Wollongong, Illawarra

Wollongong is a large city, the third largest in terms of size, in the state of New South Wales. It is located in the Illawarra region, south of Sydney. The place-name was said to be an Aboriginal word for `sound of the sea,' alluding to its location in the eastern coast.

The sea provides some of the best attractions of Wollongong, with its numerous beaches that are perfect holiday destinations. All the way down to the town of Kiama, this area is blessed with beautiful scenic seaside retreats, some of them quite crowded and some secluded enough. The North Wollongong beach, in particular, is where the luxurious Northbeach International hotel is located. It is also adjacent to the Stuart Park, a popular destination for families wishing to go on picnics. The beaches of the city are ideal setting for surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Boats can also be chartered for avid fishermen to try their luck in the open sea. Scuba diving can also be arranged with dive centers in the harbor.

Fishing is also a popular activity in Lake Illawara, though there are certain areas reserved for water sports such as water skiing and wind surfing. Prawns are also harvested in season from the lake.

Around the city are several walking trails leading to lookouts that afford visitors spectacular views of the coastal plains and mountains to the west. Examples of these lookouts include the Bulli Lookout in Hopetoun Park, the Sublime Point, the Robertsons Lookout, and the Kembla Lookout.

Within the city limits, there's the Wollongong Botanic Gardens, along Murphys Avenue, that are filled with different kinds of trees and bushes, with added features of a pond and a rose garden. Adjacent to the Wollongong University, these gardens are ideal for picnics and leisurely strolls under shady foliage.

Visitors to Wollongong shouldn't leave the city without visiting its most famous landmark, the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple, accessed through Berkeley Road. Considered the largest in the southern hemisphere, this complex is composed of rose gardens, pagoda, shrines, a dining hall, and on-site accommodations.

The city is also steeped with history, manifested in its several old buildings and structures. Examples of which is the cast-iron lighthouse in the Wollongong Harbor, constructed in 1872. A newer version, atop Flagstaff Hill, was constructed in 1936.

On Corrimal Street is the Illawarra Museum, housed inside a building that used to be a telegraph office in the late 19th century. Along Market Street is the Court House, constructed in 1886 and added with a turret clock in 1890. An older structure, the Congregational Church, is located in the corner of Kembla Street and was built in 1857.

Leisure of the more urban kind can be had at the WIN Sports and Entertainment Centres, on the corner of Crown and Harbour Streets. This is a favorite venue for exhibits, concerts, dinners, and other social events. Children in the area also frequent the Zoom Play & Party Zone, an indoor playground located on Keira Street.

Golfing enthusiasts can make use of the facilities at the Wollongong Gulf Club, along Corrimal Street, while art lovers and collectors should head out to the Wollongong City Gallery. Situated on the corner of Kembla and Burelli Streets, this gallery features local and foreign contemporary art pieces.

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