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Historical Attractions in Wollongong, NSW
Woollongong is a fun place with a fun name! This sunny waterfront city is so family friendly, and hugely popular to visit with kids. Want to know why? Of course! First of all, there are great attractions where kids can have fun AND learn (always popular with the parents!). Places like the Illawarra Museum which take you back through the history of the area, or the Science Centre and Planetarium with its interactive exhibit hall and space-tastic fun and great ways for kids to learn without realising it! Got active kids in the family? Then they will certainly be in their element! Why not enjoy some rock climbing with Hangdog Climbing Gym, or bounce the day away at Hangtime Trampoline Park! Want something for the really brave? How about the zooming zipline at Illawarra Fly!? Now the whole family can fly! There are animals at Symbio Wildlife Park, nature at Wollongong Botanic Gardens, and LOTS of kids fun in…Wollongong! Enjoy!
Planning your Trip to Wollongong
Wollongong is a coastal city of Sydney wedged perfectly between the mountains and soaring cliffs of the Illawarra Escarpment. Wollongong boasts lots of stunning beaches and one of Australia’s most beautiful natural scenery.
Besides visiting its beautiful natural landscapes, there are also plenty of interesting places to visit such as the botanical gardens, historic buildings, state of the art galleries and science centre.
With the scenic drive along the Grand Pacific passing through both the Royal National Park and Sydney, Wollongong makes the perfect destination for a family vacation.
Listed below are some of the best places to visit in Wollongong Australia with the kids.
Wollongong City Beach
Located only a short walk from the center of Wollongong, is the city beach. Popular with locals and tourists, this beautiful beach has gorgeous golden sands and plenty of amenities and outdoor activities. Stretching over 3 kilometers in length, this beach has warm and welcoming sands. The little ones can enjoy the superb swimming and surfing facilities.
For the little ones, there is an outdoor play park and plenty of picnic areas and biking paths, and fabulous views of the rocky headland.
Science Space
This family fun place offers interactive exhibits and a planetarium for families to check out the live experiments and demonstrations. The science space contains over 90 interesting and varied exhibits for you and the family to engage in.
Kiama Blowhole
Kiama Blowhole has been attracting families to the area for well over a century. Just a half an hour drive from the south of the city, this rather large and impressive natural phenomenon resides on a wind-swept point near the small town of Kiama.
Over 260 million years old, this blowhole is surrounded by dramatic rock formations and is often battered by the ferocious nearby seas. Water is channeled through a very narrow chasm and sprays out up to 25 meters into the air. This makes a spectacular sight for the little ones.
Mount Keira Lookout
Mount Keira boasts the most beautiful natural scenery. A 15-minute drive will take you to the top of the mount where you can see the most stunning views of the pacific coast, surrounding city, and the rest of the Illawarra escarpment.
Botanical Garden, Wollongong
This peaceful and picturesque place to the perfect place to take the family for a day of relaxation. Wollongong Botanic Gardens can be found at the very bottom of Mount Keira.
This botanical garden is home to many wonderful plants and natural habitats. Opening first in 1970 and is now home to over thousands of different species of plants, succulents, innumerable azaleas and pretty flowers. Walk through the impressive gardens and seek the rainforest area or walk around the garden's very own lake.
Take the little ones for a walk over the Japanese bridge and have lunch at the tea house
You can visit Wollongong at any time during the year as the temperatures remain fairly pleasant throughout all seasons. Winter can be chilly with an average temperature of 20 degrees but if you’re looking for some winter fun then this is the perfect time to visit.
The best time to visit for perfect weather is between February to November. This is the peak travel time but the temperatures are perfect for long days at the beach. During the summer months, temperatures reach an average of mid to high 20s. However, visiting during the summer seasons you can expect longer queuing and paying more for attractions.
Wollongong has many wonderful place regions to visit. Besides lounging on one of Wollongong’s beautiful beaches, the greater Wollongong offers so many fun and family-orientated things to do. Fortunately for you, we have listed some of the best regions to visit that cater to all your family needs.
Thirroul
Spend the day at Thirroul and stop by the famous McCauley’s beach and Thirroul Beach. There is plenty to do and see in Thirroul. Take the little ones to Nan Tien Temple. This Buddhist temple has a complex and modern architectural building with lots of cultural exhibitions and workshops.
Stroll along the palm tree-lined streets of this gorgeous seaside town. Thirroul offers its visitors the most amazing views and exciting bushwalks.
Shellharbour
Shellharbour is well known for its wonderful restaurants. Take the little ones to Shellharbour South Beach and spend the day relaxing and taking in the beautiful golden sands and turquoise waters. If your little ones are aged 7 and above there are plenty of water sports they can enjoy in the area.
Austinmer
Enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Austinmer. Take the little ones on a hand glider tour or the Panorama House trike tour. For families that enjoy a day strolling around the shops or grabbing a lazy afternoon lunch, then Austinmer has it all! Some of the best fresh fish restaurants can be found along the beach.
Dapto
Families flock to Dapto to enjoy the scenic lake views and nearby coffee houses. The Dapto area suits families that enjoy outdoor activities and walking trails.
Make the most of your vacation to Wollongong by booking the right accommodation. Depending on your budget there are so many choices. Listed below are our top picks for where to stay and all include family amenities.
Flinders Motel
The Flinders Motel is located centrally and offers a wide variety of accommodations for families. They have an indoor and outdoor pool for the little ones to explore and play.
The hotel also offers cribs and extra beds and bedding if needed for the little ones.
Figtree Hotel
The Figtree hotel is located in central Wollongong and offers budget-friendly accommodation options for families. The Figtree has two delicious eateries and alfresco dining. Both restaurants have child-friendly menus. All the rooms include mini-fridges, free toiletries as well as free WIFI.
Quest Wollongong
Quest Wollongong is located centrally in the heart of Wollongong. The hotel provides easy access to all the nearby attractions, restaurants, and public transport. All rooms come with free WIFI, tea and coffee-making facilities, and the option to request extra bedding, beds, and cots for the little ones.
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
This hotel offers stunning beach views and all the rooms are spacious and serviced to a high standard. The Novotel has plenty of facilities for little ones and all rooms come with free WIFI and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Wollongong is packed with lots of delicious eateries and fun and quirky places to eat, Everything from your fancy fish restaurant, and a steak house to a jazzy coffee bar on the beachfront. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options in Wollongong.
Visit one of the many bustling food markets or enjoy a cocktail in one of the many hidden bars. Keira has a dedicated eat street on Keir street between Smith and Crown streets. The Babyface kitchen offers all seasonal produce with an artesian approach.
If you enjoy a view with your dinner then be sure to visit the Scarborough Hotel, located only a short drive from Sydney, perched on a seaside cliff this delicious restaurant has a charming outdoor garden and a wonderful menu as well as a suitable children’s menu.
If you enjoy an Italian then head over to the mouth-watering Italian located at Keading Ruby. This is a favourite with the locals. Enjoy the homemade pasta and pizza. Kiddies can enjoy child-sized portions at half the price.
If you all enjoy your morning breakfast then visit Diggies which is a beachfront café with panoramic views, a great place to fuel up before a day at the beach.
If you’re looking for somewhere with a view then try Yachties Café. This friendly little café boasts one of the best views in Wollongong. During your meal, the kiddies can enjoy watching the beautiful boats coming in and out of the harbour. They’re also famous for their doughnuts, which come in a variety of flavours; a popular pick for the kiddies.
