Wollongong Travel Guide: The 10 Best Things to Do

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Wollongong, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the 10 best things to do in this coastal city, from stunning beaches to cultural landmarks and outdoor adventures.

Wollongong, Australia’s 10th largest city, packs in plenty of attractions between the mountains and the sea. Just 80 km south of Sydney in New South Wales, the ‘Gong’ lures visitors with its stunning coastline, vibrant dining scene, and easy access to nature.

Here are the top things to see and do in Wollongong:

1. Relax at Wollongong City Beach

Wollongong City Beach is the place to soak up the quintessential Aussie beach vibe. This wide stretch of golden sand extends for 3 kilometres, with grassy parks, BBQ areas, and the Wollongong Surf Club bordering its length. A few quick facts:

• Patrolled year-round by lifeguards

• Great for swimming, surfing, beach volleyball

• Accessible beach wheelchairs available

• Adjacent to the popular Blue Mile walking track

After a swim, grab fish and chips from Levendi Seafood and enjoy them in the shade of Norfolk Island pines. Keep an eye out for the Wollongong Lighthouse in the distance.

2. Stroll the Blue Mile

The Blue Mile is a waterfront walking track that links Wollongong City Beach to Northbeach Wollongong. This paved, flat path is perfect for a scenic stroll or bike ride. Along the way, you’ll pass:

• Wollongong Harbour

• Belmore Basin – a historic port turned marina

• Lighthouses and heritage-listed pavilions

• Flagstaff Hill – a hilltop park with city and ocean views

• North Wollongong Beach

The Blue Mile is especially lovely at sunrise and sunset. Pack a picnic or grab an ice cream from the Breakwater Kiosk to enjoy as you walk.

3. Explore the Wollongong Botanic Garden

The 30-hectare Wollongong Botanic Garden is a green oasis in the heart of the city. With themed gardens, rainforest walks, and a Japanese bridge, it’s a tranquil spot to while away an afternoon. Don’t miss:

• The Rose Garden with 1500+ rose varieties

• Flowering cherry trees near the duck pond

• Towering palm grove and succulent garden

• Kawasaki Bridge – a vermilion Japanese-style bridge

Check the garden’s event calendar for guided walks, outdoor cinema nights, and school holiday programs. Entry is free.

4. Visit the Nan Tien Temple

The Nan Tien Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Set on 55 peaceful acres, this sprawling complex was built in the 1990s in the Chinese palace style. Interesting facts:

• Name means “Paradise of the South”

• Home to 6-meter tall Buddha statues

• 2-story high main shrine with 10,000 Buddhas

• Hosts concerts, meditation retreats, and Lunar New Year events

Join a free guided tour to learn about the temple’s history and significance. The award-winning Dew Drop Inn tea house onsite serves vegetarian dumplings and noodles.

5. Hike the Sublime Point Track

The Sublime Point walking track rewards hikers with spectacular views over Wollongong and the coastline. This steep 800-meter trail climbs through eucalyptus forest and past sandstone cliffs in the Illawarra Escarpment Conservation Area. Key details:

• 45 minutes each way, moderate-hard difficulty

• 200+ stairs to the Sublime Point lookout

• Parking available at the track entrance

• Bring water – no facilities along the way

For an easier option, you can drive up Sublime Point Road to the lookout at the top. Arrive early for the best light and to beat the crowds.

6. Spot Sea Cliff Bridge

20 minutes north of central Wollongong, the Sea Cliff Bridge is an engineering marvel not to be missed. Curving 665 meters around the cliffs, this cantilevered bridge appears to float between the ocean and escarpment. Quick tips:

• Park at Clifton or Coalcliff to access bridge walkway

• Best photographed at sunrise or sunset

• Look for whales during migration season (May-Nov)

• Combine with nearby Stanwell Park Beach or Bald Hill Lookout

You’ve probably seen the Sea Cliff Bridge in car commercials – now experience it in person on a Wollongong day trip. The Grand Pacific Drive continues up the coast with more incredible views.

7. See Science at Work

Science Space Wollongong makes learning fun with over 100 hands-on exhibits and live science shows. Located on the Innovation Campus of the University of Wollongong, this interactive museum will delight curious minds of all ages. Highlights include:

• Australia’s most advanced planetarium with a 4K laser projection system

• The Dinosaur Den with amazing animatronic dinos

• Sustainable Home showcasing green technologies

• Flight simulator to test your piloting skills

Science Space is open daily from 10am-4pm. Book in advance for school holiday workshops on coding, chemistry, and more.

8. Discover Street Art

In recent years, Wollongong’s once-gritty alleys and streets have transformed into a vibrant outdoor art gallery. Keep your eyes peeled for murals and installations around:

• Crown Lane – over 30 murals in one block

• Globe Lane – eclectic works by local and international artists

• Keira Street – bold geometric designs

• North Wollongong train station – 3D illusion mural

To learn the stories behind the art, download the free “Street Art Walk Wollongong” audio guide or join a guided tour with a local artist.

9. Sample the Small Bar Scene

Wollongong’s flourishing small bar scene offers cozy spots to unwind with a craft cocktail or local beer. Our picks for a great night out:

Many small bars feature rotating food trucks or pop-up kitchens – perfect for a post-surf snack or pre-dinner drink. Dining in Wollongong has never been more exciting.

10. Browse the Eat Street Markets

Every Thursday from 5-9pm, Wollongong’s Crown Street Mall transforms into a bustling food lover’s paradise. With over 30 stalls, the Eat Street Markets showcase the diversity of Wollongong’s dining scene. Taste your way around the world with:

• Authentic Indonesian satay and nasi goreng

• Wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta

• Japanese takoyaki and gyoza dumplings

• Turkish gozleme and pide

• Spanish paella and tapas

Live music and communal tables create a festive vibe. The markets are plastic-free, so BYO reusable containers and cutlery.

Stay Connected in Wollongong with Airtel

With so many incredible things to do in Wollongong, Australia, you’ll want to stay connected to share your experiences with friends and family back home. Airtel’s Postpaid international roaming plans offer seamless coverage, generous data allowances, and free incoming calls in Australia. Having reliable connectivity lets you access maps, book tours, and make reservations on the go as you explore all the top things to see and do in Wollongong.

From pristine beaches to hidden cocktail bars, Wollongong surprises visitors with its understated charm. Whether you spend a weekend or a week, this guide will help you discover the very best of the Gong. Start planning your Wollongong adventures today!