2025 Wollongong Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#australiatrip A great hike through the Royal National Park. The walk down from the car park is fairly easy. Wear proper footwear as you will need to climb on some rocks to get there. No toilets, must bring plenty of water and always take away your rubbish with you! It was disappointing seeing the empty water bottles and wipes left behind from inconsiderate people. The walk back up is a little tough, but the views are all worth it! Magical spot

1.5 hours south coast of Sydney is where you will find this beauty. Crystal clear water, beautiful sand, an amazing park for the kids and world class fish & chips. This place is a picnicking dream. Hours of fun to be had or just sit and enjoy your surroundings. Shellharbour is one of those places that you will always return too and it my go to place for a lazy Sunday morning ❤️#familytravel #deliciousfood #couplestrip #beach

🌊✨ ✨🌊 Just had the most incredible day at Port Kembla Beach! The golden sand, the crystal-clear waters, and the gentle breeze created an absolute haven for relaxation and fun. Whether you're a beach lover or seeking a serene escape, this hidden gem has it all! Don't miss out on this breathtaking coastal paradise. #PortKemblaBeach #BeachBliss #NaturePerfection 🏖️🌞🌴

Wollongong Australia a beautiful city.

交通攻略：自駕or UBER 必去景點：Coalcliff Beach 推薦飯店：Stanwell Park Beach Cottage 必吃美食：STANWELL PALMS General Cafe 購物指南：LOAF Cafe, Stanwell Park 從悉尼市區開車一個小時就會到達了！ 這裡很美 從旁邊的公園走十五分鐘、就可以看到 全新南威爾士州最美藍色公路了 Overrated. We enjoyed the Great Ocean Road and the iconic 12 sisters better. There is a stopping area to the south of the bridge that can get full quick which means you have to drive over the bridge and come back and hopefully get a spot. It's good they have made a walkway though so that you can walk along for a better shot.#beaches #foodie #本地遊 #親子好去處 #familytravel #romanticgetaway

Brighton Beach is located in Melbourne, Australia. You can see the Rainbow House along Brighton Beach. This is a famous check-in attraction in Melbourne. In addition, the most beautiful thing is of course the natural beauty of the sea and sky. Seagulls flying over the endless coast is so beautiful! Address: Brighton Beach, Esplanade, Brighton, Bayside, Victoria 3186 Australia #StarWritersGoGoGo #UnbeatableSeaview #Check-inHotspot #Check-inGoodPlace #Check-in #GoodPlacesForParents #GoodPlacesInMelbourne #OverseasTravel

If you have the chance to come to Sydney, you must visit Wollongong! ! Wollongong is known as Sydney's backyard 🚘Travel method: Self-driving It is highly recommended to drive from Sydney to Wollongong, which takes about an hour. On the way, you will pass by the very famous temple "Nantian Temple" in Sydney. This is also the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. It is very popular and has a sense of intimacy like returning home. It is worth stopping and taking a look inside. If you drive further towards Wollongong, you will reach the small town of Kiama. With blue sky and white clouds, sandy beaches and seagulls, you will really feel that time will slow down, and you will calm down and enjoy what nature has given you. If conditions permit, I highly recommend camping by the sea! ! 🏕️ #Hot summer destination

Great place to see around. The rescue center balcony is open to visitors between designated hours and offers another great view of around.

