Wollongong, NSW’s third largest city, makes the perfect playground for kids and teens who enjoy the great outdoors. That is why we have made a list of the top activities to do in ‘Gong for absolute fun!
Wollongong, or The Gong as it is affectionately known by most of us, is an ideal NSW South Coast family holiday destination. Perfect for a day trip, weekend getaway or school holiday escape, it’s also the first major stop on a Grand Pacific Drive road trip, roughly 90 minutes from Sydney.
There’s plenty to do in Wollongong, from relaxing on the beach to local attractions like Symbio Wildlife Park, Hangdog indoor climbing centre and Jamberoo Action Park – if you’re up for some adventure! There’s so much to see and do, it’s no wonder Wollongong is one of the most popular NSW destinations to visit with kids.
If you’re planning a family trip to Wollongong, here are 24 of our favourite kid-friendly activities:
Enjoy Wollongong's best kid-friendly beaches
Located on a narrow coastal strip along the Pacific Ocean, Wollongong is bordered by the Illawarra Escarpment in the west and tranquil Lake Illawarra to the south. Take advantage of the scenic coastal cycleway for recreational activities, including patrolled swimming, surfing, fishing, boating and the harbourside boardwalk – The Blue Mile.
North Wollongong Beach
North Wollongong Beach is a classic spot for a family day out, thanks to its patrolled swimming stretch and toddler-friendly rock pools perfect for a paddle. There’s a shady picnic area, kiosk and adjacent Stuart Park to enjoy. Touted as one of the city’s most iconic family spots, Stuart Park offers large, open spaces perfect for kite flying, picnics, and games. The playground here is a huge hit with kids of all ages.
Beach Cove, Belmore Basin
Between North Beach and City Beach, Beach Cove at Belmore Basin is a tranquil spot where kids can see local fishing boats, sea turtles, and even dolphins if you’re lucky. Take a family stroll along the harbour, check out the lighthouse (the ideal spot to watch the sunset) or indulge in fresh fish and chips while admiring the ocean view.
Austinmer Beach
Around 20 minutes north of central Wollongong, Austinmer Beach is a favourite with local families. It features a shady beach pavilion and two large rock pools ideal for kids to take a dip. The beach is patrolled from September to April each year.
Killalea Beach - 'The Farm'
Surf’s up at popular beach Killalea Beach (known as ‘The Farm’) in Killalea State Park, declared a National Surfing Reserve in 2009. 250ha of pristine coastal reserve and beaches are now protected for future generations to enjoy, with beautifully landscaped picnic and barbecue areas.
Lake Illawarra
Head to Reddall Reserve at Lake Illawarra for a fabulous family day out. The lake is perfect for kids to swim and paddle safely, with boat or catamaran hire available and tranquil spots to throw in a fishing line. The reserve’s Red Lamp Playspace is every kid’s dream, featuring an 8-metre play tower, in-ground trampolines, ziplines, a ninja park, sensory play space and an accessible carousel.
You can also ride your bikes or scooters on sealed paths around Lake Illawarra from Lakeside Reserve to Tallawarra Point or Kully Bay East Park to Bob Grabham Jetty, or check out the Lake Illawarra Art Trail.
Bass Point Reserve
For those keen to explore below the surface, the the South Coast’s pristine marine aquatic reserve at Bass Point and Bushrangers Bay is perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling. The latter features a sheltered rock face perfect for beginners to take lessons.
Bass Point also has one of the few remaining stands of coastal rainforest in the state, as well as a large collection of significant Aboriginal and European heritage sites. If you’re curious about the Illwarra’s Indigenous history, take the self-guided Aboriginal cultural walk to discover It leads you through significant archaeological sites, with interpretive signage for a deeper understanding of Country.
Wollongong parks, gardens and picnic spots
Explore the lush Wollongong Botanic Garden
Introduce your children to the wonders of nature at the Wollongong Botanic Garden. Explore themed gardens, see native wildlife, visit the duck pond and look for critters in the insect hotels. There’s also multiple playgrounds, including an All Abilities Playground designed for kids from two to twelve years old.
When it’s time to unwind, follow the ‘Go Slow for a Mo’ wellness trail (featuring seven sensory activities along the way), then enjoy a picnic lunch or pick up a book to read in the shade from one of the Garden Libraries.
See the Sea Cliff Bridge from Bald Hill Lookout
Grab an treat from the Flying High Cafe ice cream van and check out the impressive view from the Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell Tops. You can see right over the beach, Sea Cliff Bridge and the coastline stretching south beyond it. There are usually a few hang gliders soaring above as well.
Check out the views from Mount Kiera
Bushwalkers will enjoy a trek around the Mount Keira Ring track, a five-and-a-half kilometre trail through rainforest and eucalypt forest. The three-to-five hour walk is a bit of a challenge, so best for older kids and teens.
