Illawarra Guides Attractions Events in New South Wales

Discover the rich history of the Albion Park Township. See the relics left behind by the pioneers, and the foundations of the future. The heritage trail starts at the Tongarra Museum in Russell Street Albion Park, where you can pick up a brochure before you begin your journey of the past.

Today Albion Park is an expanding area which holds an appreciation for its historical roots. During November enjoy the launch of the Albion Park Spring Festival and Ball.

Austinmer is a residential and parkland area, thought to be named after Henry Austin, a Director of the Board of the Illawarra Mining Company. It was previously known as Sidmouth, North Bulli and Austermere.

Austinmer is bounded by Lady Fuller Park, Wards Creek, the railway line and the locality of Coledale in the north, the Tasman Sea in the east, the locality of Thirroul in the south and the Illawarra Coast Range in the west.

Major features of the area include Lady Fuller Park, Austinmer Beach, Austinmer Boat Harbour, Austinmer Beach Park and Glastonbury Gardens.

Balgownie is a residential area, with undeveloped areas in the west. Balgownie was named after an original property in the area, which was named after a town in Scotland.

Major features of the area include the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area and Balgownie Heritage School Museum.

Founded in 1989, the Balgownie heritage School Museum aims to preserve the history of the Illawarra through the conservation of artifacts, documents, and photographs of the local area.

Berkeley is an established residential area, with a small commercial area. Berkeley is named after an original property in the area, which was named after Berkeley Castle in the country of Gloucestershire, England.

Major features of the area include the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Wollongong was chosen as the site for the Temple because of the ideal location of Mt Keira and Mt Kembla in relation to the site.

Nan Tien Temple is a Buddhist temple complex located in the industrial suburb of Berkeley, on the southern outskirts of the Australian city of Wollongong.

The name 'Wollongong' also has significance in the way that it is a tribute to a Chinese man of great intelligence named Wollongong. The translation of Nan Tien is Paradise of the Southern Hemisphere.

Set in green rolling hills, Broughton Village is located approximately 20 minutes south of Kiama on the Princes Highway on the border of the Shoalhaven and
Kiama area on the south coast of New South Wales.

Bulli is a residential area, thought to be named from the Aboriginal word Bulla or Bulla Bulla meaning two mountains or white grubs. It was previously known as Bull Eye and Bowmans.

Major Features or of the area include the Illawarra Escarpment Conservation Area, Bulli Lookout Scenic Reserve, Sublime Point, Sandon Point Beach, Bulli Beach, Bulli Showground and Racing Complex now holding major events such as the Annual Illawarra Folk Festival.

Bulli Tops is an undeveloped area in the north west area of Bulli.

Bulli Tops is bounded by the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, Bulli Pass Scenic Reserve and access to Bulli Tops is via Princes Highway.

Bulli Tops features the Bulli lookout which has certain facilities such as, picnic tables/facilities, flush toilets, drinking water, cafe/kiosk and lookout viewing point. Major features of Bulli Tops include Bull Pass Scenic Reserve Lookout, Lady Fuller Park and Bulli's lower Escarpment Management Trail for bush walking.

Calderwood is nestled at the foot of the Illawarra Escarpment this area boasts some beautiful views. The location of Calderwood Valley Golf Course which is an 18 hole Par 70 golf course and a high quality course open to public 7 days. Set in a picturesque rural valley, with the escarpment as a backdrop. The golf course is an ideal setting for The Golfers Guesthouse accommodation.

Clifton is a rural and residential area mainly along the coast. Clifton is bounded by locality of Coalcliff in the north, Tasman Sea in the east, the locality of Austinmer, the railway line, Wards Creek and Lady Fuller Park in the south and the Illawarra Coast Range in the west.

Growth took place in the 1880's, spurred by the establishment of coal mining, with villages established around the coal mines.

Major features include Moronga Park, Rube Hargrave Park and Clifton School of Arts.

