Weekend Guide to Wollongong

I recently spent a great weekend exploring with my sister who has moved to Wollongong. A funky, vibing beach town known as 'The Gong’ along the south coast of New South Wales. So for those planning a couple of days away by the water here are our top finds:

• Visit Nan Tien Temple - there are plenty of mediation classes on offer and even weekend retreats you can sign up for. Check the posters while you are there

• Pack a picnic and enjoy it in the gorgeous Botanic Gardens

• Check out all the fab street art created as part of the Wonderwalls Festival earlier this year. Check the art out on Wentworth Street, Military Lane and Fitzwilliam Street

• Hang at one of the many beaches - North Wollongong is my favourite

• Park the car and walk up to the Wollongong Head Lighthouse for a great view of the coastline

• Spend some dosh shopping in Wollongong Central

• Have drinks at ‘The Little Prince’ - a funky bar near Wollongong Central

• Go op-shopping at the huge Salvo's store on Burelli Street

• Head a bit further down to Jamberoo Action Park; a large themed water park

• Visiting Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures is pretty cool; where you walk amongst the rainforest and have some zipline fun. Not the best if you are scared of heights

• Early Start Discovery Space at Wollongong University is an awesome place to take the kids

• Symbio Wildlife Park is a popular attraction with the opportunity to get up close to the animals

• Check out the views from Bald Hill Lookout and book a hang glide ride

• Drive and then walk along the Sea Cliff Bridge

• About half an hour out from Wollongong drop into Illawarra Escarpment Conservation Area and take the challenging hike to Sublime Point Lookout

There are plenty of things to fill your weekend if you are like me and can’t sit still on holidays.

Have you been to Wollongong and can suggest things to do and see? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.