#AustraliaTravel #FamilyTravel 🌿Forgotten Paradise: Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort 🏖️ This place was originally just a temporary stop when we drove from the south of New South Wales to Sydney to avoid long-term driving fatigue. Unexpectedly, we accidentally broke into a small utopia world. This is Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort in New South Wales, which is only about an hour and a half drive from Sydney. Not only is the location convenient, it is also an ideal place for children to release their energy and adults to relax completely. ⸻ 🏡 Neighbors are like family, like living in an ideal community As soon as we got off the car, we were attracted by the quiet and warm atmosphere here. The nearby residents are very friendly, often smiling and greeting, and chatting enthusiastically. The whole resort gives people the feeling of not only leisure, but also a short-term move into an ideal living community. The public facilities are beyond imagination-there are large self-service coin-operated washing machines and dryers here, which is a great blessing for families traveling long distances! ⸻ 🏡 Comfortable accommodation × Value coupons × Wonderful activities! We stayed in a small cottage with a kitchen, which was spacious and comfortable. When checking in, the enthusiastic counter staff gave us several activity coupons, including two free smoothies. The children immediately became energetic when they heard it! Let's challenge the mini golf course first - although the venue is small, the children have a lot of fun! Then we played a doubles game on the tennis court, and the family interacted and laughed constantly. ⸻ 🏊♀️ Heated swimming pool that is not afraid of weather changes + three treasures of relaxation The most anticipated thing in the afternoon is the indoor heated swimming pool that is open all year round! Whether it is cloudy or rainy outside, it is always warm inside. The children played in the water and refused to leave, while we adults leisurely soaked in the spa and enjoyed the treatment of the steam room. ⸻ 🐦 Rare birds appear × Animal friendship time The most surprising moment was meeting a group of friendly cockatoos in front of our cottage🦜. They are not afraid of people at all, and even approach to ask for food. The smiles of the children when they interact with them are really worth a thousand gold❤️. There are not only parrots here, but also many uncommon birds gather here. It is a paradise for us who like to observe nature. ⸻ 🌅 Beach walk × Quiet sunset × Family charging In the evening, we walked to the nearby Fairy Meadow Beach. The children built sand castles and picked up shells, while we sat on the beach and watched the sunset quietly. The whole world seemed to slow down. ⸻ ❤️ Even if we are just passers-by, it feels like returning home This journey, which was originally just a relay station, made our whole family feel relaxed and warm like never before. Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort is more than just a holiday destination. It is a utopian corner where people can reconnect with each other and heal their bodies and minds. We didn’t just rest here, we lived a day.

My spouse and I grew up in families that practiced Buddhism and Taoism, and we have always appreciated the serene and cohesive atmosphere of temples. During our travels in Australia, visiting Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong naturally became part of our itinerary. Fortunately, while in Brisbane, we also discovered Chung Tian Temple. Although it is less renowned than Nan Tien Temple, it is equally a place that purifies the soul. Here’s a detailed introduction to both temples for those interested in visiting: Nan Tien Temple (Wollongong) Located in Wollongong, New South Wales, Nan Tien Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Established by Fo Guang Shan in 1995, it is often referred to as the "Southern Paradise of Buddhism." Accommodation: Pilgrim Lodge is situated next to the temple and serves as a lodging facility for visitors, pilgrims, and meditation practitioners. The rooms prohibit alcohol, smoking, and television to create a tranquil environment. Guests can enjoy views of the temple and Wollongong’s scenic beauty from their rooms, making it a peaceful retreat. Chung Tian Temple (Brisbane) Located in the southern suburbs of Brisbane, Queensland, Chung Tian Temple was established by Fo Guang Shan in 1992 and serves as a significant Buddhist cultural center in the area. Though smaller in scale compared to Nan Tien Temple, it features exquisite architecture and a solemn atmosphere. Surrounded by woodland, it offers a serene escape amidst the urban setting. The temple includes Buddha halls, meditation rooms, cultural classrooms, and art exhibition spaces. It also provides courses in calligraphy, Tai Chi, meditation, and Buddhist studies, making it ideal for local residents and visitors seeking short-term activities or weekend relaxation. Comparison: Nan Tien Temple vs. Chung Tian Temple Nan Tien Temple (Wollongong): The largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Chung Tian Temple (Brisbane): A medium-sized Buddhist temple. Architectural Style: Nan Tien Temple combines traditional Chinese and modern designs, showcasing grandeur and magnificence. Chung Tian Temple is elegant and dignified. Accommodation: Nan Tien Temple offers Pilgrim Lodge for visitors. Chung Tian Temple does not have on-site accommodation, but nearby guesthouses and hotels are available. Activities: Nan Tien Temple hosts more frequent and larger-scale events, including annual grand ceremonies and cultural festivals. Chung Tian Temple focuses on local community engagement and cultural promotion. Recommendations: - For travelers or those seeking a retreat: Nan Tien Temple is ideal for a 1-2 day visit, offering a tranquil environment and cultural experiences. - For Brisbane residents or those nearby: Chung Tian Temple is perfect for weekend relaxation, Buddhist courses, or cultural activities. Both temples are significant Fo Guang Shan establishments in Australia, promoting Humanistic Buddhism and cultural exchange, each with its unique charm.

