Say hello to the sun and surf on your next coastal weekend away in Wollongong, with an escape-worthy collection of beaches, adventures, eats, arts and iconic attractions. We know Canberrans embrace cycling, and similarly, it’s all about two wheels in Wollongong. As the only UCI Bike City in the southern hemisphere, they pay homage to pedal power. From hosting the UCI Road World Championships in September to our Bike Friendly Business initiative, for those looking for a cycling-friendly environment we’ve got the guide to cycling around Wollongong. We have a long list to pack into a short stay, so here goes . . .
STAY
Unlock your next adventure by staying at some of Wollongong’s top hotels which are certified ‘Bike Friendly’, meaning you can ride around then park up at the hotels where they have certified bike facilities. Novotel Wollongong Northbeach offers stunning ocean views and a range of food and beverage options. Swap your bike for a drink at the Adrift pool bar or Pepes on the beach which looks onto the stunning North Beach sunsets.
The Boat Harbour Motel is just metres from Wollongong Harbour where you can ride straight onto the Blue Mile shared pathway that hugs the coastline. The Sage Hotel Wollongong also sits on Wollongong’s foreshore and is adjacent to the WIN Entertainment Centre, so, it’s the perfect base to catch the array of sporting events and concerts next door.
Looking for a beach stay that offers a range of accommodation for various budgets? Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort has the perfect mix of a relaxed coastal stay that’s nestled just four minutes from the main beaches with all the facilities you need for a long weekend.
EAT & DRINK
Ride into the CBD and discover some of Wollongong’s finest delights. Taking happy hour very seriously as it’s one the highlights of the city, enjoy everything from cosy corners to crankin’ establishments, where you can sip wine with friends or party till the early hours of the morning. Check out the chic Mr Crown for a cheeky cocktail or ride to Resin Brewery for a tasting paddle board or coastal pale ales.
With a new pump track and mountain bike park at Cringila just south of the CBD, finish your ride around with a roll down to Five Islands Hotel for a hearty pub feed, or check out the awesome ales at Five Barrel brewing. If pizza and homemade gnocchi is more your flavour, you need to check our Kneading Ruby.
There’s food to match the views at Headlands Hotel, including dumplings and pizza from their Airstream van. Step it up with a famous Biscoff cocktail at 5 Beekman, or steal the show at the Frisky Flamingo’s comedy nights. Steamers Bar and Grill on the mighty Blue Mile will have your tastebuds travelling with culinary delights from around the world. If you’re looking for a relaxed picnic or mid-ride lunch break, you can’t go past Levendi kiosk with fresh fish and chips by the foreshore, or their famous house-made gelato!
PLAY
If there were a report card for Wollongong it would surely read: ‘plays well with others.’ That’s because they offer something for everyone – from beach to bush, indoors and out, and thrilling or chilling. Ride north to Symbio Wildlife Park in Helensburgh and get up close and personal with cute native critters, where you can feed kangaroos in their open field enclosure.
Take a ride across the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, which takes in 140 kilometres worth of coastal scenery and is a must-do when visiting Wollongong. If you are sick of riding and want to stand on your own two feet, there are a great range of bushwalking tracks that have incredible views of the escarpment and beaches. Check out the Wodi Wodi track and Mount Kiera Ring Track which passes through the varied terrains and forests of the Illawarra Escarpment, starting and finishing in a perfect picnic spot.
Need to cool off? Splash into your holiday at Jamberoo Action park! Where YOU control the action, offering world-class rides and attractions for you thrill seekers out there.
And there’s no doom in gloom if the weather turns nasty. Check out the Breakout Bar, which boasts fun-filled escape rooms, along with private karaoke rooms.
For all the best activities and new things to see and do, check out Visit Wollongong’s website and Instagram.
