Wollongong

Travel Guide

A coastal highway with cliffs and ocean waves.
A coastal highway curving along a cliffside, with clear blue waters and rocky terrain.
A coastal highway with a bridge over the ocean, surrounded by cliffs and greenery.
A coastal highway curving along a cliffside, overlooking the ocean.
A coastal highway with a bridge over the ocean, cliffs, and rocky shoreline.

Discover beaches, parks, and local markets while exploring Wollongong's neighborhoods and enjoying outdoor adventures year-round.

Wollongong is an ideal destination for outdoor and beach travelers. You can enjoy attractions such as the WIN Entertainment Centre and Wollongong Golf Club, both popular spots for entertainment and recreation. For things to do, consider visiting WIN Stadium for sports events or exploring Crown Street Mall for shopping. If you are looking for a unique experience, the Wollongong Fish Market offers a variety of fresh seafood. Additionally, nature enthusiasts can take advantage of nearby walking tracks like the West Rim Walking Track and Karloo Walking Track for scenic views and hiking opportunities.

You can also explore Wollongong's diverse neighborhoods. The Wollongong CBD and North Wollongong are known for beach and outdoor experiences, featuring the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre and Wollongong Town Hall in the CBD, while North Wollongong has Fairy Meadow Beach Park and the Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium. Another area of interest is Coniston, which is recognized for family and entertainment experiences, including Milne Avenue Reserve, a space for leisure and community activities.

The best time to visit Wollongong is from December to March when the weather is mild, mostly dry, and often sunny, making it suitable for outdoor activities. Demand for accommodations and attractions tends to be steady throughout the year, but you may find it a bit busier in December to January and September. This timing allows you to experience the city with a comfortable climate while enjoying various events and activities.

Where to stay in Wollongong

Find the best Wollongong areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Wollongong
Learn more about Wollongong
A rugged coastline with rocky terrain and sparse vegetation.

Shellharbour

Shellharbour is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shellharbour South Beach and North Beach.

A coastal town at dusk with a prominent white lighthouse, rocky shoreline, and illuminated buildings.

Wollongong CBD

While visiting Wollongong CBD, you might make a stop by sights like Crown Street Mall and Wollongong Golf Club.

A coastal town with a beach, dense forest, and a mountain in the background.

Thirroul

While visiting Thirroul, you might make a stop by sights like Thirroul Beach and McCauleys Beach.

A coastal landscape with a clear blue sky, a sandy beach, and a wooden boardwalk leading to the water.
Photo by Lauren Abela
Open Photo by Lauren Abela

Shell Cove

Travelers like the golf courses in Shell Cove, and Shellharbour South Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

A beach with a sunset, rocky shoreline, and a row of wooden structures.

Bulli

Bulli is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Bulli Beach and Sandon Point Beach.

Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW
$131 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$144 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Hotel TOTTO Wollongong

Hotel TOTTO Wollongong

4 out of 5
60 Market Street Wollongong NSW
$86 nightly
The price is $95 total per night from Dec 6 to Dec 7
$95 total
Dec 6 - Dec 7
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (674 reviews)
"Cute Hotel, great location. Nothing to fault. Reasonably priced. Updated rooms. Will stay here again."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2026

Hotel TOTTO Wollongong
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road North Wollongong NSW
$153 nightly
The price is $169 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$169 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy a beach locale, 4 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2026

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
See all 447 properties in Wollongong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wollongong Serviced Apartments

Wollongong Serviced Apartments

4 out of 5
54 Kembla Street Wollongong NSW
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
Wollongong Serviced Apartments
Mantra Wollongong

Mantra Wollongong

4.5 out of 5
6-10 Gladstone Ave Wollongong NSW
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and onsite car rentals. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
Mantra Wollongong
Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong

Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong

4.5 out of 5
19 Market Street Wollongong NSW
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,020 reviews)
"Very clean"

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2026

Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong
See all properties in Wollongong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Wollongong attractions

A sunset over a rocky shoreline with waves, a lighthouse, and a distant ship.

