A Canberra Girl’s Guide To Wollongong
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At 18 years old, I moved out of my family home in Canberra and to the coastal city of Wollongong.
I immediately fell so in love with Wollongong and the surrounding region that my mother now has to beg me to come back to Canberra for family dinners. Despite her pleading for her only daughter to come visit, I just can’t leave Wollongong. I am attached to the city and the Illawarra region like a magnet.
If I do return to Canberra, it’s not until I drive down Mount Ousley and get a view of the magnificent city and big blue ocean that I exhale a sigh of relief. Wollongong has a captivating blend of city, beach, and nature. Surrounded by the Illawarra escarpment – the mountain range around the area – Wollongong nests itself between the mountains and the sea, littered with palm trees, picturesque beaches and phenomenal surf.
However, moving isn’t always so glorious. Without friends or a community to lean on for support, my first months were intimidating. Where should I get coffee? What beach to go to? What on earth do I get for dinner? What is that big factory in the distance blowing smoke? And why do people keep calling it the Illawarra!?
So here is my guide. Compiled after a year of hands-on research and trial and error, these are my suggestions for your Wollongong trip. Whether you’re visiting for a long-weekend to get out of Canberra, visiting friends who moved to University of Wollongong, or about to move yourself, this guide has got breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even sweet treats covered! And if that’s not enough, it also features exploration tips, a beach guide, nature walk suggestions and activities to fill your time away.
Read on!
But first, coffee!
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Wollongong is all over feeding you the most important meal of the day and a quality cup of coffee. Honestly, the city and surrounding towns are littered with so many good coffee shops that it is hard to shortlist them. I know there’s more out there that I haven’t discovered yet! But in the art of keeping it short and sweet, here are six coffee shops I would vouch for.
Lili J
This little corner coffee shop is adorable! Serving speciality coffee, homemade cakes and sweets, and a diverse menu for breakfast or brunch, the interior is cosy and comfortable for a relaxed brunch date.
156 Corrimal Street, Wollongong | lilijcafe.com
Diggies
The iconic and local spot of Wollongong. Join the 5 am club and go for a walk along the iconic harbour promenade, then treat yourself to a coffee or breakfast from Diggies. Versatile, Diggies has a sit-down section and a take-away kiosk for every type of morning. Rushed and late for work? Grab an egg and halloumi burger! Want a sit-down long brunch? Enjoy a view of the glorious ocean while you do it. Going for a midday swim? Grab some fish and chips.
1 Cliff Road, North Wollongong | diggies.com.au
Bread, Espresso &
An absolute favourite and my regular. I’m blessed to live walking distance away; you’ll see me here every morning. With four locations in North Wollongong, Gwynneville, Thirroul and Woonona – all supplying All Press coffee, and a range of delicious sandwiches –grab a classic cold brew or their speciality cold foam brew. Whatever your choice, I guarantee satisfaction.
16 Cliff Road, North Wollongong | breadespresso.com.au
Seven Miles Coffee Roastery
You know Seven Miles. You may not realise you do, but Seven Miles Coffee Roasters supplies Canberra favourites Mocan & Green Grout, Eighty Twenty, and Wollongong is home to one of the two roasting locations.
Visit their shop front cafe location for some brilliant coffee made by some friendly staff who can walk you through the array of coffee-related products they have for sale. This is an opportunity to set up your own at-home station or purchase some locally roasted coffee beans.
85 Montague Street, North Wollongong | sevenmiles.com.au
Timbemill Café
More than your regular café, Timbermill is located within Bulli’s creative Timbermill Studios. A hub for local artists, painters, and designers, here you’ll find an antique store, and a cactus plant shop, and the cafe is a perfect place to grab a bite to eat before you browse. The cafe is a perfect introduction to the creative scene in the Illawarra region.
2-6 Molloy Street, Bulli | @timbermillstudios
Earth Walker & Co
Located in Coledale, Earth Walker & Co presents a beautiful farm-to-table variety. Locally grown and produced, choose from a vibrant menu featuring everything fromcauliflower tacos to a New York bagel. This is more than just food; this is nourishment for the soul.
