Best Things to Do in Wollongong on Your Next Visit

With a burgeoning food scene, beautiful coastline and an impressive line-up of adrenalin-pumping activities, Wollongong and its surroundings are a haven of activity. Positioned with the Pacific Ocean on one side and Illawarra Escarpment on the other, it's one of the best places to visit in the South Coast region if you’re looking for a fun weekend away.

From picnicking on the side of a cliff, exploring rock pools and jumping out of planes at 15,000 feet, to bike riding and surf lessons, there's something for everyone.

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. 

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.  

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. 

Murphys Avenue, Keiraville 

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. 

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.

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.

East Corrimal

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.

Thirroul

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.

Wollongong

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.

Stanwell Park & Port Kembla

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.

182 Knights Hill Road, Knights Hill

Cycling Wollongong

Bush to coast, there are over 60 kilometres of on-road and off-road cycleways in and around Wollongong to explore. One of the most popular rides is the Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track, and there are trail rides around Mount Keira. BYO bike and helmet, otherwise there are plenty of places to hire adult and kid-size bikes around town.

Wollongong

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. 

41 Addison Street, Shellharbour

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.

Thirroul, Corrimal, Warilla 

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

1215 Jamberoo Road, Jamberoo

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.

Puckey Avenue, Innovation Campus, North Wollongong

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.

180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley

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.