The 11 Best Things To Do In Wollongong

Wollongong is at once grand and gritty and we’ve stitched together some of the best things to do on a weekender.

Besides lounging on one of Wollongong’s beautiful northern beaches, which so inspired author D.H. Lawrence, or wallowing in a rock pool, the Greater Wollongong region offers a host of fun and fabulous things to do. Expect the unexpected in the Gong, as it is affectionately known, which has forged a new path for itself. Here are some of the top things to do in Wollongong.

Cycle or drive the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge

The 665-metre long Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive, which snakes its way from the Royal National Park, just 45 minutes south of Sydney to Loftus and down to Nowra. The serpentine road traces the curves of the coast and has a shared path on the side, which is popular with cyclists. Roll the windows down and let out a few yee-haws along the drive, which is the scenic route to the Gong from Sydney and stretches between the towns of Clifton and Coalcliff.

Drive the most iconic bridge on the South Coast

Friday Forage

The Friday Forage is a weekly artisan food and farmers market that embodies the spirit of creativity that has become synonymous with the Gong. Take a gentle walk through the markets, which brings together local producers all in the one place celebrating the farm-to-plate scene. Rub shoulders with rugged-up farmers and find yourself surrounded by an array of honey, pastries, potatoes, dairy products, and more. Make plans to return to the Bulli Forager’s Market on the second Sunday of the month.

Swim at one of the Gong’s beautiful beaches

Greater Wollongong stretches from Stanwell Park in the north in a continuous sprawl all the way to Shellharbour in the South. The rock pools, ocean baths barnacled onto this stretch of coastline are firm favourites for families and picnickers, as are the stunning beaches. Some of the best places to swim include Thirroul’s free, Olympic-sized ocean pool, where you can churn out a few laps, Wombarra’s hidden baths for a private swim, Austinmer’s sea pools for a dip with a view. Suit up for a surf at Bombo Beach.

Austinmer’s sea pools provide a dip with a view.

Stop for a brew with a view

Stop for a brew with an ocean view at the Scarborough Hotel , which has been perched like an eyrie on a Scarborough cliff edge since it was established in 1886. From the region’s oldest licensed venue to the newest in nearby Austinmer where the Headlands Hotel follows suit with its orientation toward the horizon and providing another top spot to get on the beers. The pubs are emblematic of the position the Greater Gong finds itself in: looking toward the past, with an eye firmly on its future. Cheers.

Sublime Point Walking Track

The next spot on your Illawarra itinerary should be a hike to the top of the escarpment to check out the view of the northern villages and beaches. The steep climb up a series of ladders through emerald rainforest is for experienced walkers only. You can also drive to Sublime Point Lookout where you will be rewarded with magnificent views. Look out for yellow-tailed black cockatoos or giant falcons and kestrels and whales during the migration season. Download the NSW National Parks app before you go.

Browse antiques, art and homewares

Start fossicking for antiques, art and homewares in Thirroul, which is lined with boutiques, galleries and cafes. Try the Egg & Dart for local and international art, or the Wombat in Thirroul for upcycled furniture and oddities. The Shop of Things in Crown St, Wollongong, is also a treasure trove of vintage clothes, random collectables and art. The Wandering Merchants is another atmospheric store that looks like a hispter caravan has pulled into town and exploded its glittering contents.

The Wandering Merchants is a way of life.

Enjoy fish and chips by the sea

Bombora Seafood Restaurant in Wollongong looks out over the bobbing boats, the faraway escarpment and flocks of seagulls pecking away on the shore. It’s the ideal foreground for a family feast of fresh oysters, crumbed calamari, salt ‘n’ pepper squid followed by fish and chips. You can also join the barefoot crowds at Diggies’ North Beach Kiosk for battered barra and chips, one of the best places to eat in the Gong.

Scarborough-Wombarra Bowling Club

The Scarborough-Wombarra Bowling Club is one of a handful of excellent bowlos in the Greater Wollongong area that offers tantalising ocean views that may well distract you from getting your bowl as close as you can to the jack. Give your bowling arm a rest during your game of barefoot bowls by sinking a few schooies and then tucking into the signature ‘bowlo duck’ at the Black Duck Bistro. Reservations are required.

Go hang gliding at Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell Tops

Bald Hill Lookout is one of the best spots for hang gliding in Australia. Those who are not trained to take a solo running jump off the 300-metre-high cliffs, can harness up with a tandem flight instructor from Hang Glide Oz so they can relax and enjoy the ride. Stanwell Tops is often the first place Sydneysiders stop on their way down south to the Gong as it provides eagle-eyed views over Stanwell Park Beach and onto the Sea Cliff Bridge. Watch your step if you’re snapping a selfie.

Wander the Illawarra Fly Tree Walk

You will hear the wind whisper through the trees and the constant chorus of bird song at the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk , which travels along to the edge of a bony ridge of the Illawarra Escarpment. There are many points of interest dotted around the park, where you can also take a zipline tour over Fern Gully. Those who aren’t afraid of heights should definitely spiral their way up the 45-metre high Knights Tower Lookout for breath-taking views over the Illawarra.

