Wollongong is the third largest city in NSW, so it’s no surprise that there are lots of incredible things to do in the area. Many of the top places to visit are all about the beautiful nature, both in the city and the surrounds. However, if you like your culture, there are some fabulous temples and not one, but two striking lighthouses.
With spectacular beaches, dramatic waterfalls, hiking trails with jaw dropping views, and some of the best wild swimming spots in NSW, you really are spoilt for choice.
Here are all the best things to do in Wollongong that you just can’t miss.
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1. Swim at the bottom of Kellys Falls
2. Hit the beach
3. Try the local beer at Five Barrel Brewery
4. Enjoy the stunning views from the Brokers Nose Trail
5. Walk across the Sea Cliff Bridge
6. Catch a sunset at the old heritage lighthouse
7. Relax at the gorgeous Maddens Falls
8. Be transported to Asia at the Nan Tien Temple
9. Have a picnic at the Illawarra Rhododendron Garden
10. Take in the views from Stanwell Tops
11. Hike up to Sublime Point Lookout
12. Grab a coffee at the cool Timbermill Cafe
13. Relax at Lake Illawarra
14. Wander through the Botanic Gardens
15. Taste the local cider
16. Whale Watch at Flagstaff Point Lighthouse
17. Walk through the stunning rainforest at Macquarie Pass
18. Visit the Illawarra Fly
19. Walk through the rainforest in Minnamurra
The best things to do in Wollongong
1. Take on the adventurous trail to the bottom of Kellys Falls
Kellys Falls is a beauty, but you don’t really get to appreciate it from the top because there aren’t any great viewpoints - you can get a distant partial view but it really deserves more than that! To see the falls in all its glory you need to walk down to the base, where you can take a dip right underneath the waterfall.
There are a few ways of getting down there, although none are signposted, and we recently found a much easier route than the one most people use. It only takes 10 minutes to get down and it’s just 640m return! It isn’t on a maintained path (no path to the base is maintained) and does require one short scramble but it’s not a difficult one.
Once you’re down you can enjoy the uninterrupted views of the falls, and I’d definitely recommend bringing your swimmers!
We have a step by step guide on how to get to the bottom of Kellys Falls here.
2. Hit the beach
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in Wollongong. North Wollongong Beach and City Beach are both great and right in town, but our favourite in the area has to be Stanwell Park Beach.
Stanwell Park Beach is a 30 minute drive from the city, but it’s very close to the Sea Cliff Bridge (five minutes away) if you’re approaching from that direction.
It sits between two picturesque headlands which gives it a lovely secluded feel. It has a more wild vibe than the city beaches, and whilst it’s still popular, it doesn’t get crowded.
There’s also plenty of free parking which is always a massive bonus.
Wollongong Beach
Bulli Beach
Another great option and closer at just a 15 minute drive is Bulli Beach. The long stretch of sand never seems to feel busy and it’s very picturesque.
3. Try the local craft beer at Five Barrel Brewing
Craft beer enthusiasts will be in for a treat because not only is the beer great, but you can get tasting paddles with up to 8 different kinds. There are 12 to choose from and the staff are really friendly and will help you decide what to go for.
I’m not a beer drinker so ordered the cider but they convinced me to try a little of their raspberry sour flavour and it turns out there are a few beers I do actually like!
I would never have ordered that myself so it was really nice that they gave me a free taste with no pressure to order any. Joe loved the Red IPA.
The vibe is also great with good music and both indoor and outdoor seating. Foodwise it’s all burgers which we didn’t try but looked good (food is Thursday to Sunday only).
4. Enjoy a spectacular view without the crowds at the Brokers Nose
The Brokers Nose is one of our favourite hikes in Wollongong and offers the chance to experience views as beautiful as those from Mount Keira Lookout, but without the crowds.
The trail is not signposted and you’d never think it was there if you didn’t know about it ahead of time. It’s a fairly easy 4.6km trail that does have some uphill walking, but it’s never too steep.
Much of the walk is through the shady forest, some of which feels wonderfully jungly and you really wouldn’t imagine you are about to come out at a dramatic view!
You can see various beaches, Wollongong city, the lighthouse, Port Kembla and lots of dense bushland. We got the whole summit to ourselves, despite hiking on a sunny Saturday.
We’ve got all the details including the coordinates for where to start the trail in this post.
5. Walk across the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge
If you’re driving down from Sydney, make sure you take the Grand Pacific Drive to Wollongong. It’s a longer and slower route than the M1, but it is a lot more picturesque and will take you via the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge.
Driving over the bridge is a must, but it’s always over in flash. We’d recommend parking at the southern end and walking over it to take in the stunning views. It’s only 800m long and there’s a dedicated pavement which shields you from the cars driving past.
The walk allows you to get some great photos and to take your time soaking up the views.
If you want to see the bridge from below, there’s a walkway down to the sea wall from the northern end of the bridge. The waves can be huge around here on a choppy day and it was a bit of a spectacle in itself to sit and watch them.
6. Catch a sunset from the old heritage lighthouse
Wollongong has a number of spectacular sunset spots and one of our favourites is from the old heritage lighthouse.
