Clustered with retail stores, museums and galleries, Wollongong CBD lies at the heart of “The Gong”. It is positioned between the South Coast railway line and Wollongong Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. To its north-east is the lighthouse-topped headland of Flagstaff Point.
Things to do in Wollongong CBD
Learn about the people, events and industries that have shaped the region at the Illawarra Museum, which occupies the 19th-century Post and Telegraph Office building. Its exhibits detail life in Wollongong before it evolved into an industrial hub, with vintage machinery, blacksmithing tools and a recreated schoolroom on display. The upper floor is furnished as it would have appeared during the postmaster’s residence.
Nearby is one of Australia’s largest regional art museums, the Wollongong Art Gallery, which boasts impressive collections of Australian, Aboriginal and Asian art. In addition to early colonial paintings, you’ll find Neolithic ceramics and contemporary sculptures. Adjacent is the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre where stand-up comedians, theatrical plays and live music concerts take place.
On the southern edge of Wollongong CBD is MacCabe Park, which serves as a recreational hub for local residents. In addition to a children’s playground, there’s a skate ramp, leafy walking trails and grassy lawns where you can enjoy a picnic. Admire the striking “Nike” sculpture and the mural-adorned walls of the youth centre or coincide your visit with an event in the brick amphitheatre. On the eastern side of the CBD is WIN Stadium where the St. George Illawarra Dragons compete.
Getting around Wollongong CBD
Wollongong CBD is 20 minutes’ drive from Shellharbour Airport, which has regular flights to Brisbane and Melbourne. Trains connect from Sydney to the Wollongong railway station, with most of the CBD’s attractions accessible on foot from there.