Along with nearby Coalcliff, the village began life as a coal-mining centre. It is situated on a narrow area between the sea and the Illawarra escarpment. It is served by Clifton railway station on the electrified South Coast Line.

Coalcliff is a rural and residential area, and is known to be one of the first sightings on the east coast coal seam located underneath the Sea Cliff Bridge.

Coalcliff originated in 1797 when survivors of a wreck set out to find Sydney and found coal here which they used to make a fire for warmth. George Bass was sent by Governor Hunter to investigate and found several seams that extended for some distance. The Illawarra coal seams had been observed at Coalcliff as early as 1797.

Major Features of the area are Coalcliff Beach, Coalcliff Coke Works, Sea Cliff Bridge and Coalcliff Rock Baths.

Together with Stanwell Park it belongs to the Little Bulli indentation of the northern Illawarra coast strip.

Coniston is a predominantly residential area; Mount Saint Thomas is thought to be named after the maiden name of the wife of Captain Charles Waldron.

Mount Saint Thomas is bounded by The Avenue, the WIN TV Station and Radio Station 200, Iris Avenue, the suburb of Mangerton, Gregory Street, McKenzie Avenue and Union Street in the north, Auburn Street, Miller Street and Tate Street in the east, Springhill Road and Gladstone Avenue in the south and the Southern Freeway in the west.

Significant development occurred during the post-war years, aided by immigration. The population has been relatively stable since the early 1990's, a result of some new dwellings being added, but a decline in the average number of persons living in each dwelling.

Major features of the area include WIN TV Station and Radio Station i98FM, Coniston Community Centre and one school.

Corrimal was officially recorded as a place in 1839 when a grant of 50 acres was made to Hugh Kennedy and described as being "at Corrimal". A point on the range nearby was known as Mount Corrimal after the aboriginal warrior Kurimul" kori-mul).

Corrimal is named from an Aboriginal word “Kurumul”, meaning “a dreamtime warrior”. It was previously known as Bellambi and Pallamba.

Major features of the area include the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, Corrimal Court Shopping Centre, Corrimal Pool, Corrimal Memorial Park, Mountbatten Park, Robert Ziems Oval and one school.

Dapto is a developing residential area, Dapto is thought to be named from Aboriginal word meaning "water plenty" or "tap toe", used to describe the way a lame Aboriginal elder Walked.

The village of Dapto was once a mining, timber cutting and farming community, and today is a large town with many shops, schools and beautiful parks.

Significant development did not occur until the post-war years. The population has declined slightly since the early 1990s, a result of some new dwellings being added, but a decline in the average number of persons living in each dwelling. Growth is expected in the future due to the West Dapto project.

Major features include Dapto Greyhound Racing Club, Dapto Mall and Parkside Plaza, Dapto Markets every first Sunday of the month located at the showground.

Darkes Forest Land was used mainly for farming, grazing and shale mining. Growth was minimal until the 1880's and 1890's. Coal Mining was established in 1911, with townships growing up around the coal mines.

Major features of the area include Boomerang Public Golf Course, Illawarra Golf Course and Darkes Forest Riding Ranch.

At the northern end a large car park backs the surf club, while a road runs the length of the beach past Bulli Park to the residential area in the south. Good access via walkways is provided the length of the beach.

Easts Beach is only 120 kilometres south of Sydney and located five minutes south of Kiama township. A large, quiet, unpatrolled beach generally
protected from heavy seas by two headlands. Accessed by a short walk off Marsden Street this a lovely beach for children with low, long sets of small
waves and a small lagoon running into the beach.

Fairy Meadow is an established residential, institutional and parkland area. Fairy Meadow was named to describe the area, with grassed open meadow and stream of fresh water, noted for its "fairy-like" beauty. It was previously known as Para Meadow and Ferrah Meadow.

The population was relatively stable during the 1990s, and then increased slightly between 2001 and 2006, a result of new dwellings being added to the area.