Whilst everyone congregates around the newer Flagstaff Point Lighthouse we head down to the old Breakwater Lighthouse built in 1871. It’s no longer in use and was luckily saved from demolition in the 70’s.
There are plenty of rocks to sit on and watch as the sun slowly sets, illuminating the lighthouse and surrounds. It’s a timeless spot and somewhere that always feels calm and peaceful.
You can park on Endeavour Drive and then walk just one minute over to the rocks, which is our favourite place to perch, as well as a lovely photography spot.
7. Relax at the gorgeous Maddens Falls
Maddens Falls is one of our favourite waterfalls near Wollongong and you can reach it easily on a short 600m (each way) walking trail. The main viewpoint offers a fabulous look at the multi tiered waterfall, which was in full force on our recent visit.
However, we’ve also visited when there was a really low flow and it was still gorgeous (you can see the images with less water in the post linked below).
If you want to see it from another angle you can cross over the top of the waterfall and head down to the next tier. I fell in love with this spot, we got it all to ourselves, and it had such a great feeling about it. I can’t really explain why, but it reminded me of Kakadu.
We’ve got all of our tips for visiting the falls and accessing the various different vantage points in this post.
8. Be transported to Asia at the Nan Tien Temple
When you need a little taste of Southeast Asia without leaving NSW, Nan Tien Temple is the place to head. When you climb up the steps and look out over the rooftops you really do feel like you could be in Bangkok.
It’s the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere and it has both a peaceful and welcoming vibe. We loved it and the way it transported us back to past travels.
If you’ve ever driven through the area and seen a huge pagoda on the hillside this is your chance to go inside and perhaps make a wish when sounding the wishing bell.
You can wander the main temple and the gardens and even stop for a vegetarian meal at the very well regarded cafe.
As with any Buddhist temple anywhere in the world, it’s important to dress respectively, covering knees and shoulders. If you forget a cover up you can purchase sarongs.
General entry to the temple is free of charge, and they often have classes and other events on, so it’s worth checking their website ahead of time to see what’s on when you plan to visit.
9. Have a picnic at the Illawarra Rhododendron Garden
The Illawarra Rhododendron Garden is gorgeous it’s so incredibly peaceful and you can feel yourself start to relax immediately.
There are picturesque ponds full of lillies and waddling ducks, and an array of beautiful plants and trees. It’s backed by the escarpment which gives it a lovely secluded feel even though the garden is actually fairly large.
We haven’t yet seen it in spring when all the Rhododendrons are in bloom, so I can only imagine how spectacular that would be.
It’s the perfect place to bring a picnic blanket and feast. There are plenty of nooks and crannies to find your own little piece of paradise and you’ll often see painters and wedding shoots around which only adds to the happy vibes.
The garden is free of charge but the car park is $5. Alternatively you could find a spot on a nearby residential street. The garden is currently only open Tuesdays, weekends and public holidays.
10. Admire the view at Stanwell Tops
The view from Stanwell Tops is magnificent. It offers sweeping views over the ocean, Stanwell Park Beach and even the Sea Cliff Bridge.
We’ve stopped here so many times and it never loses its wow factor. It’s especially exciting if you’re up there when the hang gliders are taking off!
There is a huge green lawn overlooking the view which makes the perfect place to sit and relax. It’s another lovely picnic spot and if it’s a sunny day you can pick up a treat from the ice cream van too!
Don’t forget to look out for sea eagles as they regularly glide overhead.
11. Work for that view at the Sublime Point Lookout
Yes you can drive right up to Sublime Point Lookout, but where’s the fun in that?! The best way to feel like you’ve really earnt the view is to walk up through the forest along the Sublime Point Track.
It’s a short walk at just 2.7km return, but it’s virtually all uphill. First on wooden steps and then on a series of eight ladders.
The rainforest is gorgeous with lots of Cabbage tree palms and huge ferns, and you’ll get the odd peek out to the ocean which helps you feel like you’re making good headway.
The view from the top is outstanding with beach after beach, rainforest, and of course Wollongong itself. It is a must do, but if you really don’t fancy the walk, it’s well worth driving up to see.
In terms of difficulty it is steep for much of the way, but it’s nice and shady and there are plenty of benches scattered along the track for a break.
12. Fuel up at the cool Timbermill Cafe
The Timbermill Cafe in Bulli is the place to head when you’re looking for a caffeine fix. It’s an outdoor cafe set in the Timbermill Studios and it has a really relaxed, artsy vibe. The tables and chairs are rustic and there are pot plants everywhere, which is always a win in my book!
The coffee and food were really good and the staff are incredibly friendly. It’s also open a bit later than the majority of cafes in Wollongong on a weekend which is why we happily ended up stumbling upon it.
13. Relax at Lake Illawarra
Lake Illawarra is huge at over 9.5km long - you definitely won’t have a problem finding your own secluded spot! There’s everything on offer here from swimming, to boating on the lake, or taking a stroll or cycle along the Lake Illawarra Art Trail.
There are also plenty of green spaces to lay down a picnic blanket or use one of the benches. Personally we love the lake at sunset, it’s so peaceful to sit and watch it from the end of the jetty.
