Step into the world of early settlers and unravel the rich tapestry of local history at the Illawarra Museum Wollongong.
Discover the latest addition to the museum – cutting-edge voice-activated technology that brings some displays to life.
The Illawarra Museum proudly presents an extensive collection of furniture and artifacts originating from the Wollongong region. This captivating assortment spans from the Nineteenth Century to the present day.
Immerse yourself in a nostalgic schoolroom setting and explore an exhibition that chronicles the evolving landscape of Wollongong. Step into the courtyard to witness life in a pre-electricity era, complete with kitchen and laundry exhibits.
Experience the rural and farming lifestyles of yesteryears through exhibits like the Stockman's Hut, Air Raid Shelter, and Blacksmith's shop. The Farm Shed showcases a fascinating array of agricultural, dairy, and farm tools.
A meticulously curated bedroom and parlour provide insights into the lives of more affluent households during the Nineteenth Century. The furniture on display bears a personal connection, generously donated by local families.
Take a journey into the Illawarra's past on the Wollongong Museum Trail.
Wollongong is home to a diverse range of museums that highlight all aspects of the region’s history and more:
Illawarra Museum Wollongong - Shellharbour City Museum - Black Diamond Heritage Centre Bulli - Illawarra Light Railway Museum - Australian Motorlife Museum - HARS Aviation Museum
Their museums all open on the second Sunday of the month, so why not hit the road to find out more about our social, industrial and environmental heritage?
Find out more on the website.
Wollongong Golf Club, proudly established in 1897, is one of Australia's oldest and most iconic clubs. Set along the coastline of the Wollongong CBD, it boasts uninterrupted ocean views and a spectacular position between the beach and the Illawarra escarpment. Its true links-style 18-hole course features five beachside holes, sweeping coastal panoramas, and a dramatic mountain backdrop – delivering one of NSW's most unique golfing and lifestyle experiences.
The experience extends well beyond the fairways. The 19th Clubhouse is a vibrant social hub, home to The Deck restaurant with exceptional cuisine and panoramic views, the Tap Inn Bar and Lounge, and the 1897 Garden Bar. Families are warmly welcomed with a kids' playground and a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Wollongong Golf Club is also a premier destination for weddings and intimate celebrations, offering flexible event spaces, tailored packages, and stunning coastal backdrops.
Whether you're here for a round, a long lunch, or a special event, the club delivers a complete member experience. Home of the 2025 & 2026 Ford NSW Women's Open, Wollongong Golf Club has also hosted major tournaments including the NSW PGA Championships and Australian Junior Amateur.
With 4-star seaside accommodation, free onsite parking, and a culture grounded in mateship, enrichment, and respect, Wollongong Golf Club offers a refined coastal experience – where quality, comfort, and connection come together on and off the course.
WIN Stadium is a premier multi-purpose venue located in Wollongong, designed to host a wide range of sporting, cultural, and special events. With a total capacity of 20,500, the stadium offers seating for 14,000 across its grandstands, along with a general admission hill for standing spectators.
Home to the St George Illawarra Dragons in the National Rugby League, WIN Stadium has also welcomed major international acts and events. In 2017, it was one of the few Australian venues selected for Elton John's Once in a Lifetime Tour, and regularly hosts high-adrenaline MotoX events including the Australian Supercross Series, Nitro Circus, and Freestyle Kings Live. In 2021, it served as the official Australian home base for the Wellington Phoenix during the A-League season.
The stadium features a variety of versatile spaces ideal for corporate functions such as conventions, exhibitions, seminars, gala dinners, and team-building activities. Casual dining options are also available year-round through a range of onsite hospitality outlets.
WIN Stadium is a proud part of Venues NSW, with WIN Corporation as the official naming rights sponsor - holding the longest-running naming rights partnership in Australia.
Stretching three kilometres along the scenic Wollongong coastline, Wollongong City Beach is located between Flagstaff Point in the north and Port Kembla in the south.