Major features of the area include University of Wollongong, (innovation Campus), Science Centre Planetarium, Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort, North Dalton Park, Fairy Meadow Beach and Thomas Dalton Park.

Named after the many foxes that used to call this flat rural area home, Foxground is located at the base of Saddleback Mountain. Viewable from the Saddleback Mountain Lookout, Foxground is the eastern border to the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve.

The village of Gerringong is located just 10 minutes south of Kiama. Surrounded by lush farmlands, mountains, the pristine Pacific Ocean and Seven Mile Beach National Park, Gerringong has a wealth of activities to offer the visitor. Scenic Drive Number Three should not be missed while visiting.

The village of Gerroa is located just 10 minutes south of Kiama and is surrounded by farmlands, mountains and the pristine Pacific Ocean. South of Gerroa
stretches the magnificent Seven Mile Beach. This spectacular beach is protected within its own National Park and is backed by beautiful stands of grand
forests and other native vegetation.

Spend a day visiting the wildlife refuge, a special habitat for kangaroos, emus, wombats and colourful parrots plus many more of Australia's fantastic native
flora and fauna, or spend the day on the water swimming at Gerroa Beach or hire canoes and paddle your way up Crooked River.

Gwynneville is an established residential area, located west of Wollongong city, and is thought to be named after John Gwynne, an early land holder in the area.

Gwynneville is bounded by Northfields Avenue and the Southern Freeway in the north, University Avenue, Porter Street, Hay Street and the railway line in the east, the suburbs of Wollongong and West Wollongong in the south and the Southern Freeway, Gipps Road, Braeside Avenue, Murphys Avenue and the Wollongong Botanic Gardens in the west.

Major features of the area include Beaton Park Leisure Centre, Beaton Park and Wollongong Conservatorium of Music.

Helensburgh is a rural and residential area, is thought to be named after the town Scotland or after Helen Harper, the daughter of the Cumberland Coal Miner's Manager.

It was previously known as Camp Creek. Population was minimal until 1880's spurred by the establishment of coal mining and the construction of the railway line.

The most significant development occurred during the post-war years, with growth from the late 1950s through to the early 1990s. The population has been relatively stable since the mid 1990s, a result of some new dwellings being added, but a decline in the average number of persons living in each dwelling.

Major features of the area include Royal National Park, Garawarra State Conservation Area, Tall Gums Environment Farm, Sri Venkateswara Hindu Temple, Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh Hall, The George Wheen Conference Centre and Uniting Church Camp, Just Cruisin’ Motor Cycle Tours and Ultimate Skirmish Paint Ball Centre.

The Illawarra is a key region of Australia, contributing considerable resources to the national economy. Sub-regions: Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee.

The Illawarra region is a leading grain and coal exporter, home to the largest integrated steel plant in the southern hemisphere, a national centre for metal fabrication and engineering and has emerged as a centre of excellence in advanced technology research and development.

The region also possesses extensive livestock, wood and maritime enterprises, an internationally recognised university, substantial tourism capacity, a population of more than 400,000 and a labour force in excess of 170,000 people.

This wealth of resources is perfectly complimented by the region’s stunning physical beauty, making it an ideal place to combine outstanding business success with a great lifestyle. The natural attractions of the region are well supplemented by high standard tourism services and facilities. The region provides a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and conference facilities.

The climate is warm and humid with moderate to high rainfall. Daily temperature ranges are between 11.9 and 22.5 degrees Celsius. Most inland areas display more mild annual temperature ranges of between 9.3 and 18.8 degrees Celsius.

Jamberoo is a delightful little village full of history and is a quiet sanctuary close to natural splendours. Jamberoo is surrounded by emerald green pastures
and set against the forested cliffs of the escarpment. Minnamurra Rainforest and Barren Grounds Bird Observatory and Nature Reserve, two of the State's
natural treasures, are both close to Jamberoo. To the west is Budderoo National Park, another wild jewel and the town is also within easy reach of the surf
beaches around Kiama.