14. Soak up the tranquility of the Wollongong Botanic Garden
The botanic garden is the place to come for some gorgeous greenery that is just five minutes from the city centre. There are lots of different gardens to take in; including jungle, cactus, palm, bush tucker and the rose garden.
Not everything is in bloom year round but there’s always plenty to see, no matter what time of year you come. We loved the cactus garden which had such an amazing collection of different succulents from the Americas and Africa.
You could spend a lot of time wandering the various different displays on offer, or visit many times taking in a few sections at a time.
The gardens are open daily and free of charge. There are several different car parks you can use and we’d recommend parking on the eastern side (just off Madoline Street) for easiest access.
15. Taste the local cider
Darkes Cider is located less than a 30 minute drive from Wollongong and just opposite Maddens Falls. It’s well worth the short drive over to taste some of their award winning cider, or maybe go apple picking in the orchard (seasonal).
Normally you can do a proper cider tasting experience, but currently due to Covid you can buy a few different ciders from the shop and then sit on the hay barrels in the garden overlooking the orchards and conduct your own tasting (normal tastings are expected to resume in the next few months).
Bottles of cider are $6 individually, or you can buy a pack of four different flavours for $22. You can also buy a cheese platter to go with it, or something from the food truck.
We thought the Howler Cider was delicious and ended up taking some home with us. You can also buy a variety of jams, sauces, vinegars and more, as well as non alcoholic cider.
16. Stroll through glorious rainforest on the areas best short walk
The 750m walk (each way) along the Cascades Trail in Macquarie Pass National Park is a delight from the very first step. The rainforest is just breathtaking with an abundance of hanging vines, knotted roots, fig trees and more.
The dense foliage keeps it lovely and shady so it’s perfect for hot days when other trails are more exposed. The easy and well maintained path is flat for the majority of the way as you walk along the crystal clear creek to Cascade Falls.
The waterfall is gorgeous and the water deep enough for a plunge pool experience if you are so inclined. The water is generally very cold but it will definitely make you feel alive!
It takes 30 minutes to get to from Wollongong.
17. Look out for whales from the Flagstaff Point Lighthouse
The Flagstaff Point Lighthouse is a place that everyone visits when they come to Wollongong. You can’t go inside the lighthouse, but it sits on a lovely spot on Flagstaff Hill, and you’ll see many people picnicking beside it on sunny weekends.
However, our favourite thing to do here is to walk just to right of the lighthouse to the viewing area which looks over the ocean. Between May and October (but most sightings are June and July) you can look out for the migrating Humpback whales which pass by this way each year.
The view is expansive and offers a fabulous vantage point to watch for these gentle giants.
18. Get up in the tree tops at the Illawarra Fly
The Illawarra Fly is a little distance from Wollongong at a 50 minute drive but if you can spare the time it is definitely worth it. Walking up amongst the trees on the treetop walkways is a delight for adults and children alike.
As well as incredible views out to the ocean and rolling hills, you can also look down into the rainforest. We spend a lot of time walking in forests looking up, but never normally have the chance to look in from above.
We had the added delight of being serenaded by two lyrebirds on our visit which really added to the atmosphere.
If you’re looking for something a little less sedate you can also fly between the trees on Australia’s highest zipline.
You can save money on your tickets if you book in advance with Experience Oz - they are currently $2.50 cheaper than if you turn up on the day. You can check their availability by clocking on the button below.
If you are wanting something more adventurous, then Experience Oz also offer a discount on the Zip Line package at the Illawarra Fly.
At the time of writing, the standard price is $75 when you turn up on the day, but Experience Oz are offering it for $67.50 when you book in advance. Click below to check their current availability.
We’ve written a detailed (unsponsored) guide to our experience at the Illawarra Fly here.
19. Explore the ancient Minnamurra Rainforest
Just over a half an hour drive from Wollongong you’ll find the incredible Minnamurra Rainforest. It’s an absolutely beautiful patch of pristine rainforest, full of hundreds of different plant species and lots of wildlife too, we saw many lyrebirds.
You can explore the ancient forest on a series of paved walkways, boardwalk and suspension bridges. The short 1.6km Rainforest Loop walk is an easy trail that showcases a lot of the spectacular forest.
If you don’t mind taking on a steep walk you can also visit the gorgeous Minnamurra Falls which is 4.2km return and well worth the climb. Whilst the path is very steep, it’s paved and has plenty of benches for resting along the way.
There is a $12 parking fee for Minnamurra Rainforest unless you have an NSW parks pass.
Where to stay in Wollongong
Southview Guest House
Southview Guest House is a home away from home, located close to Bulli Beach. You can opt for a room or a suite, both look lovely, but the suite has a kitchen which makes it perfect if you don’t want to eat out for every meal.
You can check out the rave reviews on:
The Beach House North
The Beach House, located a couple of kilometres from the city centre, is perfect for families or friends as it has two bedrooms. There’s a full kitchen for self catering and the modern decor is stylish and comfortable. It’s just over the road from the beach.
You can check out the rave reviews on:
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