South of Woonona is the city of Wollongong, affectionately known as “the Gong”. Originally inhabited by the Dharwal Indigenous Australians, navigators Bass and Flinders landed in Lake Illawarra in 1796. The word “Wollongong” is said to mean “the sound of the sea”. It is the third largest city in New South Wales and has a long istory of mining and industry, with its cole mines, steelworks and industrial port. The city has many attractions for the visitor and is well known for its numerous surfing beaches.
For a great family day out, visit the Science Centre & Planetarium at Squires Way, Fairy Meadow (ph 4286 5000). .
Wollongong Botanic Garden is at Keiraville (ph 4225 2636) where you will see exotic and local plant life and rainforests..
For extreme adventurers call Skydive the Beach and take in the amazing views from above (ph 1300 663 634)..
Wollongong offers fantastic diving for both the novice and experienced divers. United Divers located in Fairy Meadow (ph 4228 5962) takes groups to various locations such as Five Islands off Wollongong as well as northern reefs and wreck dives, including the popular wreck of The Bombo. .
Children can enjoy some fun at Little Stompers, an indoor play centre at Cambridge Avenue, Fairy Meadow while parents can also enjoy some time out while their children play (ph 4283 3735)..
In the middle of Wollongong’s Crown Street Mall every Friday is the Wollongong Produce and Creative Traders Market where local growers and producers gather to sell their frest fruit and vegetables, plants, organic wood-fired bread and cheeses from 9am to 3pm (ph 0422 781 920)..
Right on North Beach on Cliff Road is Diggies, a fabulous cafe/restaurant serving delicious food every day and dinner Friday and Saturday nights during daylight saving (ph 4226 2688)..
A bit further south of Wollongong at Kembla Grange is the Kembla Grange Racecourse with thirty race days a year (ph 4261 7211). It also has a fully licensed function centre..
Futureworld Eco-Technology Centre on the Lake Illawarra Foreshore at Warrawong is an exciting facility that demonstrates innovative environmentally friendly technologies (ph 4274 2939), open Monday to Thursday..
When staying in Wollongong try the Ibis Wollongong (ph 4223 6000) or Rydges Central City Wollongong (ph 4220 7800).
Lake Illawarra Accommodation can help with places to stay in the Lake Illawarra area (ph 9824 7282) or try Corrimal Beach Tourist Park on Lake Parade (ph 4285 5688). The park is located on beautiful Corrimal Beach, just five kilometres north of Wollongong with cycleway access all the way to the heart of Wollongong..
%)
