Should You Visit Wollongong?

Is Wollongong worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this coastal city for two to four days because of the many great activities. Wollongong has grown into a hip city with nice beaches and nearby nature. There are rainforests, coastal views, and many hiking trails in the area. The city also has an emerging food and nightlife scene.

Wollongong

Reasons to Visit Wollongong

Museums
There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

Food
In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

Nightlife
The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

Beaches
There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Hiking
The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Shopping
The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Authenticity
Wollongong has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.

Is Wollongong worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Wollongong, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (74°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (85°F).

Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable coastal city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, take a hike, and browse through museums. Also, you can experience the big city activities and the nightlife.

Is Wollongong worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Wollongong. Even though Wollongong is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the hiking.

Is Wollongong worth visiting in the Winter?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 10°C (50°F).

The low season for travel in Wollongong is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.

You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and dance the night away. Also, you can check out the big city activities.

Is Wollongong worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Wollongong. Even though Wollongong is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 17°C (63°F).

You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and enjoy the evening activities.

Related

What is Wollongong most famous for?

Wollongong is most famous for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. People visit this impressive coastal city for its great museums, food, nightlife, and beaches. Also, it's known for hiking and shopping. It is often described as trendy, vibrant, and student-friendly.

What is the most famous sight in Wollongong?

The most popular sight in Wollongong is Grand Pacific Drive. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Wollongong on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Grand Pacific Drive and other attractions here.

How touristy is Wollongong? Is it a popular coastal city to visit?

Wollongong is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

How long should I spend in Wollongong?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Wollongong is two to four days. Since Wollongong has activities such as beaches, museums, dining, and nightlife, many visit for up to four days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Wollongong?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Wollongong?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Wollongong?.