Are you looking for something to do in Wollongong, Australia? There are plenty of things to do in Wollongong, whether you’re passing through the Grand Pacific Drive on your way to Sydney or you want a day trip from there!
Wollongong, a cultural delight near Sydney, is home to two amazing temples as well as a variety of family-friendly activities. There are many photo opportunities in the area, including the famous Sea Cliff Bridge as well as the beautiful Nan Tien Temple.
My experience has shown me that there are some amazing things to do in Wollongong that are worth leaving Sydney for. You’ll be able to plan a fun day in no time.
Start at Bald Hill Lookout in Stanwell Tops
Stanwell Tops, located just past the Royal National Park along the Grand Pacific Drive, should be the first place you visit when exploring the Wollongong region. The views of Sea Cliff Bridge, Stanwell Park Beach, and Stanwell Park are stunning. You’ll also be taking photos for the perfect shot if you are like me!
You must stop by the Figure 8 pool if you are going to The Royal National Park. You will need to read our guide to visiting the Figure 8 pools to ensure you time your visit with the tide.
Sri Venkateswara Temple is a beautiful temple
In the Wollongong region, you can find the Sri Venkateswara temple in Helensburgh. You can enjoy the most delicious authentic South Indian cuisine outside of India. We’ve tasted it ourselves! The temple is beautiful and well worth a visit.
Kelly’s Falls Hike in Sydney
Kelly’s Falls is located opposite Sri Venkateswara Temple if you’re a hiker. The hike to Kelly’s Falls is a beautiful one with some great picnic spots. But make sure to wear your hiking boots and bring your swimming gear. Take your kids along, but be careful, as the trail includes some tricky rock climbing to reach the bottom.
Visit Australian Wildlife At Symbio Wildlife Park
You can get close to kangaroos or other Australian wildlife at Symbio Animal Park. You can cuddle the koalas, feed the kangaroos, and take a photo with local wildlife.
The new splash water park at Symbio Wildlife Park will also keep kids entertained in the summer.
Do a tandem paraglide.
The experience will be unforgettable. You can also paraglide with hangglide Oz, which will take you over Stanwell Tops. View the Royal National Park and coastal city of Wollongong from a new perspective. This is always on the list of best things to see and do in Wollongong, New South Wales. And for good reason!
Helensburgh Tunnel glow-worms
The old Helensburgh railway and tunnel is another great activity in Helensburgh. The glow worms and haunted history are popular. You have to walk a long distance in low light to see them, but it’s worth it.
Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout Hike
Sea Cliff Bridge is New South Wales’ second most photographed bridge. There’s a lookout that offers a unique perspective, even though you can drive and walk across the bridge on Grand Pacific Drive.
You should wear hiking boots instead of thongs if you are taking your children to the track.
View the Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse
Wollongong Head Lighthouse, located on Flagstaff Hill, is one of two lighthouses in the harbor. Wollongong head lighthouse still guides vessels to Port Kembla. Wollongong Harbour is the only harbor in Australia’s east with two lighthouses. The area is full of picnic and grassy areas.
Visit the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere
Wollongong has the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Nan Tien Temple has a beautiful garden to explore and a cafe that serves the best Asian food and tea.
Please cover your shoulders, upper arms, and knees when visiting Nan Tien Temple. If you are looking for cheap day trips from Sydney, Nan Tien Temple in Wollongong is an excellent free activity.
Sublime Point offers breathtaking views
Sublime Point walking trail is one of Wollongong’s most famous treks. The 45-minute steep climb up to the top offers the best views of Wollongong Harbour and the ocean.
Sublime Point Lookout is also accessible by car, just off of the Princes Highway. If you are walking, you can stop at the cafe on top to get some refreshments.
Wollongong Botanic Gardens: A stroll around
Wollongong Botanic Garden has beautiful landscaped gardens where you can spend hours. It’s no surprise that it is always one of the top things to do in Wollongong. It has many paths for exploring exotic and native plants, and also a playground with a maze and climbing net to keep kids entertained.
The Wollongong Botanic Garden hosts guided walks, workshops, and a Sunset Cinema in the summer. Check out the gift store!
The largest blowhole in the world
The Kiama Blowhole is a major attraction in the Wollongong region of New South Wales, attracting nearly 1,000,000 visitors per year. The largest blowhole on the planet is just 30 minutes away.
Kiama has two blowholes, one larger near the Wollongong Head lighthouse and the other, Little Kiama Blowhole, located 2km south on the coastal walk. The blowhole is best experienced when the weather is right. After that, relax on beautiful beaches like Wollongong City Beach or North Beach.
Jamberoo Water Park is Fun
Jamberoo Action Park makes a great day trip for all ages from Sydney in the summer and is always at the top of the list when it comes to the best things you can do in Wollongong.
Jamberoo Action Park, located in the countryside on the Southern Highlands’ outskirts, is a fun day trip for all the family. It is only a 30-minute drive from Wollongong. Bring your swimming gear and prepare to have a blast on the water slides!
Illawarra Fly Tree Walk
You’ll find the award-winning Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures just 35 minutes from Kiama. The Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures is also Australia’s most popular Treetop Walks and Zipline Experience.
If you’re looking for an adventure, ziplining is a great option. But if that stomach-dropping sensation isn’t for you, there is a treetop walkway to take in the view. They also offer sunrise and night tours, so yes, please!