Whether you head out on the hike or drive up for a quick picnic, it’s worth taking in the sights from Mount Kiera Lookout. Towering over 460 metres above sea level, it offers spectacular views over Wollongong and the Illawarra coastline.
Go bushwalking in the Illawarra
Macquarie Pass National Park has two great walking tracks, the Cascades Rainforest Walk and the Glenview Track. Blackbutt Forest Reserve in Shellharbour has walking tracks suitable for all ages, plus barbecue facilities and a children’s playground.
Indoor family activities in Wollongong
Get some thrills at C1 Speed Indoor Karting & Laser Tag
Heaps of heart-thumping fun is up for grabs at C1 Speed, with a two-level laser tag maze (the largest on the NSW South Coast) equipped with LASERTAG GEN 6 technology, interactive sound, hidden targets and UV lighting effects. Go head-to-head with a family opponent, or involve the whole gang for a team game.
Dive into hands-on learning at the UOW Science Space
The Science Space at the University of Wollongong is packed with over 90 hands-on learning activities – which means buttons to press, magnets to test and levers to pull. State-of-the-art technology makes the UOW’s digital planetarium show the most impressive in Australia, with a 4k laser projection system to take kids on an immersive journey through space. Be sure to check the website for special family events, especially during school holiday periods.
Play and learn at Early Start Discovery Space
Located at the University of Wollongong, Early Start Discovery Space is Australia’s only dedicated children’s museum. Packed with play zones, creative workshops, and activities designed for kids aged ten and under, it’s easily a top-tier attraction for families. Temporary exhibits mean there’s always something new to discover, even for return visitors.
Rock climbing at Hangdog Climbing Gym
The enormous Hangdog Climbing Gym has more than 140 different indoor climbs on 40 ropes – some self-belaying. The centre offers fantastic ‘learn to climb’ programs for kids on the school holidays. There are no age restrictions as such, but kids five years and older can typically reach the handholds.
Immersive laser tag at Revolution Laser Arena
Revolution Laser Arena takes laser tag to the next level. A detailed movie-set style arena and immersive backstory create an unforgettable experience for kids and teens. Ages five and up can join in the fun, with missions suitable for all skill levels.
Visit the local transport-themed museums
Take the kids for a ride on a miniature train at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum, or have a seat in the restored carriage pulled along by the big steam or diesel locomotive chugging through the bushland setting.
Kids will love exploring the vintage aircraft at HARS Aviation Museum as they delve into the history of flight at HARS Aviation Museum. Here, families can see and touch real aircraft, and even climb aboard historical planes, with volunteers sharing insights about aviation history.
Step back in time at the Australian Motorlife Museum and check out vintage bikes, trikes, scooters, cars and motor memorabilia.
Animal encounters in Wollongong
Meet the animals at Symbio Wildlife Park
Award-winning, family-owned Symbio Wildlife Park is home to over 1,000 animals. The koalas here have taken social media by storm with their cute antics, so be sure to grab a koala selfie and check out the other critters here: tigers, cheetahs, kangaroos, wombats, crocodiles, lemurs, meerkats and Tasmanian devils. Be sure to pack the kids’ bathers for a splash in the water play park!
Otford Farm Horse Riding
Take a trail ride through this beautiful valley with Otford Farm Horse Riding. The one-hour rainforest trail winds through the trees and across a few creeks, while the two-hour waterfall ride takes you to the incredible Kelly’s Falls. There’s also the three-hour Bald Hill Adventure Ride right out to the scenic coastline or 30-minute pony rides perfect for littlies.
More things to do in Wollongong with kids
Waterslide fun at Jamberoo Action Park
Combining plenty of water action and rides, Jamberoo Action Park is a thrill-a-minute attraction for all ages. From the Taipan (a 5-person ride down a giant waterslide in darkness) to the wave-like speed slide of Surf Hill, older kids will find plenty of action at every bend.
Younger kids will love the wet and dry fun of Billabong Beach, a themed play area just for them, the Outback Bay wave pool in Kiddies Cove and the fabulous Mushroom Pool splash park. Jamberoo Action Park is open seasonally from September to April (inclusive).
Enjoy tea and dumplings at Nan Tien Temple
The largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, Nan Tien Temple has beautiful gardens to explore. As well as admiring the view, you can also take some time to learn about Buddhist culture and how it has shaped people’s lives. There’s a dress code here to show respect, so dress in modest attire for your visit – no leggings, sleeveless shirts, shorts or thongs.
The Dew Drop Inn Tea House serves delicious vegetarian dumplings and exquisite imported teas. Don’t forget to peruse the lovely Chinese tea sets, chopsticks and other homewares on sale. The grounds are also home to the Nan Tien Health & Wellbeing Market on the first Saturday of every month.
