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  • Wollongong

Wollongong

South of Woonona is the city of Wollongong, affectionately known as “The Gong”. Originally inhabited by the Dharwal indigenous Australians, navigators Bass and Flinders landed in Lake Illawarra in 1796. The word Wollongong is said to mean “the sound of the sea”.
It is the third largest city in New South Wales and has a long history of mining and industry, with its coal mines, steelworks and industrial port.
The city has many attractions for the visitor and is well known for its great surfing beaches.
For a great family day out, visit the Science Centre & Planetarium at Squires Way, North Wollongong (ph 4286 5000).
Nearby Towradgi is home to the Towradgi Beach Hotel on Pioneer Road (ph 4283 3588).
The hotel boasts great dining, live entertainment, a children’s playground and accommodation.
Wollongong Botanic Garden is at Keiraville (ph 4225 2636) where you will see exotic and local plant life and rainforests.
There are lovely walks and a great children’s playground. Guided tours are also available and can be arranged for small or large groups.
In the Botanic Garden is the Discovery Centre, which teaches visitors how to live sustainably in their own backyard
(ph 4225 2636).
For extreme adventurers call Skydive The Beach and take in the amazing views from above (ph 1300 663 634).
For kayaking tours, call Canoe & Kayak Adventures (ph 0404 895 379) and “experience the South Coast as you never have before”.
Wollongong offers fantastic diving for both the novice and experienced divers. United Divers (ph 4228 5962) takes groups to various locations such as Five Islands off Wollongong as well as northern reefs and wreck dives, including the popular wreck of The Bombo.
Hangdog Climbing Gym on Auburn Street (ph 4225 8369) has indoor and outdoor climbing walls. Coaching is also available.
Wollongong Produce and Creative Markets (ph 0422 781 920) run every Friday from 9am to 3pm right in the heart of Wollongong’s Crown Street Mall.
A little further south of Wollongong at Kembla Grange is the Kembla Grange Racecourse with thirty race days a year (ph 4261 7211). It also has a fully licensed function centre.
When staying in Wollongong try Cabbage Tree Motel (ph 4284 4000) in Fairy Meadow. It’s close to shops, clubs and restaurants and is only five minutes north of the centre of Wollongong. It also has an outdoor swimming pool and barbecue area.
Other places to try are Rydges Central City Wollongong on Burelli Street (ph 4220 7800) and the Belmore All Suite Hotel on Smith Street (ph 1800 028 512).
The Corrimal Beach Tourist Park on Lake Parade (ph 4285 5688) is located on beautiful Corrimal Beach and just 5km north from the centre of Wollongong. It is a perfect place for campers or caravanners and self-contained cabins are also available.
Windang Tourist Park (ph 4297 3166) is 20 minutes south of Wollongong CBD and is nestled between Lake Illawarra and the ocean.
The lake is saltwater and is surrounded by parkland with children’s playgrounds and barbecues dotted throughout.
It’s a great spot for fishing, surfing and sailing. Tents or caravan sites plus self-contained cabins are available.