749 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale | earthwalkerco.com
Dinner, drinks and desserts (the important stuff!)
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Wollongong is home to a variety of different restaurants, bars, and dessert stops – one for every occasion, every outfit and every craving. From Italian to Japanese, ice cream to tiramisu, here are all the dinner reservations to make while you’re in town!
Kneading Rubys
An absolute favourite. Kneading Ruby’s is an italian style restaurant perfect for date night or an intimate dinner with friends. Dimly lit, with a rustic design, this restaurant is a must-visit. Think: woodfire pizza, deliciously made in-house desserts, a variety of drinks available, and wonderful staff. Nestled in the bustling part of the city, this is a calm escape from chaos to fill your stomach.
5 Crown Lane, Wollongong City | kneadingruby.com.au
Da Orlando
On the nights it’s too hard to cook, Da Orlando has become my go-to takeaway pizza joint. What makes a good pizza? I couldn’t tell you, but Da Orlando most definitely could. Dine in at the New York-style Italian restaurant or get takeaway to eat by the water. My top suggestion for anyone looking for a quick, easy, delicious Italian fix.
348 Keira Street, Wollongong City | daorlando.com.au
Ruki Robatayaki
This intimate Japanese-style restaurant is perfect for your cocktails and your nibbles. Sushi, duck, or some robatayaki grill, Ruki has it all. With dim lighting and elegant interiors, this is a perfect location for dinner and drinks.
108 Keira Street, Wollongong City | ruki-bar.com.au
Uncle Georges
This is a recently opened ‘talk-of-the-town’ spot. I must have been suggested to Uncle Georges 15 times in one week before I went and was pleasantly satisfied. This American-style burger joint has delicious burgers and to-die-for thick, perfect milkshakes. With a trendy interior and vibrant vibe, Uncle George’s is a must-visit.
183 Keira Street, Wollongong City | unclegeorges.com.au
His Boy Elroy
An honorable mention. Countless times in my relationship, my partner and I have disregarded cooking dinner and sought out the streets to find some food. We pretend to try and find a new restaurant to try something different, but deep down inside, we both know where we are bound to end up. His Boy Elroy.
Wings! Burgers! Beer! What more could a girl ask for? This laid-back burger bar is great for an easy, relaxed night out, cheap, cheerful and good quality. Order the choc mint milkshake – trust me.
Keira Street, Wollongong City | hisboyelroy.com.au
Sweet tooth? Me too!
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Yochi
I have to mention the elephant in the room. I must admit, it’s not my go-to – only because it’s always packed and busy with a line out the door. Be a Canberra lover all you like, there’s no Yochi in there!
200 Crown Street, Wollongong | yochi.com.au
Pasta Buoy Tiramisu
Pasta Buoy is a hole-in-the-wall pasta restaurant that has a wonderful, in-house-made pasta menu. Go there for the pasta, don’t leave without some tiramisu! I am a self-appointed tiramisu connoisseur – if it’s on the menu, it’s on the bill. Pasta Buoy is hands down the best, most generous serving of tiramisu I’ve had in Australia.
258 Princes Highways, Corrimal | pastabuoy.com
Cow and Moon
There’s no better dessert than a classic gelato. Cow and Moon is an authentic and true-to-itself ice-cream shop. Choose a sweet treat from an array of gelato flavours, sorbet, or from their variety of cheesecakes and chocolates!
101 Crown Street, Wollongong City | @cowandthemoon
Girls’ night out? Sunday Session? Pre-dinner drinks?
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Wollongong has it all!
The BlackCockatoo
Walk through a bakery, behind the back curtain, and you will discover one of Wollongong’s best-kept secret bars, The Black Cockatoo. With a holding capacity of 50 people, this bar is exactly how it should be – intimate, with a speak-easy feel to it. Think: classic, elegant interior, dim lighting, plush leather booths. Put your heels on, and get up to no good with the girls.
