Things to Do in Wollongong for People Who Like Fun and Sun

Are you one of those people with a little daredevil inside who whispers, “but what if I jumped?” every time you're standing at a great height?

Well, wild, and wonderful Wollongong may just be the place for you. Don't worry, we promise they'll strap you to a professional first.

This beachy escape an hour and half's drive south of Sydney isn't just for adrenaline junkies though. 'The Gong' delivers big on classic Aussie beaches, five-star bites, and gorgeous views for people not quite ready to freefall from 15,000 feet, too.

These are the places to visit in Wollongong, Australia's most underrated city.

From Windang in the south to Stanwell Park in the north, Wollongong's 17 patrolled beaches set the postcard standard for Australian beaches, with long stretches of golden sand, perfectly peeling waves, and lifeguard stations keeping watch.

Thirroul Beach serves up reliable breaks and is the perfect place for first timers to learn to surf. Locally owned and operated by pro surfer, Nic Squiers, Illawarra's Surf Academy will get you up on a board by the end of your first lesson.

Top of the list of things to do in Wollongong for families, North Wollongong Beach is great for the littlies, with calm waves, bathrooms, and several nearby playgrounds. The Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track delivers 15-kilometres of gorgeous coastline, ocean pools and great cafes and pubs to refuel. The track has almost zero incline so it's easily done with a pram.

Pro tip: Anyone looking to take things up a peg, the Sublime Point Walking Track is steep, sweaty, and has ocean views so good you almost forget your thighs are turning to jelly.

Address: Sublime Point Walking Track, 661 Princes Hwy, Maddens Plains NSW 2508

In 1894 Wollongong local Lawrence Hargrave not only invented the box kite but strapped himself into one at Stanwell Park Beach and flew, influencing everyone from the Wright Brothers to every hang glider and paraglider design that came after him. Today local companies Sky Surf, HangglideOz, and Adventure Plus Paragliding uphold the proud tradition with tandem glides over the region's glittering coastline.

The Gong's tandem skydiving has also become a bit of a rite of passage, drawing in thrill-seekers from all over the world. At 15,000 feet it's the highest altitude skydive you can do in Australia, and takes divers over the dramatic Illawarra escarpment to land by the beach. You'll also get a bird's eye view of the famous Sea Cliff Bridge, which curves dramatically over the ocean.

Pro tip: For those with a fear of heights or just a healthy attachment to personal safety, you can also visit the iconic bridge by foot. There's a great walking lane the length of the bridge and it's an excellent place to spy migrating Humpback and Southern Right whales heading from north to south during migrating season.

Address: Coalcliff train station, Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coalcliff

Before you start to think the city is all brawn and beaches, Wollongong is also home to one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Southern Hemisphere. At Nan Tien Temple , find tranquil gardens full of traditional structures and ornate statues, and sign up for one of the daily meditation workshops.

The temple's adorably named Dew Drop Inn tea house serves vegetarian feasts at lunchtime, they just ask that you respect their dress code - no shorts, singlets, leggings or thongs.

The Wollongong Art Gallery is another serenity spot, expertly curated with art from Australia and Asia Pacific, and a strong representation of traditional Aboriginal and local pieces. Or for some nature-based artists, the Illawarra Rhododendron Gardens on Mount Pleasant are a technicolour dream all through spring, with a riot of pink and purple bushes firing off.

Pro tip: Skip the crowds and find your zen at Kelly's Falls in Stanwell Tops. This spot features waterfalls, walking trails, and enough lush greenery to make you forget about the Wi-Fi signal that you absolutely cannot get a hold of.

Address: Kellys Falls Track, Stanwell Tops NSW 2508

Because things to do in Wollongong at night mostly revolve around food and drink, the city has become exceptionally good at it. For sunset beers you're obliged to head to the famous Scarborough Hotel, with its sweeping ocean views that remind you that Australia really is just a big island. They have a great selection of local beers on tap and the food is unfussy, with a sizable kid's menu.

On the other end of the dining spectrum, and proving Melbourne doesn't have the only five-star lanes in the country, Restaurant Santino serves up serious modern-Italian fare in a classic, buzzy Roman trattoria fitout. Feast on fresh pasta made daily, gorgeous local seafood, and wines from around the world.

Wollongong's bar scene is as diverse as its coastline. At Howlin' Wolf Whiskey Bar, where the blues set the mood and the whiskey warms the soul. For a more upbeat energy, Mr. Crown is the go-to for cocktails and dancing. Don't be surprised if you end up chatting deep into the night with a friendly local about the "best beach you've never heard of".

For a recovery brunch the next day, or just a beautiful breakfast for the more sensitive, Lee & Me on Crown Street has a huge menu that includes delicious complex carbohydrates like housemade waffles and fresh bagels.

Pro tip: Pepe's on the Beach delivers Cali-Mex inspired dishes that pair perfectly with salty breezes and a spicy margarita.

Address: Pepe's on the Beach, 2-14 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong NSW 2500

Again, beaches aren't all the Gong's got going. UOW Science Space is an awesome, interactive museum at the University of Wollongong. With hands-on exhibits, live science shows, and a planetarium that'll make you feel small in the best way, it's at least three solid hours of fun and learning.

For some totally screen-free time, Symbio Wildlife Park is just a short drive north and gets them up close with koalas, kangaroos, and other Aussie icons at interactive feeding sessions. To get them out for a leg-stretch, Wollongong is also home to the only twin lighthouses on Australia's east coast: the historic Breakwater Lighthouse and the iconic Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse. Both are excellent spots for whale watching during migration season.

For family-friendly accommodation, Mantra Wollongong is super central, decked out with everything you need and just five minutes walk from the main train station.

Pro tip: If waking up to the sound of waves and lounging by the pool is more your speed, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach has beachfront and ocean views that make it hard to leave the balcony.

Address: Novotel Wollongong, 2/14 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong NSW 2500

While Wollongong might not hand you a parachute the moment you arrive, it does promise a soft landing, whether you're freefalling from the clear blue sky or just sinking into a sun-drenched afternoon on the sand.