• Home
  • Bundeena Map
  • Gallery
  • About
  • Contact
  • Getting here
• What's on
• Directory
• Where to stay
• Things to do
  • The Royal National Park
• Food
• Northern Illawarra
  • Coal Villages
  • Stanwell Park & Tops
  • Helensburgh
  • Thirroul
  • Bulli
  • Wollongong
  • What's On
  • Markets
  • Royal National Park & Otford
  • Directory
  • Austinmer

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, Fairy Meadow (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.
In the Botanic Garden is the Discovery Centre, which teaches visitors how to live sustainably in their own backyard (ph 4229 2600).
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) located in Fairy Meadow 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.
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 Rydges Central City Wollongong on Burelli Street (ph 4220 7800), The Belmore All Suite Hotel on Smith Street (ph 1800 028 512) or Corrimal Beach Tourist Park on Lake Parade (ph 4285 5688). The park is located on beautiful Corrimal Beach just 5km north of the centre of Wollongong.