the coming-of-age story for many people with a disability needs to be re-written, which is leading to stellar experiences for so many here in the Illawarra and beyond.

meet the maker – lulu ceramics

Lucy Lee and her husband Rod run LuLu Ceramics from their home studio in Helensburgh. Their distinctive ceramic designs are inspired by the natural beauty of our local bush and beaches.

the wonder of birdsong

Nathan Harrison is bringing his show Birdsong of Tomorrow to Merrigong Theatre Company, describing the work as a cross between theatre and a nature documentary.

lamb shanks with green puree and dutch carrots

The ultimate weekend roast, with melt-in-your-mouth lamb simmered in a gut-healing broth infused with clove, cinnamon and cardamom, this roast will be a favourite feast for family and friends alike.

the power of canconquer: transforming the cancer journey

A cancer diagnosis comes with a list of essential treatments. Whilst they are necessary for survival, they can often lead to side effects which can have a long-lasting impact on your life.

finds for you

Discover the best local experiences and unique buys in the Illawarra with Coal Coast. Dive into invigorating yoga sessions at Kai Yoga & Pilates, enhance your digital presence with We Think Digital, pamper your pets at VIP Dog Club, and manage your finances with GRJ Accounting.

quietly making a big impact

An award-winning author, writing mentor and teacher, Helena uses kindness as the compass for her work and life and believes in the power of storytelling to process hard things and find the volume of your voice.

the ciro’s special

For Joel Mucci, Marko Bozic, Liam Forsythe, and Michael Zubrecky opening their woodfired pizzeria, Ciro’s, in Thirroul, culminates in a sense of satisfaction as warm as the welcome received from locals.

capturing precious moments

Darcy Simpson Photography specialise in creating timeless family and motherhood photographs that capture the essence of your unique story – from the early days of motherhood to the chaos and beauty of growing families.