Things to do in Wollongong this weekend

Wollongong sits between the Illawarra Escarpment and the Pacific Ocean, a geography that makes it one of the most dramatically situated cities in Australia and one of the most rewarding to explore on foot, bike, or by car along the coastal strip.

Sea Cliff Bridge

The Sea Cliff Bridge between Clifton and Coalcliff is one of the most photographed road bridges in Australia — cantilevered over the Pacific on the narrow strip between the escarpment and the ocean. Walk across it, photograph it from the beach below at Clifton, and then keep driving south to the Royal National Park entrance at Otford for the dramatic entrance to Sydney's southern wilderness.

Wollongong Botanic Garden

The 27-hectare botanic garden in Keiraville is a peaceful and undervisited gem — the Japanese garden, the fernery, and the children's garden make it an excellent few hours regardless of the weather. The adjacent Mount Keira summit walk delivers escarpment views over the city and the coast that reward the moderate effort.

Nan Tien Temple

The largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere sits on a hillside in Berkeley, 10 minutes south of the city centre. The complex is open to visitors who come respectfully and the guided tours offer an introduction to Buddhist practice and philosophy that complements the extraordinary architecture. The vegetarian restaurant on site is excellent.

Wollongong beaches

The city has 17 patrolled beaches across a 20-kilometre coastal strip. North Beach is the local favourite; Thirroul and Bulli to the north have the charm of the smaller Illawarra towns; Austinmer is particularly beautiful at low tide. The Seawall cafes on Stuart Park Beach are where the post-swim coffee happens.

Crown Street for dinner

Crown Street's restaurant density has increased significantly as the city's population has grown and the Melbourne migrants who've chosen Wollongong have brought their dining expectations with them. Italian, Japanese, Vietnamese, and the newer bistro-style Australian restaurants all represent well.

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