Kembla Grange is a rural, residential and industrial area, with residential area located mainly in the east. Kembla Grange is named after Mount Kembla, which is thought to be named from an Aboriginal word meaning "wild game abundant" or "plenty of game".

Kembla Grange is located approximately 12.5 kilometres from Wollongong. The eastern boundary of Kembla Grange lies along the Southern Freeway which separates the suburb from Berkeley and which extends as far north as Northcliffe Drive.

Major features of the area include Kembla Grange Racecourse, Galloping Golf Driving Range, The Grange Golf Course, Wollongong Lawn Cemetery, AGA Germania Club, Wollongong Resource Recovery Park, Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, The Australian Motorlife Museum and Wollongong City Raceway.

The name Kiama is from the aboriginal word Kiaram-a, to which some sources give the meaning 'where the sea makes a noise'- a reference to the famous Kiama Blowhole. he first recorded reference to the district was by George Bass who anchored his 28 foot whaleboat in the sheltered bay (now known as
Kiama Harbour) in December 1797.

Cedar getters were the first to the area, among those was David Smith, who became the first permanent white settler when he built a residence in Kiama in
1832. The site of Kiama Township was reserved by the Government in 1826 and proclaimed in 1836. Kiama was proclaimed a Municipality in 1859.
In the 1870's the dairying industry was supplemented by basalt (blue metal) quarrying, now one of the district's major income earners alongside tourism.
Many of the historical buildings can be viewed and a heritage walks leaflet is available at the Kiama Visitors Centre on Blowhole Point.

Just north of Kiama, Kiama Downs is linked by cycle ways and foot paths to Bombo Beach in the south, and Minamurra River in the north.

Jones’s Beach is another popular surfing beach located in Kiama Downs with a north-easterly aspect just five minutes north of the Kiama township. It is patrolled by the local Surf Lifesaving Club. Enjoy views of spectacular Cathedral Rocks from the southern point of the beach.

Kiama Heights is a small residential community south of Kiama. With views of Marsden Head, Kiama Heights is in walking distance to Easts Beach.

Lake Illawarra is a large tidal, salt water lake with a surface area of 35sq km and a 37km shoreline. The Lake is shallow although over 70 per cent of the lake is navigable. Home to flocks of majestic black swans, pelicans, the royal spoonbill and a host of other water birds. The Lake is also a good prawning ground.

One of the best family outing locations is Reddall Reserve, offering plenty of picnic and bbq facilities, which make it an ideal and safe playground for the families.

On the shores of Lake Illawarra is the Illawarra Yacht Club, host to the National Sailing Titles and the Windsurfer Class World Championship.

Day visits are very popular, people coming for the scenery, the surfing, for barbecues and picnics at nearby Minnamurra River Reserve access off Charles Avenue.

‘Mystics’ is a favourite beach with the locals, and is a very popular surfing spot just off the Minnamurra River estuary part of the 250 hectares of pristine coastal reserve sited on 8 kilometres of coastline with one of the best surf beaches on the South Coast of New South Wales. This natural setting features small areas of vegetation with a view out to stunning Stack Island.

Mount Keira is residential, institutional and parkland area, Mount Keira is named from an Aboriginal word meaning "large lagoon" or "high mountain".

Mount Keira forms part of the Illawarra escarpment which it joins by a high saddle on the back (western) side. It is capped by a westward sloping plateau of relatively hard sandstone ringed on the remaining three sides by cliffs. From the cliff base the mountain slopes down to the surrounding foothills and coastal plain. From Wollongong the mountain looks rather flat topped; while from the north it appears part of the escarpment.

Major features of the area include the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, the University of Wollongong, University of Wollongong Recreation and Aquatic Centre, Rhododendron Park, Mount Keira, Mount Keira Summit Park, Illawarra District Scouts Camp, Byarong Park, Keira Village Park and Wollongong Botanic Gardens.

Mount Kembla is a developing residential area. Kembla is named from an Aboriginal word meaning "wild game abundant" or "plenty of game".

