Things to do in Wollongong

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When you think of weekenders close to Sydney, places like Terrigal, Jervis Bay and Port Stephens probably come to mind first. Well, I am here to tell you that you need to add things to do in Wollongong to your list!

As a lifelong Dragons supporter and having a dear friend living in Wollongong, I visit this scenic seaside city fairly regularly and have enjoyed watching the place come of age. Wollongong is no longer somewhere you need to just drive through - it's a bustling destination with plenty to see and do.

Things to do in Wollongong

1. See Some Animals at Symbio Wildlife Park

Symbio Wildlife Park
The kids will go crazy for the hands-on animal experience at Symbio Wildlife Park.


First up on our list of things to do in Wollongong is one of Sydney's favourite animal parks. Just 45 minutes south of Sydney on the way to Wollongong in a beautiful natural bushland setting, you’ll find Symbio Wildlife Park, a smaller, more intimate zoo experience.

Animal highlights include getting up close and personal with their wallabies, red pandas, lemurs, meerkats, reptiles and koalas. Check out their daily keeper presentations and feeding times at various animal enclosures. Stopping off at Symbio is a great precursor to a great day discovering plenty of things to do in Wollongong!

Location: 7-11 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Helensburgh

2. Take the Scenic Route on Grand Pacific Drive

Things to do in Wollongong
The legendary Grand Pacific Drive is the best way to make the trip to Wollongong.


Another great pre-adventure before experiencing all the amazing things to do in Wollongong! I am very much a “take the scenic route” kinda gal, and the drive to The Gong is no exception.

Unless I’m on a deadline, I will take the left-hand turn off the Princess Highway and drive through The Royal National Park (Did you know it’s the second oldest in the world?).

The Audley Boatshed is a wonderful day trip in itself, and the view sure beats the alternative concrete of Mount Ousley. From here, I can take the turn into Helensburgh and visit the fabulous Symbio Wildlife Park for some hands-on native wildlife, getting up close with tigers and even playing zookeeper for a day.

Back on the road to Wollongong, we often take a rest stop at Bald Hill, a renowned favourite spot for Hang Gliders from around the world. There is something rather exhilarating about watching them glide through the air, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a child who isn’t memorised by them and the spectacular beach views!

The most famous part of this trip in recent years is driving over the majestic Sea Cliff bridge, which has been designed to project out over the ocean giving you the sense of floating on water. You can actually stop in the special parking areas and take some mighty Instagram-worthy photos or simply follow on for Da Gong.

3. Visit Early Start Discovery Space

Things to do in Wollongong
Little adventurers will be wowed at the discoveries at Early Start Discovery Space.


Your list of things to do in Wollongong just has to be this gem. Little people and adults cannot get enough of the Early Start Discovery Space. On our first visit, we stayed the entire day!

There is just so much to see and play with. Some of our personal favourites were, of course, the intestinal system (what little one/adult doesn’t love good gas noise!), the mini supermarket, which has stayed with us for some time following as the kids can “shop” for groceries with shopping trolleys and pay for them at the check-out, the water play area outside (be sure to pack spare clothes) and the building construction zone where we dressed up in orange vests and built a brick wall.

Toilet facilities are great, and there is a lovely little cafe on site. Remember, Early Start Discovery Space is inside the Wollongong Uni so during class time, parking may be a bit tight. 

Location: Early Start Discovery Space (Building 21 University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong

4. Go for a Play at Wollongong Playgrounds

Things to do in Wollongong
Add Stuart Park to your list of must-visit Wollongong playgrounds.


Things to do in Wollongong that are free? Tick! There is certainly no shortage of playgrounds in Wollongong!

A favourite of ours is Stuart Park, a short walk from the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach. The playground features an 8.6-metre-high SkyTower, complete with three giant slides! It also boasts two flying foxes and a beginner’s cycle track.

There are also some great playgrounds in Bulli, a short 15-minute drive from North Beach. There’s the well-equipped Bulli Beach playground and the renovated playground at Austinmer Beach Reserve with fun climbing challenges and new equipment.

Discover more playgrounds in Wollongong.

5. Visit Jamberoo Action Park

Things to do in Wollongong
Get ready to control the action at Jamberoo Action Park!


Just 20 minutes south of Wollongong, you can slide into all the water park action you need at Jamberoo! 

Another awesome thing to do in Wollongong, Jamberoo Action Park boasts a trilogy of giant tube rides, all with an element of anticipation, enhanced thrills and excitement! The Perfect Storm, The Funnel Web and The Taipan are all as hair-raising as they sound! 

For little ones, there is plenty of action, too, with Banjo's Billabong, the largest aqua play structure built in the southern hemisphere with over 200 water cannons, cranks, and sprays, six water slides across four storeys, all drenched by two huge buckets that tip 1800 litres over the structure every few minutes. 

Admission into the park covers all rides and attractions, and parking is free, so what are you waiting for?!

Location: 1215 Jamberoo Rd, Jamberoo

6. Fly High at Illawarra Fly

Things to do in Wollongong
Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures is one of our favourite outdoor family adventures.


If you're looking for things to do in Wollongong for adventurous kids and families, look no further. Illawarra Fly is situated a short 45-minute drive south of Wollongong and features The Treetop Walk and Zipline experience, which is officially the highest Zipline Tour in Australia!

