Hello! This is the first post of our new series: Be a Tourist in Your Hometown! This is where different travel bloggers and local experts share their hometown pride with us! This series is dedicated to people who want to explore more of their hometown, and also for those who are planning to visit at some point. Today, in honor of Australia Day which was celebrated yesterday, we are discovering the hidden gems of Wollongong, New South Wales Australia. We interviewed A Pal from A Pal’s Corner Blog and she shared some useful tips and things to do on Wollongong.
Useful Tips for Wollongong
LOCATION:
What’s your hometown Wollongong best known for?
Our coastline.
What’s the best time of the year/season to visit Wollongong?
Anytime really but if you prefer the heat come in summer but not in school holidays.
What is your biggest annual holiday or tradition?
Australia Day and Anzac Day.
What is the currency in Wollongong?
Australian Dollar
What’s the best form of travel to get around your hometown?
Wollongong CBD is not very spread out but to really see Wollongong you have to have a car.
Any recommendations for packing essentials?
If you are into swimming you must bring your swimmers but remember to swim between the flags our beaches can be dangerous. Also, bring your walking shoes whether it is for bush walking or strolls along the coastline we have amazing views.
FOOD:
Any hidden gems and/or foodie spots? (Top 3-5)
- The Lagoon, North Wollongong (on the beach) – seafood restaurant.
- Mylan, Wollongong CBD – Asian, Vietnamese.
- Vespa Cucina, Corrimal – best pizza.
- Kurtosh, Wollongong CBD – desert
- Gelato Emporium just before Bulli Pass for the best gelato around.
Mention top three main or traditional dishes/drinks that people must try in Wollongong (including location).
We don’t really have traditional dishes or drinks. The best place to enjoy fish and chips is on the beach or by the beach but watch out for those seagulls (Anywhere is good but near Wollongong Lighthouse is amazing at night). My favourites would be the fish and chips from Balgownie fish shop, pizza from Vespa Cucina and steak roll from Nutrition Super Sandwich in Wollongong CBD.
ACTIVITIES:
List the top 5 things to do in Wollongong.
- Walk the Blue Mile,
- Go to a beach (Austinmer, Towradgi or North Beach are really nice)
- Nan Tien Temple, Berkeley
- Drive along the Grand Pacific Drive from Stanwell Park to at least Kiama,
- Check out the Wonderwalls in the CBD
Any outdoor or nature related activities?
We have plenty of outdoor things in Wollongong, We are in between the mountains and the sea, here are a few: Illawarra Rhododendron Gardens, Botanical Gardens, bush walks in the Escarpment, we have a few waterfalls around, Minnamurra Rainforest, and riding the walking track along the beach. You can sky dive the beach or hang glide off Bald Hill. We also have the Royal National Park just up the road from Bald Hill which has lots of walking tracks and water activities.
Where can someone best have an authentic local experience in Wollongong?
We don’t really have a unique thing in Wollongong but to feel like a local you have to go to at least one beach, a bar and I would go to the Eat Street Markets for a good range of cuisines. Scarborough Pub has awesome view and a good meal.
Mention family-friendly vs. adults-only activities.
Wollongong is very family-friendly I think the only thing that isn’t are the bars/nightclubs but don’t be fooled we have a lot of bowling clubs and RSL clubs that are very family-friendly with most clubs now having playground equipment. But if you want the real bar feel with children around Towradgi Beach Hotel is the place to go.
If you are into sport you should try and check out a basketball game with the Wollongong Hawks, the Hawks are our only national team that we own and it is also the oldest team in the -National Basketball League.
We have a number of movie theatres in Wollongong CBD, Warrawong and Shellharbour. We also have arrange of live music venues and theatres some are Illawarra Builders Club, Humbar and Ipac Theatre.
Jamberoo hosts our only theme park being Jamberoo Action Park which is mainly water but is fantastic
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Describe the nightlife and best places to go in Wollongong. Best Dance clubs to kicking up your heels!
