Wollongong Hotels

Wollongong is a seaside city located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia. It lies on the narrow coastal strip between the Illawarra Escarpment and the Pacific Ocean, 82 kilometres south of Sydney. With a population of 284,169 Wollongong is the 3rd largest city in New South Wales after Sydney and Newcastle, and the 9th largest city in Australia. The metropolitan area extends from Helensburgh in the north to Gerroa in the south, and is administered by the Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama councils. Known affectionately as "the Gong", Wollongong is a city with a long history of mining and industry, having coal mines, a steelworks and an industrial port. The city also attracts numerous tourists each year, and is a regional centre for the South Coast fishing industry. The local University of Wollongong has around 22,000 students and is internationally recognised. Wollongong is noted for its numerous surfing beaches, scenic lookouts and botanic gardens. It has two regional cathedrals, churches of many denominations and the Nan Tien Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in the southern hemisphere. The name Wollongong is believed to mean "sound of the sea" in the local Aboriginal language, although other explanations have been offered. Wollongong, 80km south of Sydney, has the best of both worlds. The population is big enough to support a host of restaurants and bars, arts, culture and entertainment, while its coastal position ensures a laid-back beach-side lifestyle lacking in larger cities. The ‘Gong' is thankfully shedding its reputation as being home to Australia's biggest steel industry, and the stunning natural beauty of the area now attracts attention. There are 17 patrolled beaches – all unique – and a spectacular sandstone escarpment that runs from Royal National Park south past Wollongong and Port Kembla. The recently opened Grand Pacific Dr makes the most of the landscape and the whole combination makes for a host of outdoor activities: excellent surf, safe beaches, bushwalks and sky-high adventures to name a few.