We had the opportunity to live in Wollongong during the summer of 2014-2015. Nestled along the stunning coastline of New South Wales, Wollongong is a seaside gem that offers breathtaking beaches, scenic day trips, and unique cultural experiences. Here’s a detailed guide to our favorite spots, beaches, and adventures during our stay.

When you mention Wollongong to anyone, the first thing they highlight is the beauty of its beaches—and they’re absolutely right! The long stretch of coastline offers soft sand, turquoise waters, and scenic views that are unforgettable. Summers here can be humid, and the occasional thunderstorm adds a dramatic touch to the skies.

Living here made us explore more than just the obvious. Grocery shopping became an adventure in itself. While Woolworths and Coles are staples, locals introduced us to Leisure Coast Fruit & Deli in Fairy Meadow for fresh fruit, vegetables, and meats—offering great quality at some of the best prices.

Scenic Adventures from North to South

Northern Gems

• Bald Hill & Sea Cliff Bridge – Known for iconic coastal views. Watch hang gliders take off from Bald Hill and drive along the Sea Cliff Bridge.
• Coalcliff Beach – A serene, picturesque beach just (north) before the Sea Cliff Bridge.
• Sri Venkateswara Temple – A peaceful cultural site north of Bald Hill.

Wollongong Beaches

• Austinmer Beach – A favorite for its relaxed vibe.
• Fairy Meadow Beach – Perfect for wide ocean views.
• North Beach – Home to ocean pools near the lighthouses.

Enjoy panoramic views from Flagstaff Hill and take in the city’s natural surroundings.

Inland Views

• Mount Keira Lookout – Stunning views of the Illawarra region.
• Nan Tien Temple – A tranquil and spiritual destination.

Southern Treasures

• Port Kembla Beach – Famous for its soft, squeaky sand that makes walking barefoot a joy. We LOVED this bear! Softest sand and so squeaky!
• Port Kembla Lookout (Hill 60) – Ideal for watching the coastline stretch endlessly.

Shellharbour and Kiama

• Shellharbour – We couldn’t resist fresh fish and chips at Salvatore’s Fish Café.
• Bass Point – A haven for snorkeling with more fish than we saw in Jervis Bay.
• Killalea State Park (The Farm) – A scenic beach escape.
• Cathedral Rocks, Kiama – Striking coastal formations.
• Kiama Lighthouse & Blowhole – A must-visit; the blowhole is unpredictable, but thrilling when active. (One day we went the blowhole wasn’t spraying water and another day it was). Kiama is outside of Wollongong, but in Illawarra… so not too far from Wollongong.
• Saddleback Mountain Lookout – A steep drive, but the lush green valley views are worth it.

Waterfalls and Valleys

• Carrington Falls – A beautiful hiking spot with dual lookouts, especially atmospheric on a rainy, foggy day. It had two lookout points.
• Fitzroy Falls – Features multiple lookout points connected by scenic trails. We drove through here on our way back to Wollongong from Jervis Bay.
• Kangaroo Valley – Lush drives and charming scenery near Fitzroy Falls.  

The curvy roads around Fitzroy Falls make for an adventurous drive. We drove through here on our way back to Wollongong from Jervis Bay.

South Coast Adventures

• Seven Mile Beach – A breezy coastal stop on the way to Jervis Bay. The day we went was windy so we didn’t stay long. 
• Jervis Bay – Famous for pristine, soft white sands and clear waters.
  • Huskisson Beach – A lovely lunch and beach spot. We had fish and chips.
  • Hyams Beach – Renowned for its powdery, squeaky white sand. We came back multiple times despite occasional shark sightings. We went snorkeling here… didn’t see many fish. There were a few fish and a shell. One day we went there were shark sightings (3) and everyone was out of the water. We LOVED this beach, soft-squeaky sand!

Local Events

We rang in New Year’s Eve in Wollongong with a 9 PM fireworks show by the smaller lighthouse (there’s also a midnight show). A magical way to celebrate by the sea!

Day Trip Destinations

One of the best parts of staying in Wollongong is its prime location for day trips:

• Sydney – Just north, perfect for a vibrant city day trip.
• Blue Mountains & Jenolan Caves – A nature lover’s paradise outside of Sydney.
• Canberra – A scenic drive south to Australia’s capital city.

From coastal drives to hidden waterfalls, Wollongong and its surroundings offer a mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether it’s the squeaky sands of Port Kembla, the quiet serenity of Nan Tien Temple, or the thrill of watching the blowhole in Kiama, our summer here was unforgettable.