As one of Wollongong’s most popular beaches, the best area for swimming is the northern end near Wollongong City Surf Life Saving Club. Nearby, in Lang Park, visitors can also enjoy relaxing in the sunshine with amenities such as picnic tables, a children’s playground, outdoor exercise equipment, a bike path, and lots of open space for activities.
The greenery of Wollongong Golf Course provides a stunning backdrop to the picturesque beach, creating a scenic arrangement of water, sand, and nature. Surfers will love the fact that Wollongong beach has good surfing conditions with waves averaging 1.5 metres in height.
Therese McMahon Ceramics is a pottery studio and gallery where works are for sale. On display are professionally made tableware, servers and vases. It is a working space showing the process of making pottery.
Classes or a workshop can be arranged if you would like to learn how to throw on the wheel or hand-building techniques. One on one intensive sessions are also available.
Therese offers intensive sessions with students studying for their Higher School Certificate. This can be one on one or a small group booking. Students have the access to a fully qualified high school Art teacher for guidance.
Miss Zoe's School of Dance is a fun, vibrant, and family-oriented dance school in Wollongong, Kiama, Coledale and Calderwood/Tullimbar.
They are non-selective and do not participate in eisteddfods or exams - instead, they focus on creating a pressure-free environment for dancers of all ages and abilities to have fun, get fit, make friends, and express themselves through dance.
Miss Zoe's School of Dance offers classes for students aged 12 months to adults and welcome people at any time of year. Visitors of all abilities are encouraged to give the classes a go. There is a large range of classes available from ballet to hip hop to tap to open classes.
Pepe’s on the Beach offers a unique experience to their patrons. With large scale open windows and bi-fold doors making up the face of the venue it is easy to feel the sea breeze and take in the uninterrupted ocean views.
The large-scale deck is a key feature in the design and concept of the bar, it defines the cultural fabric they are trying to emulate – both Mediterranean and Australian lifestyles are all about relaxed, outdoor living and they bring this to you complete with hanging chairs and beach views whilst being nestled among the palm trees.
Featuring an array of tantalising, innovative dishes, the food and beverage menu is a California-inspired, fresh fusion of flavours. The emphasis is on food that is perfect to share, designed to complement the laid-back vibe that Pepe’s on the Beach is quickly becoming famous for.
Nestled along the vibrant Wollongong coastline, The Frisky Flamingo, affectionately known as Frisky's, offers an unparalleled sports viewing experience as the city's first American-style, late-night sports lounge.
What sets Frisky's apart is its remarkable combination of features: a prime beachfront location paired with the excitement of sports. It boasts the largest indoor media screen on the coast, ensuring every seat is the best seat in the house.
Belmore Basin played a large part in Wollongong's early development as a busy seaport. There are tables and picnic facilities, restaurants, cafes and a playground.
All overlooking the picturesque harbour, Belmore Basin is studded with lighthouses and Norfolk Island Pines and flanked by golden surfing beaches. Belmore Basin is home to a large fishing fleet which attracts plenty of pelicans to the area.
The Breakwater Lighthouse is located at Wollongong Harbour just opposite Belmore Basin. It was commissioned in 1872 and the height of the tower is 42 feet (12.8 metres).
This now disused lighthouse was initially powered by vegetable oils and in the 1910s by gas. It was a prefabricated structure. A larger, improved lighthouse on the headland replaced it in the 1930s.
There is no public access inside the lighthouse.
Wollongong Harbour's Breakwater lighthouse has been inactive since 1974 (a decorative light is displayed on special occasions). It stands 12 metres (40 feet) high and has a tapered round wrought iron tower with lantern, painted white. The lighthouse was seriously deteriorated before a restoration in 1978 and 1979 stabilised its condition.
In 2000 to 2002, a complete restoration returned the lighthouse and its lighting equipment to its original configuration.
Right next to Breakwater Lighthouse sits the larger Flagstaff Hill lighthouse. Which is currently active. The entire structure is painted white. It is located at Flagstaff Hill on Wollongong Harbour.
Wollongong is the only point on the eastern coast of Australia which has two lighthouses.