88 Kembla Street, Wollongong City | blackcockatoobar.com.au
Ilu ilu
Visit Ilu ilu for the delicious Indian, tapas, nibbles, or curries – just don’t let the eight page drinks menu scare you away. Offering unique Indian flavours inspired cocktails, or your favourite classics (as well an Indian Lager for him), Ilu ilu is a perfect stylish groovy bar for any occasion. Join them on Thursdays for a live jazz night!
18 Regent Street, Wollongong City | ilubar.com.au
Howlin’ Wolf
A Wollongong icon, Howlin Wolf is a whisky bar with a side of food. Pick from their diverse, extensive, carefully curated, very large menu of liquors. Perfect for tasting and trying new things, Howlin’ Wolf is open every day of the week for every kind of drink you’re craving.
103/53-61 Crown Street, Wollongong City | howlinwolfbar.com.au
Andies Thirroul
Out of the city and closer to the sea, Andies is located in the heart of Thirroul. This local Mediterranean-European eatery offers a perfect beachy vibe for cocktails, nibbles or even a full meal if that’s what the stomach decides. With both outdoor and indoor seating, enjoy the slow escape of summer in this vibrant, ambient venue with a cocktail in hand.
222-226 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul | andiesthirroul.com.au
Towardgi Beach Hotel
Sunday sesh at the pub, but make it Wollongong! Towardgi Beach Hotel(better known as the TBH), is the exact vibe you need for drinks on a beach vacay. With an eccentric outdoor area with palm trees and greenery, I am always happy to get a few drinks and some pub food here. The food is high-tier and cheap for pub standard, the kitchen has a woodfire oven and the steak will not disappoint.
170 Pioneer Road, Towradgi | towradgibeachhotel.com.au
Humber
Rooftop drinks? Yes please! This is the first place I take the girls when they visit. Enjoy a cocktail with a view of the city. Listen to the DJ on the decks and have a nibble on some of their delicious sliders.
226 Crown Street, Wollongong City | humber.bar
Bodeva Tequila
After driving past many times and always being enticed by the sleek desert-style architecture, I finally went inside Bodeva Tequila for a margarita. This Mexican-style dining experience is exactly what you need on a hot summer afternoon. The staff will help you decipher the margarita menu and pair it with some delicious tacos. It’s a must-visit, add me to your itinerary kind of place!
258 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul | boveda.com.au
The answers to your ‘What, here, and how?
My strongest suggestion to anyone visiting Wollongong is simply to go for a drive. There’s Wollongong, and then there’s the Illawarra Region. Wollongong is relatively small and has its things to offer, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t travel out of the city.
A trick that I’ve picked up from my travels and something I live by is ditch the map, the directions, and just follow the road. It’s the journey, not the destination! The Grand Pacific Drive is a 140km road that takes you from Sydney through the northern coastal townships of Wollongong, through Wollongong City itself, down to Shellharbour, Kiama and further south. From Wollongong city, drive north along Pioneer Road, follow the brown signs 38km, 35 minutes on a good day, and you will see all that this region has to offer.
With one main road going through everything, you’ll drive through the cutest townships, see the pristine beaches, and the great big blue ocean. Stop driving where you like, at your own will; there is so much to discover in this area. But if you need some help, here’s my guide:
Thirroul town: The cutest little village with boutique shopping, cafes, lunch anddinner spots, Anita’s theatre, and a wonderful beach. I could spend a whole day here alone.
The Scarborough Hotel: After a big day of exploring, I was exhausted, heading back into the city. I saw this hotel perched on the side of the cliff and pulled up, I got my afternoon coffee, and the boys got their early afternoon beer. Sit outside and doze off while looking at the most amazing view of the ocean. Pro tip – visit during whale watching season and be entertained by the ocean’s giants for hours.
383 Lawernce Hargrave Drive, Scarborough | thescarboroughhotel.com.au
Sea Cliff Bridge: If you’ve seen it before in a car ad, you must see it in person! Drive along the road that wraps around the most breathtaking cliffs, and hear the ocean crash against the rocks. More info here!