Kerosene mining was established in the 1860's, operating until 1880. Growth took place in the 1880's, aided by the establishment of coal mining and the construction of the railway line.

The Mt Kembla Mining Heritage Festival has become one of the Illawarra's premier community events in recent years, attracting thousands of local and interstate visitors.

Major features of the area include the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, Mount Kembla Mine Picnic Area, the Illawarra Range, Mount Kembla Park and Mount Kembla Mining Heritage Inc.

North Wollongong is an established residential and industrial area, Growth taking place in the 1920's, spurred by tourism. The most significant development occurred during the post-war years. In recent years many medium and high density dwellings have been built.

The population has been relatively stable since the early 1990's a result of some new dwellings being added, but a decline in the number of occupied dwellings.

Major features of the area include TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute (Wollongong Campus), North Wollongong Beach, Stuart Park. Police and Community Youth Club, RSPCA Centre, and Sky Dive the Beach.

Otford is a rural and residential area. Otford is thought to be named after a village in West Kent, England. It was previously known as Bulgo.

Otford is bounded by the Sutherland Shire in the north, railway line, the locality of the Lilyvale and the Tasman Sea in the east, the locality of Stanwell Tops and Kelly's Creek in the south.

Otford is located approximately 37 kilometres north of Wollongong and 58 kilometres south of Sydney. Otford is a small town situated in the Hacking River Valley, adjacent to the river and the main southern railway line. Otford is separated from the coast by the eastern ridge of the Hacking River Valley.

Major features of the area include Royal National Park, Garawarra State Conservation Area, Tall Gums Environmental Farm, Colliery Dam, and Reserve for Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna, Otford Park, Otford Farm Trail Rides and Otford Apple Pie Shop.

Port Kembla - Spring Hill is an established industrial and residential area, with residential areas located mainly in the south-east.

The residential and industrial areas are situated on 2200 acres of land granted to David Allen in 1817. The land was called "Illawarra Farm". In 1883 a port was opened to ship coal brought from the mine at Mt Kembla. Because of its association with the jetty serving the Mount Kembla mine, the area previously called Red Point became known as Port Kembla.

Port Kembla is located approximately 10.5 kilometres south of central Wollongong. It is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean.

Major features include Port Kembla Steel Works (Blue Scope Steel), Prot Kembla Harbour, Fishermans Beach, BHP Centenary, Australia's Industry World Tours, Coomaditchy Lagoon, Coomaditchy Lagoon Reserve, Harry Morton Park, Hill 60 Park, Port Kembla Heritage Park, King George V Park, Military Reserve and Breakwater Battery Museum.

Scarborough is a rural and residential area; Scarborough is thought to be named after the seaside resort in Yorkshire, England or after one of the convict transport vessels in the First Fleet.

Settlement of the area dates from the early 1800s. Growth took place in the 1880s, spurred by the establishment of coal mining, with villages established around the coal mines.

Scarborough was originally known as South Clifton. A hotel opened in the area in 1887 and was named Scarborough Hotel. The South Clifton railway station was renamed Scarborough in October 1903 and the use of the name South Clifton was discontinued.

Major features of the area include Scarborough Beach, Scarborough Public School of Art and Crafts and Scarborough Hotel.

Shellharbour on the New South Wales South Coast is the place for lovers of water sports. Whatever it is you care to do in blue water there's a spot here
for it, be it surfing, fishing or boating. Shellharbour is one of the most thriving towns on the South Coast as a result, where people flock to indulge the
senses and let loose for a while on a coastal holiday.

The Shellharbour City area is the heart of the Illawarra holiday playground and covers an area of 154 square kilometres offering clean long sandy beaches, rural tranquillity, great night life, modern shopping and all the recreational facilities you'll need.

Located just over an hour's drive from the Southern Sydney suburbs and within a three hour drive from Canberra and Newcastle, Shellharbour City is a haven of leisure and pleasure bounded by the Illawarra Escarpment, Minnamurra River, Lake Illawarra and the Tasman Sea.

