Wollongong

Wollongong Australia is an exciting mix of vibrant city life and quaint rural, industrial and environmentally sensitive, dramatic seascapes and serene hinterland.

For tourists, a Wollongong travel itinerary should include the township of Kiama and the Kiama Blowhole, one of the best-loved attractions in New South Wales. There is an absolute fascination in watching and listening for the next wave to send the blowhole surging anything up to 25 metres into the air. Meaning 'where the sea makes a noise' it lives up to its name.

The fascinating Nan Tien Buddhist Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. A tranquil mix of Tibetan, Japanese, Chinese, and South-East Asian architecture and colours combine beautifully with the general ambience of the prayer halls, pagoda and landscaped gardens.

All 17 picturesque Wollongong beaches, scattered down the Wollongong New South Wales coast, have great surf and sand and are ideal for the family, or for some serious surfing.

Take a day trip out to Kangaroo Valley. Hailed as Australia's most beautiful valley, it is a mecca of exquisite galleries and shops, cosy accommodation and tranquil camping grounds.

Shellharbour is a district of sweeping vistas in a never-want-to-leave location situated between the Minnamurra River, Lake Illawarra, the Illawarra Escarpment and the Tasman Sea. It offers a great blend of rural and coastal, upbeat nightlife, modern facilities and sleepy coastal town.

If there's time left over, visit the Wollongong University or any of the fascinating museums, the eclectic Wollongong Markets, or take in the nightlife of Wollongong.