Wollongong is New South Wales’ third largest city with a population of around 220,000 and is located only 80 kilometres down the coast from Sydney. The city centre is quite compact and easy to walk around, but the city itself sprawls along the coast from Scarborough in the north to Shell Harbour in the south. Australia’s largest steel works is located at Port Kembla, which gives the city an undeserved industrial image to the rest of the country.

Aerial view of Flagstaff Point Lighthouse
Photographer: Tourism Wollongong 200
Courtesy Tourism New South Wales

Wollongong is actually great for tourists. Although less frequently visited than the Central and North Coast towns, Wollongong has many great surfing beaches, particularly north of the city and is dotted with ample caravan and camping sites. The whole area is crowded on by the Illawarra Escarpment, which simultaneously provides a rugged backdrop to the city, spectacular views along the coast and some excellent hiking and walking trails. There are many pubs and nightclubs with live entertainment, and the close proximity of The University Of Wollongong imbues some parts of the town with a real student atmosphere.