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

love at first (and second) bite

The staccato sounds of “ciao” and “prego” break through the background noise at Millers’ Local Bakehouse. Italian isn’t a language you often hear around here, but given the recent addition to the menu, it’s not entirely surprising. Back in September, Bulli’s much-loved pastry paradise launched a gelato pop-up – and rumour has it, its creamy creations rival some of Sydney’s best.

how we met

For Amy Cuneo and Bronwyn Pessey, meeting over coffee at Amy’s Woonona cafe All & Sundry was fortuitous for the mums to be. Over ten years later, with kids in tow, they still catch up for Monday night dinners.

teaching mindfulness to our kids

In a busy world, we all need ways to stop and reset our bodies. So how can we practice mindfulness with our kids?

midnight at roy’s

Having circled the globe mastering their craft, two best mates are championing a new era of dining in Wollongong at Roy’s Restobar – one that doesn’t stop when the sun goes down.

illawarra’s sand dunes

The rolling sand dunes were once an iconic part of the Illawarra coastline. So where have they gone?

Issue No.26 – SUMMER

Welcome to the Summer issue of Coal Coast Mag - your go-to guide for all things local, sunny, and oh-so-special in the Illawarra. Summer is here, and with it comes longer days, balmy nights, and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy everything our beautiful region has to offer.

downhill derby

the port Kembla billy cart derby was a fan favourite for decades, with many homemade carts racing down the Wentworth Street hill and straight into the record books

the barkindji warrior

Shantelle Thompson, the Barkindji Warrior, works to create opportunities for herself, her family and her community.

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.