The ultimate travel guide toWollongong

The coastal city of Wollongong lies 80 km south of Sydney and can be reached in just under 1.5 hours by car. For a truly spectacular view of the coastline, abandon the most direct route down the M1 and take the scenic drive from the Royal National Park along the Grand Pacific Drive to wind through rainforest and over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge. Wollongong is also connected from Sydney via the train network, and lucky for passengers, the South Coast line has even been named by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s most scenic rail routes.

Wollongong combines the best of the outdoors with a burgeoning cultural scene to deliver activities and attractions to suit everyone, with plenty more thrown in for the kids. Nature lovers can swim in one of Wollongong’s beautiful beaches or lace up your boots and hit one of the hiking trails (we recommend the iconic Sublime Point walking track). We’ve rounded up the best things to do in Wollongong right here.

Being a sizable city, there’s plenty in Wollongong in the way of accommodation options. You can cosy up in a beach-chic B&B and fall asleep to the sound of surf, or hang at a luxe hotel with a view. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite accommodation options in Wollongong here, from campgrounds to hotel suites and beach houses with wrap-around views. Take your pick.

Expect relaxed coastal dining and bustling cafe culture. The city is a hub for young creatives, and this is reflected in the inspired dining scene and array of great places to eat and drink around the city. We’ve put together a list of the best restaurants and cafes in Wollongong as well as the best pubs and bars.

We’ve already rounded up the best things to do in Wollongong. But if you’re looking to experience the region a little differently, thrill seekers can gain a new perspective in a freefall dive with Skydive Sydney, or book at horse riding lesson at Otford Farm and trot through vast tropical rainforest on coastal trails.