Fun 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 surrounds are a haven of activity. Positioned with the Pacific Ocean to one side and Illawarra Escarpment on the other, it's one of the best places to go if you’re looking for fun things to do of a weekend.

From picnicking on the side of a cliff 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. 

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 is 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. Be sure to refuel with some of the best cafes in Wollongong whilst you're at it. 

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 favourites walks is the Illawarra Escarpment track if you're looking for incredible views. At 16km long it's not for the faint hearted. If you're keen for something a little shorter but equally impressive, the Mount Keria Ring Track and Mt Kembla Ring Track are top picks. 

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 experience to suit the climbers experience.

For something entirely otherworldly, opt for Paddle Rock's cliff picnic. Grab your partner or a friend, and literally hang off a cliff in a purpose-built ledge while you graze on a gourmet picnic made for two. It’s like rock climbing while you eat (but it’s not) and 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, and you may get the opportunity to take control of the flight, all before a soft landing on the beach below.

Stanwell Park

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 cycle ways 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 here 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 

If you've planned everything you're going to do in Wollongong and need somewhere to fuel up for your adventures, be sure to take a peek at our edits of the best restaurants and cafes in Wollongong.