Climb and zipline at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures
The award-winning Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures is home to the highest zipline tour in Australia! You can also take in panoramic views of the rainforest canopy, and far out to the Pacific Ocean, on the Treetop Walk, a steel walkway with a central tower raised nearly 50m from the forest floor, 710m above sea level.
Book: Get your Treetop Walk tickets or Zipline Tour tickets
Family-friendly Wollongong cafes and restaurants
Good news, parents! Wollongong has no shortage of family-friendly spots to grab a bite:
Diggies Cafe & North Beach Kiosk - Wollongong North Beach
Known for its sun-soaked patio and relaxed atmosphere, breezy Diggies is a go-to for parents looking for great coffee and a delicious brunch selection for all ages. Options for under-12s include pancakes, all-natural ice-blocks or the fun Kiddies Platter with banana bread, fruit and yogurt, while parents will be more than satisfied by the well-curated wine and cocktail selection.
For an even more convenient cuppa, North Beach Kiosk is under the same umbrella, serving up an abbreviated selection of brunch favourites, smoothies and juices. The 1930s building right on the sand is impossible to miss!
Levendi Fish & Chippery - Belmore Basin
Levendi is a family-owned fish and chip joint at Belmore Basin with plenty of outdoor seating and tasty options for little ones. Beyond the expected menu items, the popular waterfront kiosk also does a bangin’ breakfast menu and coffee.
If you don’t fancy fish, there’s also lamb souvlaki and a selection of burgers. Levendi is open 364 days per year, from 7 am to 7 pm in summer and closing at 5 pm in winter.
Lagoon Seafood Restaurant - Wollongong North Beach
Overlooking the beach and the kid-friendly mecca of Stuart Park, Lagoon offers an excellent kids’ menu including crowd-pleasers like chicken schnitty or calamari and chips. The unique ‘Chocolate Dragster’ racecar dessert will make every kid’s vacation complete (and it’s a steal at just $12.50).
Takeaway bundles let you bring a bona fide seafood feast back to your hotel room or campsite. The family bundle includes the restaurant’s signature Hot & Cold Seafood Platter for two, plus two kids’ meals, stone-baked garlic bread and a complimentary bottle of wine.
Where to stay in Wollongong with kids
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Just 14 steps to the beach, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is a convenient base for a family getaway. Six venues on-site make it easy to wine and dine, including Cali-inspired Pepe’s on the Beach and Afrift Pool Bar, where parents can watch kids play and sample the cocktail menu.
A large private balcony and separate lounge area make the Beach Front Suite ideal for families, with interconnecting rooms also available. The region’s many coastal paths are at your doorstep to explore by foot or bike.
Headlands Austinmer Beach
Headlands Austinmer Beach is an excellent hotel pick for families, offering spacious self-contained apartments, on-site dining, and stunning ocean views. The well-equipped rooms provide enough space for kids and adults to unwind after a day exploring the Illawarra. Enjoy a special breakfast experience with the Headlands’ quirky acai bar.
Wollongong City Tourist Parks
Savour the region’s highly popular attractions from one of the Wollongong City Tourist Parks, strategically located at Bulli, Corrimal and Windang beaches. These Parks offer a range of accommodation options, including standard and deluxe one, two or three-bedroom cabins, plus unpowered, powered and ensuite caravan and camping sites, with facilities like camp kitchens, barbeque areas, guest laundries, kids’ playgrounds and cafes to make your stay comfortable.
Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong
The Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong provides a comfortable stay for even the largest families. One and two-bedroom apartments sleep up to four guests, while two adjoining apartments provide even more space and privacy for kids and parents. Apartments include a full kitchen, balcony and laundry with access to the hotel’s gym, sauna and outdoor pool.
How to get to Wollongong
Wollongong is located 90 minutes from Sydney City and 60 minutes from Sydney Airport. Reach it via the Grand Pacific Drive, a spectacular coastal route starting from the Royal National Park in Sydney’s south and travelling through seaside villages and lush rainforest to Wollongong.
Best time to visit Wollongong
The most pleasant months for a trip to Wollongong are spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when temperatures are mild and rain is less frequent.
Summers can be busy, especially around popular beaches like Thirroul and Austinmer, but offer warm swimming conditions. To avoid crowds and score cheaper accommodation, consider travelling mid-week or outside school holidays.
As a winter holiday destination, Wollongong is quieter with some great-value deals and packages, but some outdoor activities and swimming may be limited by cooler weather.
Content contributors: Elisa Elwin, Deborah Dickson-Smith, Dan Campbell, Geraldine Cardozo
Opening image: Kids engage in hands-on learning at Science Space Wollongong. © Destination NSW
