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Best Things to Do in Wollongong on Your Next Visit
There is much to explore in this coastal town, so we've whittled down the best things to do in Wollongong to make the most of your trip!
From cliff picnics at Paddle Rock and skydiving over North Wollongong Beach to bushwalking through Royal National Park and family days out at Jamberoo Action Park, Wollongong packs an entire weekend’s worth of activity into one coastal stretch an hour and a half south of Sydney. This guide covers the best things to do across outdoor exploration, thrill-seeking adventures and family-friendly days out.
Head an hour and a half south of Sydney and you’ll find the ultimate weekend playground. Read on for the best things to do in Wollongong on your next visit. This guide covers the best things to do across outdoor exploration, thrill-seeking adventures and family-friendly days out.
In This Guide:
Best Outdoor and Nature Activities in Wollongong
Royal National Park
If you’re driving down to Wollongong from Sydney, we recommend setting aside some time to explore the whopping 15,000 hectares of pristine bushland and coastline in Australia’s oldest National Park, the Royal National Park.
From scenic lookouts and secluded beaches to whimsical waterfalls, there is so much to explore. Hiking trails lead to the iconic Wedding Cake Rock and its incredible vistas (perfect for whale watching), and the Figure 8 Pools is a natural swimming spot that has propelled to Insta fame.
Get your heart rate up trail running, mountain biking, and hiking, plus there are plenty of places to pitch a tent.
Where: NSW
Cost: From $12 per vehicle
Best For: Nature lovers, Outdoor, Free, Active
Wollongong Botanic Garden
Exploring Wollongong Botanic Garden is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing ways to soak up a glorious day. Pack a picnic and explore the array of incredible collections. You’ll find an exceptionally diverse array of gardens from the rose garden to the succulent and rainforest collection.
There is a garden cafe if you fancy a bite to eat as well as BBQs that are free to use. Forgot your book? No worries! Swing by one of the garden’s outdoor libraries.
Where: Murphys Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: Free
Best For: Families, Free, Outdoor, Nature lovers
Need To Know: Free BBQs available on-site, plus outdoor libraries if you forget a book.
Take a Cruise on Grand Pacific Drive
If you’re looking for a great way to cover distance, the Grand Pacific Drive is it. The 140km drive will take you from Sydney to Wollongong and beyond, the scenic way.
Take in the curves of the iconic Seacliff Bridge and stop for views and ice cream at Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell to watch para-gliders take flight.
Where: Grand Pacific Drive, from Sydney to Wollongong, stopping at Sea Cliff Bridge and Bald Hill Lookout, Stanwell Park
Cost: Free
Best For: Couples, Outdoor, Free, Unique experiences
Take a Hike
There are so many incredible hikes in and around Wollongong, so be sure to pack your walking shoes. Enjoy coastal views, dry eucalypt forests and wildlife spotting.
One of our favourite walks for breathtaking views is the Illawarra Escarpment track, though at 16km long it’s not for the faint-hearted. For something a little shorter but equally impressive, the Mount Keria Ring Track and Mt Kembla Ring Track are top picks.
Another favourite walk – the Sublime Point Walking Track – is temporarily closed, so as an alternative, take an easy stroll along the water’s edge to Flagstaff Hill and check out Wollongong Head Lighthouse.
Where: Various Wollongong walking tracks, including Illawarra Escarpment, Mount Keira and Mt Kembla
Cost: Free
Best For: Active, Outdoor, Free, Nature lovers
Need To Know: The Illawarra Escarpment track is 16km long and better suited to experienced walkers. The Sublime Point Walking Track is currently closed.
Best Thrill-Seeking Activities in Wollongong
Rock Climbing by Paddle Rock
If you have conquered the climbing gyms, then it’s time to take your newly acquired skills outdoors. Paddle Rock offers half-day and full-day rock climbing adventures on the cliff faces of Mt Keira. If this is your first time climbing, you will be well-catered for as Paddle Rock personalises the climb to suit your level of experience.
For something entirely otherworldly, opt for Paddle Rock’s cliff picnic. Grab your partner or a friend, and (literally) hang off a cliff on a purpose-built ledge while you graze on a gourmet picnic made for two. The vistas across Wollongong are incredible.
Where: East Corrimal
Cost: From $60
Best For: Adventure, Couples, Unique experiences, Special occasion
Need To Know: Climbs are personalised to suit experience level, including first-timers. A cliffside picnic experience for two is also available.
