Located directly north of Wollongong’s city centre, North Wollongong is a laid-back suburb on the South Coast of New South Wales. In 1898, the Smiths Hill Fort was built here to ward off a Russian attack. North Wollongong’s commercial and residential streets are fringed by a string of beaches that have attracted visitors since the 1920s.
Things to do in North Wollongong
North Wollongong is home to UOW Science Space, a technology-focused museum that was established on the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus in 2000. It features more than 100 hands-on and interactive exhibits, as well as the most digitally advanced planetarium in New South Wales. Coincide your visit with one of the live science shows or experience an event at the SciFri Cinema.
Train enthusiasts can visit the Illawarra Live Steamers, which operates a miniature railway pulled by steam and diesel locomotives. It’s located alongside Stuart Park, where you’ll find a children’s playground and the headquarters of Skydive Sydney Wollongong. If you want to stretch your legs, follow Puckey's Boardwalk along the banks of Fairy Creek.
Extending the length of Stuart Park is Wollongong North Beach, a golden strip of sand where you can swim, sunbathe and surf throughout the year. To the north is Fairy Meadow Beach, which offers magnificent views across Wollongong. Cyclists, runners and walkers can take advantage of the 15-kilometre-long Wollongong to Thirroul Bike Track as it hugs the coastline.
Getting around North Wollongong
North Wollongong is a five-minute drive from the centre of Wollongong and 20 minutes from Shellharbour Airport, which has regular flights to Brisbane and Melbourne. Trains connecting along the South Coast Line stop at North Wollongong Station and buses travel throughout the area, connecting most of its attractions.