After completing the Treetop Walk, newly appointed junior rangers (and their parents!) can satisfy their need for speed by completing the attraction’s high-flying Zipline Tour! Or, for the more daring rangers, experience the After Dark Zipline Tour, where the adrenaline gets pumping as you zoom between the illuminated trees of the mystical rainforest.

The Treetop Walk is a 1.5-kilometre return walk in the native rainforest. Positioned 710 metres above sea level, the spectacular panoramic views are of the rainforest canopy and all the way out to the Pacific Ocean.

The Zipline Tour consists of a series of cable spans and suspension bridges up to 35 metres above the forest floor. Experienced guides control all departures and arrivals whilst providing adventurers with an insight into the forest’s history and features with unparalleled views.

Location: 182 Knights Hill Rd, Knights Hill 

7. Explore Science Space and the Planetarium

Wollongong Science Space and Planetarium
Sticking with the hands-on learning theme, Science Space is home to 'NSW's best planetarium'.


Looking for things to do in Wollongong for inquisitive kids? Science Space is constantly updating its interactive exhibitions and has over 100 of them, spread across two floors on dinosaurs, fossils, illusions, motors and electricity, and more, catering to children of all ages.

You can also explore the stars and constellations in the Planetarium, where little minds will be captivated as you experience full-dome immersive shows and learn about topics such as the universe, the evolution of life and the night sky.

Location: Innovation Campus, 60 Squires Way, North Wollongong

8. Catch up With Nature at Wollongong Botanic Garden

Things to do in Wollongong
Soak up incredible nature at Wollongong Botanic Gardens.

 

Another one of our favourite things to do in Wollongong, I just love stopping off at Wollongong Botanic Gardens. After all, I am a huge fan of the great outdoors and beautiful spaces with well-thought-out programs for kids to enhance the same love.

Wollongong Botanic Garden hosts Sunday Sounds, Sunset Cinema and Garden Discovery Tours. Choose your own adventure and discover a duck feeding pond, an all-abilities playground with a sandpit, slippery dip, climbing net and swings, a viewing platform and workshops. Of course, don’t forget to take the time to stop and smell the roses!

Location: 40 Murphys Ave, Keiraville

9. Hit the Beach

Wollongong Beaches
Naturally, you can’t visit The Gong without having a swim in one of the many beautiful beaches! 

Our list of things to do in Wollongong would not be complete without mentioning the awesome beaches in Wollongong! Even if you're visiting Wollongong in winter, it's always nice to stop off at the beach and let the kids go for a run to stretch their legs. 

There are some fantastic rock pools to paddle in, but most are NOT patrolled by lifeguards. Wollongong City Council have a list of the 17 patrolled beaches in the area:

  • Stanwell Park - access via Lower Coast Road
  • Coalcliff - access via Lawrence Hargrave Drive
  • Scarborough/Wombarra - access via Monash Street
  • Coledale - access via Lawrence Hargrave Drive
  • Austinmer - access via Lawrence Hargrave Drive
  • Thirroul - access via The Esplanade
  • Sandon Point - Access via Point Street
  • Bulli - access via Farrell Road
  • Woonona - access via Kurraba Road
  • Bellambi - access via Morgan Place
  • Corrimal - access via Lake Parade
  • Towradgi - access via Murranar Road
  • Fairy Meadow - access via Elliotts Road
  • North Wollongong - access via Cliff Road - patrolled all year
  • Wollongong City - access via Marine Drive
  • Port Kembla - access via Olympic Boulevard
  • Windang - access via Fern Street

10. Hang out at Hangdog Climbing Gym

Things to do in Wollongong
Let the kids let off some serious energy at Hangdog Climbing Gym.


Hangdog Climbing Gym provides an opportunity for your child to join the climbing craze, learn new skills and meet other climbers. It looks amazing for those energetic bodies who love to climb and explore!

They have casual entry from $14 (plus $9 for the 'The Lot' equipment hire) and run kids Learn to Climb programs on Monday to Thursday afternoons.

Location: 130 Auburn St, Coniston

11. Flip Out World

Flip Out World Wollongong
The kids will seriously flip out at Flip Out World Wollongong!


Located in North Wollongong, Flip Out World is an indoor trampoline arena offering some unique experiences like Ninja classes, Sensory-friendly sessions, school holiday specials and weekday deals.

Prices start from $11 for 30 minutes.

Location: 1/20 Ralph Black Dr, North Wollongong

12. Visit Wollongong Harbour & Lighthouse

Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse Wollongong
Soak up some naval history at Wollongong Harbour & Lighthouse.


A stop off at Wollongong Harbour to get up close to Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse is practically a given when exploring things to do in Wollongong.

On a sunny day, you can catch amazing views of neighbouring beaches, and during the summer months, you might be lucky and catch the ice cream van serving up soft serves. 

Location: Endeavour Dr, Wollongong 

Check out more incredible lighthouses in NSW

13. Book Accommodation in Wollongong

Things to do in Wollongong
Accommodation in Wollongong at Novotel.


If a day trip isn't enough, we recommend the Novotel Wollongong. It’s literally footsteps away from the pristine beach, which goes on forever.

You might even get some cockatoos visiting for breakfast on your balcony! Little ones will also enjoy playing in the kids’ corner packed with toys and an X-box. There is also a swimming pool, spa and gym. Book Your Weekender Now.

More Family Holiday Destinations

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Your Family-friendly Guide to the Whitsundays
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Reviews


jean

Oct 03 2018

Fantastic site. Looking for something as a treat for an 11 year old. Don't know which one to use first. Thank you.