It depends what you like the Harp Hotel is for Karaoke, Illawarra Hotel is good, Mr Crown, but there a bars everywhere in the CBD e.g. Humbar, Dagwood, Adlingtons and Howlin’ Wolf Whisky Bar.
Best shopping spots and places to get souvenirs in Wollongong.
Crown Street Mall is pretty good shopping. We don’t have many souvenir shops but look out for local photography galleries like the Warren Keelan gallery on Keira Street. The mall has a shop called Total Expression that sells postcards and a few other little souvenirs. We do have heaps of shopping centers though. The next best and possibly the biggest in the region in Stockland Shellharbour.
Any travel tips for solo travelers?
Like most places don’t walk alone at night. It is a safe place but you always have to take care and look after yourself first.
Thanks to A Pal from A Pal’s Corner Blog for sharing her hometown pride with us! Are you planning to visit Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia? Or have you been there already? Share your experience with us – Leave a comment below!
I am on my way to NSW in august! I can’t wait to get to Australia and explore! I am a tad nervous about the spiders .. but I think I’ll survive haha
That is nice to hear Arvay! I can’t wait to visit as well. Don’t be nervous and have fun! You will be fine 🙂
Xo,
Olga Maria
Hi Olga.
Love the line – A Tourist in Your Hometown!
And your pix are just so very beautiful.
Did you click ’em on your own?
The food looks delicious.
Thanks for sharing.
Regards.
Hi! Thanks so much 🙂 I thought that it will be perfect line for the series. Most pictures are from the blogger that I interviewed. I have never been to Australia. Every week, I will be interviewing different travel bloggers about their hometown. 🙂
Great info! Even greater photos!
I’m from Wollongong & cant wait to get some gelato from the Emporium and go to the Rhododendron gardens
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much! It is truly an amazing place.
Looks really pretty I’m definately gonna add this to my list when i get around to visiting Australia
Sounds great Jenni! I cannot wait to visit it myself 🙂
I can’t believe that temple is there, it looks like something you would see here in Asia!!
Looking forward to revisiting NSW someday, you sure live in a purdy part of the world 🙂
It does look like Asia! She lives in such a pretty place 🙂
Hey Olga,
Thanks for the interview. You have done a great job.
It was a pleasure interviewing you 🙂 Thank you for the insights. I cannot wait to visit!
Great post! Definitely bookmarking for whenever I get to Wollongong. The Gelato Emporium guy looks very ready to scoop an order for us! Haha
He does Mel. I cannot wait to taste the Gelato from there.
Xo,
Olga
Love this idea of a local person giving all of the info!
Lovely to hear this! 🙂
This is awesome! Oh I can’t wait to go back to Australia…..
Let’s plan a trip soon 🙂
If I am ever in Wollongong you can bet I will be visiting the Gelato Emporium! That looked so tasty!
Sara,
You and me both! My first stop lol
Xo,
Olga
not a bad place to play tourist! love that temple yeeeee <3
xo christina
http://www.currentlyexploring.com
Glad that you like it Christina. I cannot wait to go.
Xo,
Olga
Lovely post! I spent an afternoon driving through Wollongong last year and its true, the coastline is stunning!
Awesome Lisa! Now you can go back and explore more places in Wollongong.
Fantastic concept, provides a lot of authentic information from a Local’s perspective.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I am glad that you love the concept.
I love your Tourist in Hometown idea! 🙂 It gives a real special insight – seeing a place through the eyes of someone who calls it home
Awww I am so glad to hear this 🙂
Aussie for a day! Better yet a nice holiday…whether the beach or the bush I have GOT to make it to Australia. I believe it is one of the greatest accomplishments in life to make it down under! Fabulous article and even better read! I felt like I was right there..
I am glad that you enjoyed the article Delana! That is the mission of this series, to make you feel like you are right there and to inspire you to travel to a new destination. 🙂
If this was my hometown I’d be shouting from the rooftops about it too. The coastline is stunning, and the green areas in the town itself are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Sure Joe! It is a truly beautiful place. 🙂
Couldnt agree more. Stunning!
Thank you!