🇦🇺 Wollongong & Kiama, New South Wales, Australia Wollongong and Kiama are small towns you can visit from Sydney by train or rental car. Spread out a mat on the quiet and charming beaches, and you'll feel like you own the world! I visited by rental car and stayed overnight in Wollongong. Unexpectedly, I witnessed a stunning sunset in a place I hadn't anticipated! While Blue Mountains and Anna Bay are great, Wollongong and Kiama offer a unique atmosphere you can't experience in Sydney, making them highly recommended for a nearby trip 🥰 ✔️ Must-visit spots - Kiama 📍 Kiama Blowhole Point Witness the spectacular sight of seawater and spray shooting through a cliff hole. 📍 Kiama Lighthouse A perfect spot to enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the lighthouse. 📍 Bombo Headland Geological Site Take a light trek to admire the stunning basalt columns. - Wollongong 📍 Flagstaff Point Lighthouse (Wollongong Head) A great spot for car camping and sunsets. Parking spots with ocean views are highly sought after.

Looking for a hidden slice of paradise? Burning Palms Beach is your go-to escape — tucked away in the stunning Royal National Park, just south of Sydney! 🌿 How to Get There (Only by Foot!) Lace up your boots — this beach is hike-in only, and worth every step! 🚶♀️ Garawarra Farm Carpark Track ➡️ The most direct route — rainforest, open grasslands & epic views. 🌴 Palm Jungle Loop Track (8.5km) ➡️ Jungle vibes, cliff tops & coastal breezes all in one hike. 🌊 Otford to Figure Eight Pools Track (13.2km return) ➡️ A coastal trek with views that’ll leave you speechless — and yes, you’ll pass by the famous Figure Eight Pools! 🏖️ Beach Highlights 🏄♂️ Surf's Up – Popular with surfers (patrolled Sundays & public holidays Sep–Apr) ⚠️ Rips can be strong — the middle of the beach is safest for swimming ⛱️ Peaceful & pristine – no crowds, no chaos, just nature 🏡 Heritage cabins dot the hillside, adding charm & character 📸 Perfect photo ops with dramatic cliffs, palm trees & ocean views ✨ Must-See Nearby 🪨 Figure Eight Pools – Magical rock formations, but only visit at low tide! ⚠️ Check tide times and surf safety before heading there — it can be dangerous. 🎒 What to Bring 💧 Water & snacks (no shops!) 👟 Comfy hiking shoes 🧢 Hat & sunscreen 📱 Let someone know your plans — mobile reception is patchy ♻️ Reusable bag for rubbish (leave no trace!) Burning Palms Beach is wild, raw, and completely unforgettable. If you’re up for a little adventure, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking beauty and a peaceful coastal escape that feels like a world away. #hiddenbeach #royalnationalpark #burningpalms #coastwalks #nswweekend #figureeightpools #hikeandchill #beachescape #explorensw

📍 Itinerary Overview

#australiatrip Address - 5 Crown Ln, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - this is a warm and beautiful Italian Pizza Restaurant located in the heart of Wollongong City Center. They serve wide range of authentic Italian Cuisines, especially plenty type of signature Pizzas in the menu. We ordered some of their most famous menu to try on and the tastes are great and delicious Avg. Price per Person - reasonable price.