Shellharbour's main features include its pretty harbour, Killalea State Recreation Area, Bass Point with its beautiful Bush Rangers Bay, Lake Illawarra, Macquarie Pass National Park. Cycleways and beaches also contribute to a destination that is equal to and better than many areas within the State.

Accommodation facilities are second to none and include bed & breakfasts, on site vans, powered caravan sites, holiday units, cabins, motel and hotel accommodation, resorts as well as plenty of camping facilities to suit all tastes and budgets.

Shellharbour City also has a variety of restaurants, café’s, bistro’s and snack bars, as well as a multitude of fast food outlets. Seafood, Thai, Chinese, Italian and other Mediterranean cuisines as well as modern Australian has created an international variety to satisfy the most discerning palate.

Stanwell Park is a rural and residential area, Stanwell park is thought to be named after the villages of Stanwell on the south side of London.

Major features of the area include, Stanwell Park Beach and reserve, Bald Hill Headland Reserve (hang gliding take off point), Ultimate Skirmish Paint Ball area, Tops Christian Conference Centre, Stanwell Park Dam, Lawrence Hargrave Memorial, Bald Hill Lookout, The Garden of Peace and the Wodi Wodi Track.

Stanwell Tops is a rural and residential area bounded by Otford and Lady Wakehurst Drive in the north, the locality of Clifton, the Illawarra Escarpment, the Wodi-Wodi Track, Stanwell Creek and the locality of Maddens Plains in the south and the Southern Freeway in the west.

Stanwell Tops is well known for its beautiful coastal and cliff views, beaches, picnic areas and great surfing beaches.

Major features of Stanwell Tops are Kelly's Falls, Wodi Wodi Track, Bald Hill Lookout, Henry Halloran Park, Hindu Temple, The Garden of Peace and Tops Christian Conference Centre.

Some may say Stanwell Tops is a hang gliders paradise.

Thirroul is an established residential and parkland area, Thirroul is named from an Aboriginal word meaning "the place or valley of the cabbage tree palms".

Land was used mainly for farming and timber- getting. Growth took place 1880's, spurred by the construction of the railway line and coal mining.

Major features of the area include Thirroul Beach the resting place of the famous shipwreck Amy, Lady Fuller Park, Taupu Surf School, Thirroul Seaside and Arts Festival, Hanglideoz, Canoe and Kayak Adventures and Warren Windsports.

Toolijooa is a small rural community located between Gerroa and Berry. Located off the highway, Toolijooa's farm houses are reached by travelling on Beach Road, which links the township of Berry to the coast.

Unanderra is a rural, residential and industrial area, with residential areas located mainly in the east. Unanderra - is bounded Unanderra railway line, the suburb of Farmborough Heights and the suburb of Figtree in the north, Five Islands Road, the suburb of Berkeley, Mullet Creek, the AIS railway line and West Dapto Road in the south and the locality of Dombarton in the west.

Unanderra is named from an Aboriginal word meaning "meeting place of creeks" or the "junction of the two creeks”. It was previously known as Charcoal or Charcoal Creek.

Major features of the area include Kembla Grange Racecourse, Galloping Golf Driving Range, Wollongong Lawn Cemetery, Berkeley Pioneer Cemetery, German Club, Unanderra Pool, Wollongong Resource Recovery Park, Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area, BHP Sports Stadium, Coachwood Park, Lindsay Maynes Park, Todd Park and Unanderra Park.

Located at the entrance to Lake Illawarra, Warilla is a good step-off point for fishing and boating, just a couple of the many activities that take place at Lake Illawarra. Circled with many scenic picnic areas and children's playground equipment, Lake Illawarra is the perfect location for outings with family or friends.