Tour the galleries, museums and temples

For a change of pace, pull into the slow lane at the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere and detour to the Dew Drop Inn Tea House for a rejuvenating pot of lotus tea. You should also add a visit to Wollongong Botanic Garden , Wollongong Art Gallery , and the stunning Illawarra Museum Wollongong , housed in the former Post and Telegraph Office built between 1865 and 1882. And trainspotters and plane spotters can unite at HARS Aviation Museum .

Find more great travel tips and itineraries in our Ultimate guide to Wollongong holidays.

Luxury meets hyper-local hospitality with an exclusive Christmas stay package and menu you’ll want to be present for.

An Aussie Christmas is like no other. December signals the start of summer, celebrations and festive cheer. While Mariah Carey might not have defrosted just yet, we’ve got less than 100 days left of the year. So it’s time to start planning. Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney is reimagined with a luxurious festive stay package. Celebrate with a curated summer tote, a special seasonal menu that captures the flavours of a Sydney summer and cocktails crafted to capture the spirit of a harbourside Christmas.

This is your sign to skip the end-of-year chaos and let Christmas be taken care of for you.

A stay at Park Hyatt

couple with champagne on the balcony of their park hyatt sydney room — Gaze out from your balcony to see Sydney’s icons.

If you love a room with a view, imagine waking up on Christmas Day to the sound of waves and a sunrise over the iconic Sydney Opera House. Step out to your private balcony to soak in the sun, and you’ll find you’re on the doorstep to the coastal cobblestone charm of Sydney’s very own Christmas boulevard, The Rocks.

Enter Park Hyatt Sydney, a 155-room harbour-side hotel, centered in the beating heart of a historic neighbourhood, seamlessly blending life’s little luxuries with living like a local. Spend long, summer days lounging by the rooftop pool with 360-degree views of this harbour city or indulge in tailored treatments at The Spa.

aerial of park hyatt sydney rooftop pool — Spend summer days by the rooftop pool.

Be seated in The Dining Room, overlooking sparkling waters, to taste the vibrancy of an Australian summer. Led by Executive Chef Tyson Gee, discover a lunch and dinner menu that heroes coastal ingredients.

The festive stay package

Park Hyatt Sydney has introduced a festive stay package to up the Christmas spirit. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in a guest room or suite with uninterrupted views, valet parking and a full breakfast for two in The Dining Room.

The Summer Kit

branded tote bag of park hyatt sydney with the sydney opera house in background — Take home a branded tote bag.

Because it’s an Aussie Christmas, guests booking the package will also receive a curated, limited-edition Summer Christmas kit stocked with seasonal luxuries, including the hotel’s first-ever branded merch.

Think a signature Park Hyatt Sydney sun cap and Aesop sunscreen valued at $300, all in a branded luxury tote bag. This kit will also be available for purchase throughout December, if you’re in need of any gift ideas.

The details

The festive stay package applies to stays from 1 – 27 December, with a limited number of suites available. Guests can book using the exclusive offer code XMAS25 on parkhyattsydney.com . They can also call +61 2 9256 1234 or email sydney.park.accommodation@hyatt.com.

Christmas dining

christmas menu at the dining room restaurant in park hyatt sydney — Taste a special Christmas menu at The Dining Room.

For the gourmands who want to participate in the festivities but are unable to stay as an overnight guest, Park Hyatt Sydney can still be your Christmas go-to. Taste Chef Tyson Gee’s themed culinary creations throughout December .

From 1 – 24 December, diners can book a Christmas Afternoon Tea from $95 pp. Prepare for Christmas flavours like braised turkey pie with cranberry gel, plus gingerbread and salted vanilla bûche de Noël and a chocolate hazelnut bauble for dessert.

On Christmas Day, The Dining Room and The Living Room will both offer a five-course menu from $425 per person. Start with a glass of NV Taittinger Champagne on arrival – accompanied by Sydney’s finest seafood – and end with a reimagined mango pavlova, with rice pudding and pink peppercorn.

“Our vision was to capture the flavours of a harbourside Australian Christmas,” says Gee. “Guests will enjoy seafood at its best, from fresh oysters to cured ocean trout, paired with tropical fruit accents and festive touches like glazed Berkshire ham and roast duck. Every dish has been imagined for a harbourside Christmas celebration.”

Guests can also enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails crafted by Head Mixologist Kevin Botte, including the Christmas Negroni, Christmas Mulled Wine and a Christmas Cocktail/Mocktail.

Exploring Sydney

woman drinking festive cocktail in the dining room restaurant of park hyatt sydney — The best of Sydney is right on your doorstep.

For those planning a visit, Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney means you’re perfectly situated to explore the best of Sydney.

The hotel is mere steps away from the icons, from Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Add open-air galleries full of murals and explore the nearby cobblestone streets.

Head to the charming Rocks Markets, where the streets transform with seasonal Christmas creations, of the artisan and foodie variety. Then head over to Dawes Point Park for a picnic under the bridge.

Find more 360-degree rooftop views at the Glenmore, or listen to live music at Brewhouse at Squire’s Landing from Wednesday to Sunday (times vary). There’s something for everyone.

For more details on Christmas at Park Hyatt Sydney, visit parkhyattsydney.com or call +61 2 9256 1234.

11 best things to do in Wollongong