Unique Things To Do In The Illawarra
Adventures, warmth and relaxation await after making it through exams and now you can enjoy your new found freedom! It’s the perfect time to schedule some local adventures and add to your “Must do during the holiday” list.
The Illawarra is home to beautiful landscapes and unique places to visit. From touring the most extensive steelworks on the South Coast to the biggest blowhole in the world, Wollongong is plenty full of activities to try in your study downtime.
Take a tour of Port Kembla Steelworks
Hear the story of steel that dates back to 1928 and learn about the formation of Australian Iron & Steel. You’ll be kitted out with safety gear and high visibility jackets before entering the massive steelworks plant via coach! As the tour makes its way around the Port Kembla Steelworks site, you will spot everything from monster machinery, locomotives, giant buildings and vast stockpiles of raw materials.
Cost
Adult: $38
Senior/Concession/Student: $30
Hike to the Sea Cliff Bridge Lookout
Sea Cliff Bridge stretches between Clifton and Coalcliff, about 70km south of the Sydney CBD and 20km north of Wollongong. The 665m bridge has seen thousands of people walk across it to admire the beauty that can be seen from the Stanwell Tops lookout point in the Illawarra Region. All up, the walk only takes around 10 minutes each way, and the magnificent views make it well worth it!
Cost: Free
Visit the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere
Situated in Berkeley, Wollongong, you’ll find the Temples of Fo Guang Shan, founded in 1956. Nan Tien is the biggest Temple of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. This exquisite destination offers visual delights of grandeur architecture and a unique cultural experience.
Inside the historic Buddhist Temple grounds, you’ll find Pilgrim Lodge, some of the unique accommodation Wollongong has on offer. The lodge overlooks the lotus pond, splendid gardens, and views of the famous Illawarra escarpment.
Cost: Entry to the Temple is free
Walk around Wollongong Botanic Gardens
The Wollongong Botanic Gardens have a rich history. Initially, the Darawal people inhabited the land, the custodians of the land on which the gardens now lie. Over the years, new collections and features have been added to the botanical gardens you see today. The gardens are an excellent place for visitors to enjoy natural history and play an important role in conserving local plants.
Cost: Free
Skydive Wollongong
Soar through the skies 15,000 feet above sea level as you embrace breathtaking views of the pristine Illawarra coastline. This is the only beach skydive on offer in the Greater Sydney vicinity. There’s no topping the drop from the Sydney Sky’s onto Wollongong’s North Beach.
If jumping and soaring from 15,000 feet tickle your fancy, you can book directly through Skydive Wollongong. UniLife Members receive a cheeky discount!
Cost: Tandem Skydive starts from $349 per person
Unilife Members receive $30 off the total price.
Check out the largest blowhole in the world
Situated on the South Coast in the small coastal town of Kiama, about 30km south of Wollongong, you’ll find the largest blowhole in the world. When the swell is running from the southeast, you are in for a real treat. With the water reaching record-breaking heights of over 30 metres! Be sure to pack a towel because even from a distance, you’re bound to get wet!
Cost: Free
Illawarra Fly Tree Walk
The Illawarra Fly Zipline tour is a unique eco-wilderness adventure that takes place in the magnificent Illawarra Rainforest. You’ll make your way through the treetops on suspended bridges and cloud stations, tackling large flights of stairs. As you soar through the treetops, your guide will educate you about the vibrant Rainforest that lies below!
All up, the zip line tour takes 1.5 hours and operates rain, hail or shine! Bookings are essential for this one, and spots cannot be guaranteed the same day, so be sure to book ahead!
Cost: Zip Line Tours start from $67.50 per person
