The perfect long weekend itinerary in Wollongong

The beaches in the ‘Gong’ are known for being some of the best in NSW with great waves and rugged coastline – but this region is also making a name for itself as a gourmet escape with exceptional coffee, modern cocktails and foodie markets. For nature lovers, Wollongong offers plenty to do from bird-spotting to cliffside hikes and ocean lookouts. No long weekend in this coastal city would be complete without taking a stroll through the Buddhist temple or the popular regional art gallery.

Morning

An excellent cup of coffee will get you off to a great start. The team at Opus Coffee are serious about their beans – they do a daily rotation of Single O roasts. The hip eatery also offers an edited menu of fresh and healthy delights including bagels hand rolled daily and overflowing with delicious fillings.

After breakfast immerse yourself in nature and breathe in some fresh, rainforest air. Puckey’s Estate Nature Reserve has important connections to the traditional custodians of the land and is home to more than 130 different species of birds and rare, endangered plant life. Meander along the paths and boardwalks and spot fairywrens, herons or rainbow lorikeets. For panoramic views over Wollongong, head to Mount Keira Lookout. 

Mount Keira Lookout, Wollongong

Afternoon

Lunch is at one of Wollongong’s most popular burger joints, His Boy Elroy, for fresh tasty burgers, craft beers and cool tunes in a contemporary industrial space. Soak up the vibe as you tuck into inventive burgers or the crowd favourite; fried chicken with a side of chilli cheese fries. 

After fuelling up, get a hit of culture with a visit to the Wollongong Art Gallery, housed in a landmark 1950s building and boasting an impressive art collection spanning early Australian and Indigenous art to Asian and contemporary selections.

His Boy Elroy, Wollongong - Credit: His Boy Elroy

Evening

Dial up the flavour factor for dinner with a share-style meal at recently hatted restaurant, Babyface Kitchen – a unique take on Modern Australian cuisine with a focus on produce from local farms and small-batch producers. They have a set menu with everything from mud crab to wasabi salt onion rings. Bring the evening to a close with a revitalising Margarita with a twist at speakeasy Black Cockatoo – the entrance is hidden behind a curtain in a bakery.

Babyface Kitchen, Wollongong - Credit: Babyface Kitchen

Morning

Nothing says holiday like a morning dip at North Wollongong Beach. After your swim walk up the sand to North Beach Kiosk, nicknamed by the locals 'Diggies', for a huge breakfast feast in a 1930s heritage building overlooking the ocean. Choose between eggs cooked every way imaginable and the ubiquitous beach breakfast burrito.

Diggies, North Wollongong

Following your beachside breakfast hop in the car and drive ten minutes to the peaceful Nan Tien Temple. The largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere, join a tour to appreciate its cultural significance, architecture, and gardens. Linger for a delicious vegetarian Asian meal in the garden, have a pot of fragrant Lotus tea in the Dew Drop Inn with tranquil garden views, or wander through the museum to see Chinese artefacts and the mirrored gallery.

Nan Tien Temple, Wollongong

Afternoon

The magnificent Wollongong Botanic Garden is your next stop and it’s a natural paradise with beautiful green open spaces, ponds teeming with ducks and even quirky insect ‘hotels’, hand-made shelters for insects (such as native bees). Take a stroll along the wellness walk, see a huge array of different plants and spot wildlife such as bower birds, kookaburras and ringtail possums.

Wollongong Botanic Garden, Wollongong

Evening

Wollongong’s food scene is buzzing and tonight you’ll dine at Restaurant Santino, an Italian bistro with a mantlepiece overflowing with awards. Tucked away in the corner of a lively laneway in central wollongong, their chefs serve up classic favourites with a twist. Pair your meal with the perfect glass of vino thanks to their seriously impressive wine cellar.

After dinner, have a night cap at the buzzing Night Parrot Bar and Kitchen – a petite bar with cosy teal-hued booths. It’s not bedtime yet – pop into Wollongong’s live music mecca, La La La’s, for everything from hard rock to ‘90s throwback nights, comedy performances, burlesque and punk.

Restaurant Santino, Wollongong - Credit: Tom Opie

Morning

The best place to pick up souvenirs before you go is at local community markets. Visit Bulli Village Market, which is packed with loads of fresh produce, artisan treasures and goodies you won’t find anywhere else. Grab a fresh juice and browse for gifts, clothing, plants and more. 

Bulli Village Market, Bulli - Credit: Bulli Village Market

Afternoon

Afterwards, take a scenic drive up to the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge – this bridge sweeps out over the ocean as it hugs the coastal cliffs, garnering spectacular views and vantage points for whale and dolphin watching. Make sure you travel all the way up to Bald Hill Lookout where you'll be greeted with a bird’s eye view of the ‘Gong – you might spot hang gliders floating through the air too.

Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton

Evening

Cheers to a great long weekend at Five Barrel Brewing, a brewery and taproom that has 21 beers on tap and food trucks on Thursday to Sunday nights. Join a tour to learn about the brewing process and enjoy a tasting paddle of craft brews.

Five Barrel Brewing, Wollongong - Credit: Five Barrel Brewing