Hang Gliding with HangglideOz
Soar with the birds over the beautiful Illawarra Coastline and Grand Pacific Drive. With two launch sites, Bald Hill in Stanwell Park (being the most popular) and Hill 60 in Wollongong (during the warmer months), you will get a real sense of what it’s like to fly like a bird.
Tandem hang gliding flights last for 30 minutes and include an opportunity to fly the glider yourself.
Where: Thirroul, with Bald Hill in Stanwell Park also used as a launch site
Cost: From $225
Best For: Adventure, Couples, Unique experiences
Need To Know: Tandem flights run for 30 minutes and include the option to fly the glider yourself.
Skydive-Wollongong
Nothing gets the adrenalin pumping quite like skydiving does. Leap out of a plane that is cruising at up to 15,000 feet, then freefall at over 200km/hr for up to 60 seconds before floating under a canopy for 5-7 minutes, until you land on North Wollongong Beach.
It’s intense and completely serene all at the same time. For something a little different, try a night jump when it’s the full moon.
Where: Wollongong, landing on North Wollongong Beach
Cost: From $405
Best For: Adventure, Unique experiences, Special occasion
Need To Know: Freefall lasts up to 60 seconds from a jump height of up to 15,000 feet. Night jumps are available during the full moon.
Paragliding
Strapped into a harness and floating beneath a fabric wing over Stanwell Park and Illawarra coastline, paragliding is a tranquil experience that is not too dissimilar to hang gliding.
Take to the skies in a tandem 30-minute flight from Bald Hill or Port Kembla, and you may get the opportunity to take control of the flight, all before a soft landing on the beach below.
Where: Stanwell Park & Port Kembla
Cost: From $295
Best For: Adventure, Couples, Unique experiences
Need To Know: Tandem flights run for 30 minutes, with the option to take control mid-flight.
Best Adventure Activities in Wollongong
Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
A family-friendly adventure up amongst the trees. The treetop walk is a scenic 1.5-kilometre return walk along a steel walkway. It has two gently swaying cantilevered arms and a central tower that’s raised 50 metres from the forest floor.
For a bit more of a thrill, the zipline tour takes you along a series of cables, navigating suspension bridges up to 35 metres above the forest floor.
Where: 182 Knights Hill Road, Knights Hill
Cost: From $25 for adults and $15 for children
Best For: Families, Adventure, Outdoor, Kids
Need To Know: The treetop walk is a 1.5km return route with a central tower 50 metres above the forest floor. A zipline tour is also available for more of a thrill.
Cycling Wollongong
“Bush to coast, there are over 60 kilometres of on-road and off-road cycleways in and around Wollongong to explore. The Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track is the most popular route, and there are dedicated trail rides around Mount Keira for something more technical. BYO bike and helmet, or hire adult and kid-sized bikes locally.”
Where: Wollongong, including the Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track and trails around Mount Keira
Cost: Free
Best For: Active, Outdoor, Families, Budget-friendly
Need To Know: BYO bike and helmet, or hire adult and kids’ bikes locally.
Shellharbour Scuba Centre
Just 20 minutes down the coast in Shellharbour you can venture out into the deep blue to explore a variety of flora and fauna.
Shellharbour Scuba Centre’s local dive destination is Bass Point Headland, a 72-hectare heritage-listed coastal rainforest. It’s teeming with marine life, including the endangered Grey Nurse Shark.
Where: 41 Addison Street, Shellharbour
Cost: From $350 for first timers
Best For: Adventure, Nature lovers, Unique experiences
Illawarra Surf Academy
Beach culture reigns supreme in Wollongong and surfing is somewhat of a religion, so make like a local and learn to surf at one of the beautiful beaches!
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro looking to hone your technique, there is a surfing school for you. Illawarra Surf Academy teaches you how to master the ocean and they offer kids, private, corporate and group surf lessons.
Where: Thirroul, Corrimal, Warilla
Cost: From $110 for private lesson
Best For: Active, Families, Kids, Outdoor
Need To Know: Kids, private, corporate and group lessons all available, suited to beginners through to experienced surfers.
Best Family-Friendly Things to Do in Wollongong
Jamberoo Action Park
If you take the family to Wollongong on a hot summer day, nothing will bring more reprieve combined with endless hours of fun than Jamberoo Action Park.
