What is Wollongong known for?
Wollongong is a coastal city about 80 kilometres south of Sydney, set between the Illawarra escarpment and the sea. It is known for beaches, the Sea Cliff Bridge and steelmaking.
The Port Kembla steelworks has long been one of the city's main industries, and the port exports coal and grain. The University of Wollongong is a major employer and attracts students from around the world.
North of the city, the Grand Pacific Drive follows the coast and crosses the Sea Cliff Bridge, opened in 2005. The bridge curves out over the ocean beneath sandstone cliffs and is a favourite spot for photos.
Temples, lookouts and skydiving
Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Southern Hemisphere. Bald Hill lookout at Stanwell Park is famous for hang gliding, and skydivers land on the beach at North Wollongong.
The city has a long string of patrolled beaches, as well as ocean rock pools and a lighthouse on Flagstaff Point. The Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk lies in the rainforest above the escarpment.
Did You Know?
Lawrence Hargrave, an aviation pioneer, tested box kites at Stanwell Park in the 1890s.