Page 20 - Bike City Visitors Guide

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Wollongong
You’ll find us just 80km south of
Sydney – with an escape-worthy
collection of world-class beaches,
playful adventures, eats, arts, and
iconic attractions. So, are you ready?
Let’s GO!
According to the local Dharawal
tribe, the word Wollongong is
loosely translated to ‘the land
between the mountain and the sea’.
There are commanding vantage
points along the escarpment, such
as Bald Hill and Mt Keira, or our Wollongong CBD sandwiched between the sea
and the escarpment. Photo: Kramer Photography
iconic Blue Mile walk, taking in
Wollongong Harbour and Flagstaff Country were the first to occupy diverse range of cuisines combine
Hill. Or amp up your outdoor these lands, waterways, and to create an exciting foodie scene.
adventure by enjoying the thrill of a coastlines. The Aboriginal people of The city centre is known for its
tandem skydive, or touring Sea Cliff this area still maintain a deep fusion of flavours thanks to
Bridge on the back of a Harley cultural and spiritual connection to traditional European and Asian
Davidson. Wollongong is also the surrounding landscapes and restaurants, while there’s a bevy of
famous for its surf and clean waves ocean. You can learn more about this chic suburban cafes offering
that curl onto the beach. cultural link to this land at the authentic, locally sourced produce.
The Blue Mile Dharawal Country Experience at the In recent years, an influx of
If you want to walk a mile in Southern Gateway Centre, Bulli Tops. eclectic small bars and eateries,
Wollongong’s shoes, this stunning Wollongong is home to one of along with the arrival of new
waterfront promenade is our Australia’s largest regional art flavours, new clubs, and intimate
showcase stroll. Stretching from galleries, with Wollongong Art Gallery venues.
North Beach to the harbour, the in the heart of town alongside the Beaches
Blue Mile is the perfect place for Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, There are 17 patrolled beaches in
walking, cycling, swimming, which offers an eclectic program of Wollongong, plus a stack of other
jogging, and dining. theatre and entertainment.
Wollongong is also home to Nan Tien, coastal areas to suit all your needs.
Arts & Culture the largest Buddhist temple in the You can’t get more central than
Immerse yourself in the region’s southern hemisphere. Belmore Basin – a fantastic
refreshing and layered arts and family-friendly area that’s great
cultural scene – the breadth of our Food & Drink for paddling toddlers and
history and culture matches the Let your taste buds travel to laidback gatherings. Nearby, the
mighty escarpment overlooking us. Wollongong. Boasting a vibrant, city’s two main beaches, North
The local First Peoples of Dharawal melting pot of cultures, the city’s Beach (patrolled year-round) and

The serpentine Sea Cliff Bridge is a Immerse in a rock pool at Bulli. Overlooking Stanwell Beach.
marvel. Photo: Kramer Photography Photo: Kramer Photography Photo: Chilby Photography

20 ILLAWARRA MERCURY VISITOR GUIDE