The largest water theme park in NSW and only 35 minutes from Wollongong, the kids (and the grown-ups) can run amok, with world-class rides and facilities. From thrill-seeking waterslides with steep drops to kids’ rides and mini gold for those who prefer to stay dry, there is something for everyone.
The park is serviced with lockers and food and drink facilities, so once you’re there, you are set for the day!
Note: Jamberoo is open from September to April
Where: 1215 Jamberoo Road, Jamberoo
Cost: From $74 for kids and $84 for adults
Best For: Families, Kids, Weekend plans, Active
Need To Know: Open seasonally from September to April only. Lockers and food and drink facilities available on-site.
UOW Science Space
We have a feeling mum and dad will love an afternoon exploring Science Space just as much as the little ones! With over 90 immersive experiences and visual encounters, everyone will walk away with new fun facts to share.
Located inside the University of Wollongong, Science Space is dedicated to making science fun and accessible to all. The hands-on experiences and installations are captivating, while a visit to the Planetarium will fill minds with a sense of wonder as you lay back and travel into outer space.
Where: Puckey Avenue, Innovation Campus, North Wollongong
Cost: Free for toddlers up to $16.75 for adults
Best For: Families, Kids, Rainy day, Cultural
Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple
When it’s time to slow it down a notch, pay a visit to Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley and take a stroll through the manicured grounds and peaceful gardens.
The largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, this is an opportunity to learn about this religion, its practices and traditions, and take a quick break from the high-action fun Wollongong offers.
If you want to dive deeper, check out their website to find a meditation retreat, workshop or festival to attend – the latter providing a fabulous celebration of culture with activities for the whole family.
Where: 180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley
Cost: Free
Best For: Cultural, Free, Couples, Locals
Need To Know: Meditation retreats, workshops and festivals run periodically — check their website for upcoming events.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Things to do in Wollongong
Wollongong offers plenty of free activities alongside its paid attractions. Exploring Royal National Park costs nothing beyond parking, and its walking trails, lookouts and the famous Figure 8 Pools are accessible without a ticket. Wollongong Botanic Garden is also free to enter, with BBQ facilities available for a low-cost picnic day out. The Grand Pacific Drive itself is a free scenic route, with standout stops like Sea Cliff Bridge and Bald Hill Lookout requiring no entry fee. For those after adventure without the cost of skydiving or hang gliding, hiking the Illawarra Escarpment track offers similarly spectacular coastal views at no charge.
Families visiting Wollongong have plenty of dedicated options. Jamberoo Action Park is the standout for a full day out, with waterslides and rides for older kids alongside gentler attractions for younger ones, though it’s only open September to April. UOW Science Space offers a more low-key alternative with over 90 hands-on exhibits and a planetarium suited to curious young minds. Wollongong Botanic Garden is a good option for a slower family day, with picnic space, free BBQs and an outdoor library. Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures also suits families wanting an adventure element without the intensity of skydiving or paragliding.
Wollongong sits roughly an hour and a half south of Sydney by car, making it a popular day trip or weekend escape destination. The most scenic route is the Grand Pacific Drive, a 140-kilometre stretch that takes travellers past Sea Cliff Bridge and Bald Hill Lookout along the way. This makes the drive itself part of the experience rather than simply a means of getting there, with several worthwhile stops for photos, ice cream or a short walk before reaching the city.
Wollongong has one of the strongest concentrations of adventure activities on the NSW coast. Skydiving over North Wollongong Beach is the most iconic, with tandem jumps from up to 15,000 feet. Hang gliding and paragliding from Bald Hill in Stanwell Park offer a gentler but equally scenic way to see the coastline from above. For those who prefer to stay grounded, rock climbing at Mount Keira with Paddle Rock, including its cliffside picnic experience, is a standout alternative that doesn’t require a plane.
Yes, Wollongong works well as a day trip, though a weekend allows time to properly explore. Its coastal setting between the Pacific Ocean and Illawarra Escarpment means outdoor activities, beaches and hiking trails are all close together. Visitors can realistically fit in a scenic drive along the Grand Pacific Drive, a walk or activity in Royal National Park, and a stop in the town centre within a single day, though those wanting to add an adventure activity like skydiving or hang gliding should allow extra time.
Now that your itinerary is jam-packed with the best things to do in Wollongong, find more travel inspiration with our guides to the best accommodation and things to do on the Central Coast.