#australiatrip Address - 2/17 Globe Ln, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - this is a cosy warm and beautifully decorated Italian Restaurant located in the heart of the Wollongong City Center. They serve wide range of authentic Italian Cuisines from dishes to desserts in the choices. We ordered some of the most recommended dishes to try on, the tastes are superb and delicious. Avg. Price per Person - reasonable price.

#australiatrip Address - 108 Keira St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - this is a cosy warm and lovely Japanese Restaurant located in the heart of Wollongong City Center. They serve wide range of authentic Japanese Cuisines, especially the grill dishes in the menu. We tried some of the most famous disks and the tastes are superb and yummy. Avg. Price per Person - reasonable price.

#australiatrip Address - 119 Keira St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - this is a cosy warm and beautifully designed restaurant located in the downtown of Wollongong City Center. They serve wide range of authentic French Cuisines, especially plenty of signature Steaks in the menu. We ordered some of the most famous dishes to try on, the tastes are superb and amazingly delicious. Avg. Price per Person - affordable price.

#australiatrip Address - 122-124 Keira St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - this is a cosy and lovely restaurant located in the heart of Wollongong City Center. They serve wide range of authentic European Cuisines from dishes to desserts in the choices. We tried some of the most signature dishes in the menu to try on, the tastes are superb and amazingly delicious. Avg. Price per Person - reasonable price.

#australiatrip Address - 1/179 Keira St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - this is a cosy warm and beautifully decorated restaurant located in the busy area of Wollongong City Center. They serve wide range of local and international cuisines, from dishes to desserts in the choices. We ordered some of the most recommended dishes to try in, the tastes are yummy and delicious. Avg. Price per Person - affordable price.

#australiatrip Address - 11/15 Atchison St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - this is a cosy warm and lovely cafe located in the busy area of Wollongong City Center. They serve wide range of modern international cuisines as well as great coffee and signature beverages in the menu. We tried some of their most famous menu and the tastes are superb and delicious. Avg. Price per Person - reasonable price.

#australiatrip Address - 11 Stewart St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - a small yet lovely and cosy Cafe located in the heart of Wollongong City Center. They serve plenty of signature international cuisines, as well as great coffee and beverages in the menu. We ordered some of the most famous dishes in the menu to try on, the tastes are superb and amazingly delicious. Avg. Price per Person - reasonable price.

#australiatrip Address - 70 Crown St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - this is a cosy warm and beautifully decorated Cafe located in the heart of Wollongong City Center. They serve plenty of signature breakfast and brunch, as well as good coffee and beverages in the menu. We ordered some of the most recommended dishes to try on, the tastes are superb and yummy. Avg. Price per Person - affordable price.

#australiatrip Address - 3 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - this is a cosy and lovely restaurant located right at the seaside offering a breathtaking sea view while having a brunch or a lunch here. They serve wide range of modern cuisines from dishes to desserts in the choices. We tried some of the most recommended dishes and the tastes are superb and amazingly delicious. Avg. Price per Person - friendly pricing.

#australiatrip Address - 22, Corner of Market, Corrimal St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - this is a cosy warm and beautifully decorated restaurant located in the busy area of Wollongong City Center. They serve wide range of authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisines, from dishes to desserts in the menu. We tried some of the most famous food in the menu, the tastes are superb and delicious. Avg. Price per Person - reasonable price.

#australiatrip Address - 1 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - this is warm and beautiful Cafe located right at the seaside offering a stunning panoramic sea view while enjoying the breakfast or the brunch here. They serve wide range of international cuisines from dishes to desserts in the menu. We ordered some of the most signature dishes to try in, the tastes are super delicious. Avg. Price per Person -friendly pricing.

#australiatrip Address - 195 Keira St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia. Ambiance/Facilities - this is a cosy warm and beautifully decorated restaurant located in the heart of Wollongong City Center. They serve wide range of international cuisines from dishes to desserts in the menu. We ordered some of their most recommended dishes to try on, the tastes are superb and yummy. Avg. Price per Person - affordable price.