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Are you a mountain person or a beach person? If you’re planning to move or make a trip to Wollongong, you don’t have to choose. This serene coastal city south of Sydney offers plenty of beaches plus a view of mountains in the background.
Fondly known as ‘the Gong,’ this city has much to offer to visitors. Read more to find out the best time to visit Wollongong, what you should take with you, where to stay, and what to do to make the best of your time there.
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The best time to visit Wollongong
The weather in Wollongong remains fairly pleasant throughout the year so you can visit any time. However, late spring and early summer may be the best times to visit because of the nice weather and the views.
Late spring and summer in the city (November and December) offer the best in terms of temperature and rainfall and are an ideal time for visiting the beaches. Summer in Wollongong lasts from December to February, and is characterised by hot and humid weather.
What to pack
Your packing list for Wollongong should include:
- Airy, breathable clothes such as jeans, shorts, skirts, summer dresses, and t-shirts if you are visiting in the summer
- Sandals or open shoes if you are visiting in the summer
- Light jacket or jumper for summer evenings
- Warm clothing if you are travelling in the winter
- Swimsuit for the beach
- Sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses for the beach
Where to stay in Wollongong
Travel and accommodation websites have made it easy to figure out where to stay and to make bookings while travelling.
We all have different things we’re looking for in an accommodation. While some of us may be looking for luxury hotels, others may want something a bit cheaper. And while someone may want a place near the beach, others may prefer something closer to the airport.
Here are some places you can consider depending on your preferences:
- Best Western City Sands
- Affordable
- Close to the beach
- Downtown Motel
- Budget hotel
- Close to the beach
- Novotel Wollongong
- Beachfront
- Southview Guesthouse
- Luxury hotel
- Close to the beach
What to do in Wollongong
1. Enjoy a food extravaganza night at your hotel
If you’re not fond of hotel food, consider hiring a caterer with Gathar to brighten up your first night at Wollongong. Gathar offers an effortless dining experience whether you’re at home or on holiday, and can be a great way to kickstart your trip to the Gong.
2. Pay a visit to the animals at Symbio Wildlife Park
Feed the kangaroos and get friendly with the koalas at the Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh, which is about a half hour drive from Wollongong. After a day of hanging out with the animals, get a free pass to enjoy the water slides at the Splash Park.3. Go Hang Gliding with HangglideOz
Take in the beauty of the Grand Pacific Drive from a bird’s eye view while soaring above it through the thrill of tandem hang gliding. You can take off from Hill 60 in Wollongong or the famous Bald Hill in Stanwell Park and experience a safe and easy hang gliding trip with HangglideOz.4. Explore your spiritual side at the Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple
The Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere and features large, majestic statues of the Buddha. After taking a few hours to explore the beautiful temple, you can indulge in some delicious Asian food and tea at the temple cafe.
5. Have a fun-filled day at Jamberoo Action Park
Located around a half hour from Wollongong, Jamberoo Action Park is a seasonal water theme park that is operational from September to April. Set against the backdrop of the Illawarra escarpment, this action park features fun water slides and rides for the whole family.6. Relax at the beach
Wollongong is blessed with some of the best beaches and swimming spots in the country. Here are a few of the best beaches you can visit:
- Coledale Beach
- Popular spot for families for beach games like frisbee
- Surfing spot
- Thirroul
- Popular for surfers
- Art Deco Olympic Pool is enjoyed by swimmers
- Gives a view of the Illawarra Escarpment
- Windang Beach
- Foreshore park with covered picnic areas, barbecue, and playground
- Stanwell Park Beach
- Popular with families
- Offers barbecue facilities
- Popular with surfers
7. Hike up to the Sublime Point for magnificent views
The Sublime Point is a summit on the Illawarra Escarpment west of Austinmer in Wollongong. A steep 45-minute climb leads to the Sublime Point, from which you get stunning views of the ocean and the Wollongong harbour.8. Take a walk in the Wollongong Botanic Centre
Relax your senses with a soothing walk in the Wollongong Botanic Centre. The botanic centre offers neatly landscaped gardens as well as native and exotic plants and shrubbery to explore.
To keep the kids entertained, the centre features a playground with an entertaining maze and climbing net.
7. Hike up to the Sublime Point for magnificent views
The Sublime Point is a summit on the Illawarra Escarpment west of Austinmer in Wollongong. A steep 45-minute climb leads to the Sublime Point, from which you get stunning views of the ocean and the Wollongong harbour.9. Take a look at the Wollongong Art Gallery
Wollongong does not disappoint the art connoisseur with its art gallery. The Wollongong Art Gallery is one of the largest regional art museums in Australia.
They feature a permanent collection as well as regularly changing exhibitions. Check out what exhibitions are on while you’re in the city!
