Wollongong Accommodation & Holiday Houses

Affectionately called 'the Gong', the seaside city of Wollongong is located along the beautiful Grand Pacific Drive south of Sydney and is perfect for a rejuvenating city break. Beaches are a major draw here, but Wollongong is home to much more than that.

Booking accommodation in Wollongong will allow you to marvel at the Sea Cliff Bridge, get close to koalas at Symbio Wildlife Park, enjoy surfing at beaches of nearby coastal villages like Thirroul and ride a bike or hike up to the Mount Keira. Skydiving above the coast is another exciting activity to try.

Wollongong is also known for its active arts scene and cultural diversity, and is home to attractions such as the Wollongong Art Gallery, and the Nan Tien Temple - the biggest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Staying at a beautiful holiday home in Wollongong is an excellent idea for a memorable vacation.

Getting to Your Wollongong Accommodation

Wherever your accommodation in Wollongong is located, there are a number of options for how to get there. The quickest way by car from Sydney is to take the A1 and M1 south, then onto the Princes Highway to Wollongong. Depending on traffic, this should take between 70-80min from central Sydney to Wollongong CBD. There are also hourly trains from Sydney to Wollongong on the South Coast Cityrail.

If you have a bit of time to play with, it's worth taking the scenic route down the Grand Pacific Drive. Just exit the freeway at Helensborough and follow the signposts to Wollongong. The Sea Cliff Bridge between Coalcliff and Scarborough is a highlight of this route.

If coming from Melbourne or Canberra, you can follow either the Illawarra Highway or Picton Road all the way to Wollongong. Picton Road is faster and more direct, while the Illawarra Highway is the more scenic route with plenty of panoramic viewpoints and picnic stops.

What to eat on your holiday in Wollongong

Being a place frequented by travellers and among the most culturally diverse cities in the country, Wollongong has built a reputation of having a varied food culture to please all taste buds. So whether you are craving for Asian cuisine, fresh seafood, or wish to explore local Aussie treats, the city has an eatery for it.

For a taste of contemporary Australian dining, head to the Rookie Eatery on Keira Street. With a focus on local produce, this restaurant serves dishes that blend influences from diverse cultures. With a good selection of fine wine and service that has earned excellent reviews, Rookie Eatery offers a pleasant dining experience.

Bombora Seafood Restaurant is a popular name in Wollongong, and among the best places to dine on fresh catch from the sea. Stylish and modern, this restaurant is perched above the Wollongong Harbour and offers sweeping ocean views. The Thai fish cakes, Bombora Basket, and seafood platters are a few favourite dishes here.

Art and culture in Wollongong

The Illawarra Museum, which is housed in an 1882 post office, gives visitors a look into what the region was like in the 19th century. Furnished rooms typical of the pre-federation period, local artefacts and other displays are exhibited in the museum to provide visitors an understanding of local history.

Travellers interested in learning about regional art can visit the Wollongong City Gallery that houses a huge collection of Aboriginal and contemporary Australian art as well as Illawarra landscapes. With more than 2,500 items and at least 20 exhibitions a year, there is always plenty to see at this gallery.

Holidays with kids in Wollongong

The Symbio Wildlife Park is among the top destinations in Wollongong, and the ideal place for a fun family outing. Watch a rare Sumatran tiger at close quarters, or feed a kangaroo and cuddle a koala for an authentic wild Aussie experience. Catch one of the daily shows to see how the animals are fed or grab the opportunity to be Keeper For A Day.

The fact that it is the only dedicated children’s museum in Australia is enough reason to visit the Early Start Discovery Space while on a family vacation. From mini supermarkets to construction sights, there are several interactive exhibits as well as a water play area.

Visit the Wollongong Botanic Gardens and let the children enjoy playtime in the beautiful outdoors. Frolic in the colourful flower gardens while you learn about the local flora. There is also a duck pond and playground, and Garden Storytime for pre-schoolers is held on Fridays.

Explore Wollongong's Beaches and Swimming Holes

With no fewer than 17 surf beaches and several public pools, Wollongong is blessed with many beautiful sunbathing and swimming spots. All of which are easily accessible from any Wollongong holiday house.

If you're staying in the north of the city, head to popular North Beach, right in front of Stuart Park. Or go to Austinmer, a small but beautiful beach enclosed in a picturesque cove backed by plentiful cafés and restaurants. If you want a secluded spot away from the crowds, though, then wild, untamed Towradgi is your best bet.

To the south of Wollongong, pretty Port Kembla beach is one of Wollongong's best-kept secrets, and perhaps the city's most underrated beach. It has one of Wollongong's longest unbroken stretches of sand, on-site parking, and is on the coastal cycling track. Windang, at the entrance to Lake Illawarra, provides a more typical south coast beach experience.

Frequently Asked Questions