Located on a sweeping stretch between two rocky headlands, with rock swimming pools at one end and a natural lagoon at the other, Werri is ideal for active leisure lovers or those who simply seek to unwind. Surfers and body boarders have some of the best waves on the South Coast. Access off Pacific Avenue, Gerringong.

Willlow Vale, just west of the Princes Highway and Gerringong, boats rolling green hills dotted with Illawarra Flame trees.

Windang is an established residential area with substantial parklands. Windang is named from an Aboriginal word meaning "scene of a flight".

Primbee is located approximately 12 kilometres south of the Wollongong City Centre. It is a residential suburb just south of the Warrawong Westfield Shopping Centre

Windang is located on the southern tip of the peninsula guarding the ocean entrance to Lake Illawarra. Windang is popular for its fishing, prawning, boating, windsurfing and yachting.

Major features of the area include the coastal recreation reserves, Perkins Beach, Port Kembla Golf Course, Illawarra Golf Range, Warrigal Aboriginal Arts, Korrongulla Swamp, Boronia park, Pine Tree Park, Primbee Park, Ray Crump Oval, Wetherall Park, Windang Beach and Garden Playground, Windang Foreshore Park and Windang Peninsula Heritage Park.

Wollongong is an established residential and commercial area, settlement of the area dates from the 1820's, with growth taking place in the 1880's into the early 1900's, spurred by the opening of the railway line. Australian history buffs will definitely want to discover facts about Wollongong's major foundation
in coalmining and one of it's main establishments Port Kembla Steel Works (Blue Scope Steel).

Major features in the area include Wollongong Crown Street Mall, Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, Wollongong City Gallery, Illawarra Museum,
Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (Merrigong Theatre Company), WIN Sports Entertainment Centre, WIN Stadium and a whole lot more.

Wollongong is located in the Illawarra Region of New South Wales, about 80 kilometres south of Sydney. The entrance to City of Wollongong will be an
experience you won’t forget, whether by car, bus or train the descent from the top of the escarpment down the Grand Pacific Drive on the Sea Cliff Bridge
along the sparkling coastline is an inviting welcome.

Wollongong City is a rural and residential area, with substantial industrial and commercial areas. Urban development is mainly along the coast, between the
Illawarra Escarpment in the west and the Tasman Sea in the east. The City encompasses a total land area of 714 square kilometres, including bushland,
dams, cliffs and beaches.

The port of Port Kembla provides an obvious competitive advantage for industry within the area. It is one of Australia’s strategic heavy industry export
ports, handling massive amounts of coal, iron ore and steel.

Wollongong is thought to be named from an Aboriginal word meaning 'the sound of the sea'. Warm summers and mild winters mean that the area's wide
range of outdoor recreational activities can be enjoyed all year round. The majority of residents live only minutes from the beach and Lake Illawarra, which
cater for an endless array of water sports such as surfing, fishing, water skiing, sailing, swimming and diving.

The magnificent Illawarra Escarpment offers opportunities for bushwalking, picnics and horse riding, and the numerous lookouts provide panoramic views of
the coastline. Wollongong also has one of the best cycleway networks in the state, stretching from Bulli in the north, through Puckey’s Estate at North
Wollongong and down to Windang on the City’s southern boarder.

Wombarra is a rural and residential area, with residential area mainly along the coast.

Wombarra was named from an Aboriginal word meaning "black Duck". Growth took place in the 1880's spurred by the establishment of the coal mining with villages established around the coal mines.

Major features in the area include Wombarra Beach, Illawarra Park and Wombarra Sculpture Gardens.

Woonona is a residential area which is still experiencing growth, and is thought to be named from an Aboriginal word meaning "place of young wallabies" or "run now" or "sleep".

Significant development did not occur until the post-war years, aided by public housing construction in East Woonona.

Major features of the area include Russell Vale Golf Course, Carole Avenue Reserve, Cawley Park, Collins Park, Hollymount Park, John Parker Reserve, Lighthorse Park, Thompson Street Playground, Woonona Heights Park, Janet's Royalty Rooms and Woonona Beach.