Coal Cliff Beach: A well-kept secret beach perched between the sheer cliffs of the Illawarra Escarpment and the Pacific Ocean — a true cliff meets the sea location. It’s my absolute favourite place to go if I want to get out of the city and amongst nature. Go for a swim, explore the rock pools, or just gaze at the magnificent cliffs.
Bald Hill Lookout: This is your turnaround point to go back. Drive up the hill, and sit on the grass to overlook a breathtaking view of the journey that you just conquered! More info here!
South of Wollongong has just as much to offer!
Port Kembla is more than just the steelworks. The streets are home to a vibrant community that uses the grunge vibe from its industrial neighbour to its benefit. Find the wholesome cafes, shopping, and a brilliant surf break at Port Kembla beach. Or visit the petrol station turned event location, the Servo for some live music, art show or more.
Pencil a day at Bass Point into the calendar. From nature walks to snorkelling in the most picturesque cove with some nurse sharks, Bass Point does it all. Get immersed amongst the wonderful nature, native wildlife and pristine fresh water to swim in. Just next door is The Farm, one of the region’s best surf breaks and a wonderful place to explore.
A pit stop at Shellharbour village is necessary. The town is full of quality cafes, restaurants, clothes shopping, and bars.
Nature walks
The Illawarra region is a gorgeous blend from the ocean meets the green. Surrounded by the Illawarra escarpment, Wollongong’s backyard is full of nature walks and exploring.
Sublime Point: this is an iconic Illawarra walking track. It’s slightly challenging and would only recommend for more experienced bushwalkers as it becomes a steep incline and involves some hands on climbing. It is all the more breathtaking as you wander through the lush coastal rainforest and are blessed by some incredible scenic views.
Mt Keira: Hike up, hike around, hike down. Mount Keira is home to several bushwalking trails, for all ages and all abilities. The full ring track is 5.5km
Minnamurra Falls: Located only 40 minutes out of the city, Budderoo National Park has plenty of walks to accommodate every kind of day. My strongest suggestion is the 4.2km loop walk to the waterfalls. Get immersed and back in-touch with nature!
Ocean orientated
Canberra doesn’t have a beach, and despite your claims that Cotter Dam, Pine Island or even Lake Burley Griffin is good enough, nothing compares to the power of the Pacific. Wollongong and the surrounding Illawarra region is littered with pristine coastline and beautiful, clean white sand beaches.
Personally, being away from the beach is like cheating on a boyfriend. So if you’re a beach person, you’ve come to the right place! And if you’re not an ocean swimmer, I still suggest one simple, quick dip into the ocean to clear and refresh the mind before you head back to land-locked Canberra.
Looking for a safe swim, on a nice patrolled beach and somewhere where you canlie in the sun and catch some UVs? These beaches are perfect!
- East Corrimal: crowded on weekends however, a nice big beach to find a private spot amongst the sand dunes. Catches a relatively calm swell, perfect for swimming with kids, just watch out for the surfers!
- Bulli: Rarely crowded and usually protected from the wind. Close to Woonona beach which can also be a lovely spot for a lie in the sun or a swim.
- North Wollongong Beach: Close to the city and close to the Harbour. Very calm sea and usually no swell. Perfect for a quick swim or wonderful if not comfortable with waves and rough sea.
Sometimes the ocean isn’t the postcard, calm, clear blue, no wind image that we fantasise about, but luckily Wollongong has an ocean pool at almost every beach along the coast. Swim right next to the ocean and in the salt water, but at your own leisure and not against a current.
I recommend Bulgo Pool. Unique from the others, this pool is built around the pre-existing natural rock pools. Laze in the sun after a dip on the rocks and be swept away by memories of a Euro summer long ago.
Otherwise, visit any beach along the coast and you’re likely to find an ocean pool that you like.
Whatever kind of trip you’re planning, Wollongong has got you! So grab your calendar and text the boss for Friday off. I’ll keep an eye out for you!