North Wollongong Beach

9.2/10 (1,320 reviews)
Enjoy a day of fun with the family at this central beach with a broad sandy strip, rock pools, grassy foreshore areas and plenty of space to relax.
See properties

Things to do

Wollongong’s Wicked Women: Inspiring History Walking Tour

Wollongong’s Wicked Women: Inspiring History Walking Tour

$42
per adult
Wollongong’s Wicked Women: Inspiring History Walking Tour
Jervis Bay Day Trip from Sydney with Beaches and Koalas

Jervis Bay Day Trip from Sydney with Beaches and Koalas

$159
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Jervis Bay Day Trip from Sydney with Beaches and Koalas
Walk the Sea Cliff bridge

Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama Blowhole, Wild Kangaroos & Wombats

$196
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama Blowhole, Wild Kangaroos & Wombats
Shellharbour Aboriginal Experience: Gumaraa Connection to Country

Shellharbour Aboriginal Experience: Gumaraa Connection to Country

$43
per adult
Shellharbour Aboriginal Experience: Gumaraa Connection to Country
Walking to Marley Beach

Sydney Private Tour Inc The Royal National Park and Symbio Zoo

$301
per adult
Sydney Private Tour Inc The Royal National Park and Symbio Zoo
Sydney South Coast Day Tour Wildlife, Kiama Blowhole, Gerringong

Sydney South Coast Day Tour Wildlife, Kiama Blowhole, Gerringong

$118
per adult
Sydney South Coast Day Tour Wildlife, Kiama Blowhole, Gerringong
See all activities in Wollongong

Frequently asked questions

Is Wollongong worth visiting?
Wollongong is worth visiting for its beautiful Wollongong City Beach and the University of Wollongong. Travelers can enjoy diverse dining, with Asian and Italian cuisine available, and explore distinct neighborhoods like Wollongong CBD and Shell Cove.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Wollongong?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Wollongong depend on what you want to see:

  • Wollongong CBD features Wollongong Harbor, WIN Stadium, and Crown Street Mall.
  • Shell Cove offers Links Shell Cove Golf Course, The Farm, and Shellharbour South Beach.
  • Port Kembla is known for Wollongong City Beach, North Beach, and MM Beach.
  • North Wollongong includes Stuart Park, Fairy Meadow Beach Park, and Towradgi Beach.
  • Lake Illawarra has Warilla Beach, Berageree Island, and Reddall Reserve.

What is Wollongong known for?
Wollongong is known for its prominent institutions like the University of Wollongong and the WIN Entertainment Centre. Travelers can enjoy Wollongong City Beach, and the city, with neighborhoods such as Wollongong CBD and Shell Cove, also offers a strong Asian food presence.
What is a good itinerary length for Wollongong?
A good itinerary length for Wollongong is two to three days to explore Wollongong City Beach, the CBD, and the University of Wollongong. An extended stay of four to five days allows time to discover Shell Cove and Port Kembla, plus a South Coast Private Tour, with a customizable Highlands option. See Wollongong Activities.
How do you get around Wollongong?
Wollongong travelers can use the train to get around, with stations like Wollongong Station and Thirroul Station available. For more flexibility, rental cars are an option, with pickups in neighborhoods such as Wollongong CBD, Port Kembla, and North Wollongong. Rideshare services also offer convenient transportation throughout the area.
What are the top things to do in and around Wollongong?
Wollongong offers travelers a mix of coastal relaxation, regional exploration, and sports and entertainment venues:


How do I plan a trip to Wollongong?
Plan your Wollongong trip by searching Expedia for hotels in areas like Wollongong CBD, Shell Cove, or Port Kembla. Book flights, hotels, and activities, such as a South Coast Private Tour, in advance. Explore Wollongong City Beach or the WIN Entertainment Centre. Trains are available for getting around, or rent a car for wider exploration.
What cuisines can you find in Wollongong?
In Wollongong you can find Thai cuisine, with popular dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum. Travelers also have options for other Asian flavors including Chinese, Japanese, and Indian, as well as Italian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern dishes like kebabs. You can also find Australian cuisine.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Wollongong?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Wollongong by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Wollongong with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Wollongong trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Wollongong?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Wollongong can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Wollongong trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Wollongong trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Wollongong trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Wollongong trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Wollongong?
If it's your first trip to Wollongong, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Wollongong hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Wollongong hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Wollongong

The Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and surrounding cityscape.

Sydney

An aerial view of a coastal town with a lighthouse, rocky shoreline, and a marina.

Kiama

A forested area with a small stream, large rocks, and a wooden bridge.

Jamberoo

A forest with a tree decorated with colorful objects.

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