Wollongong Area

What is it like to live and work in Wollongong?

Wollongong offers a tempting mix of seaside living and metropolitan style, all located only 82 kilometres from Sydney. Positioned in the Illawarra region, Wollongong is the 10th largest city in Australia.
Wollongong is known for its port activity, heavy industry and ideal physical setting, perched on a narrow coastal plain in between a chain of quality surf beaches and the stunning, rainforest covered Illawarra escarpment.
The CBD is a major commercial hub featuring many offices and entertainment venues as well as vast dining and shopping options. Numerous pubs, registered clubs and nightclubs operate in the city and most suburbs have their own hotels, each with their own distinct sense of character. Wollongong also boasts an active arts scene and is home to many musical acts and jazz ensembles. Other popular activities include swimming, rock fishing, surfing, and walking, jogging or riding along the 13km Wollongong to Thirroul bike track. There are also some excellent bushwalking tracks on nearby Mount Kembla and Mount Keira.

The verdict: Wollongong certainly has a lot to offer. There's plenty of job opportunities, an enviable lifestyle and culture to boot. If the capital cities are a little too much for you but you still want access to big city amenities and a vast array of leisure and entertainment options, Wollongong is worth checking out.

What are the prominent industries?

The city's economy relies heavily on heavy industry, although there has been a recent diversification of economic activity in sectors including tourism, education, fine arts and residential construction.

What is the area famous for?

? Wollongong is the site of a historic colonial fort, two lighthouses and several restored cannons - a combination rare on the east coast of Australia.
? The Wollongong Conservatorium of Music is one of the largest regional conservatoriums in Australia and provides musical tuition for voice and instruments in jazz, classical and contemporary styles.

Population Info:

The population of Wollongong's statistical district is approximately 300,000, making it the third largest city in New South Wales. Almost 90% of the population reside in the urban area between Shell Cove and Clifton.

Some key landmarks in the area:

? The WIN Entertainment Centre hosts popular concerts and sporting events including motocross stunt shows and basketball.
? McCabe Park in the city centre features a local youth centre, a memorial, a community hall and a brick amphitheatre, as well as a playground.
? Built in 1871, the old Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse, made of wrought iron plates, has become a local icon.
? A significant collection of Aboriginal and contemporary Australian art is housed at the Wollongong City Gallery.