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Clifton School of Arts, viewed from behind above, looking east.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Clifton School of Arts

Clifton School of Arts is a unique Victorian landmark with spectacular ocean views. Clifton School of Arts is a historic building, superbly positioned just south of the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge in Clifton New South Wales. This much-loved institution has served the local community as a cultural and events facility for over 110 years. With its high ceilings and sun-filled rooms, Clifton School of Arts is the perfect venue for exhibitions, art and craft workshops and all kinds of community events. Clifton School of Arts is easily accessible by train on the New South Wales, South Coast Line with the nearest station in Scarborough. There is also a bus stop right out the front. Walk on the famous Sea Cliff Bridge or explore one of many walking tracks around the Illawarra Escarpment. Dine at the refurbished Imperial Hotel at Clifton, located across the street.

Clifton NSW

0.0 km away

Coalcliff Beach NSW — Image credit: Destination Wollongong

Natural Attractions

Coalcliff Beach

Coalcliff is located 24 kilometres north of the Wollongong's city centre. This is a small beach in the northern suburbs, surrounded by rocks and cliffs which is a popular fishing spot. There is a salt water rock pool at the southern end of the beach. Explore the rocks for ocean life from this quite secluded beach. This beach is only patrolled from the commencement of the NSW school holidays in September until the end of April school holidays. Coalcliff Beach is a on-lead dog friendly beach during certain times. Time sharing zone allowing access on the beach on leash, please check Wollongong City Council website them for specific times.

Coalcliff NSW

1.8 km away

Scarborough Beach

Natural Attractions

Scarborough Beach

Situated in the small northern coast town of Scarborough, this small beach offers fantastic views of the coastline and the cliffs that lie above. There are parklands close by for families to use for picnicking. Scarborough is located 21 kilometres north of Wollongong central business district. Scarborough Beach occupies an area of more moderate slope. Down the slope towards the beach are a few houses, a small picnic area, and the surf club. Car parking is limited. Scarborough Beach is an Orange Zone/Time Sharing Dog beach. Time sharing zones allow dog access on the beach on leash at certain times dependant on the season.

Scarborough NSW

1.9 km away

Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong, NSW — Image credit: Kramer Photography

Landmarks and Buildings

Sea Cliff Bridge

The 665 metre long Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive. A drive which takes in 140 kilometres worth of coastal scenery from the Royal National Park, Loftus down to Nowra. The bridge has become an icon to the people of Wollongong and the world, once again welcoming tourists annually to this picturesque coastal road. Opened in December 2005, the Sea Cliff Bridge offers visitors the chance to get out of the car and stretch their legs. It is also a great viewing platform for migrating whales heading north/south during migrating season. The Sea Cliff Bridge is accessible via public transport. Coalcliff station has trains running seven days a week. There is a steep incline from the train station to the bridge; the walk will take approximately 15 minutes from station to bridge. Bus stops are located on either side of the Sea Cliff Bridge. Premier Illawarra Bus Number 2 provides services Monday to Saturday (not available on public holidays, please check timetables prior to travelling). For train and bus timetables please refer to Sydney trains and Premier Illawarra Buses.

Coalcliff NSW

2.2 km away

Wombarra Beach — Image credit: Chilby Photography

Natural Attractions

Wombarra Beach

Wombarra Beach, located in NSW, is a narrow 250m long beach fronting the slopes that lead up to the lovely small town. Wombarra is located 66km south of Sydney via the M1 Princes Motorway, exiting at Stanwell Tops to Lawrence Hargrave Drive. The Rural and residential suburb of Wombarra is 20 kilometres north of Wollongong and gets its name from an Aboriginal word meaning 'Black Duck'. Spurred by coalmines in the area, the village grew significantly in the 1880s. Today its major features include Wombarra Beach and Wombarra Ocean Pool. Wombarra is one of the many coastal towns you can visit along the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive.

Wombarra NSW

2.5 km away

Forest Walk to Sublime Point Track — Image credit: Photo: NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Forest Walk to Sublime Point Track

The Illawarra Escarpment offers a full range of exciting walks. This extended hike combines several of the best, threading through magnificent cliff-top rainforest and dry eucalypts. Start the walk at either Coalcliff (Wodi Wodi track) or Austinmer (Sublime Point track). Both trackheads are a short stroll from the train station. Your path then ascends sharply before snaking a leisurely 11 kilometres along Forest walk. Views are superb across the panoramic coast below, as you wander through upland swamps and tall blackbutt-apple shale forest. You’re bound to capture some inspiring photos here. You can cap it all off with a post-trek barbecue: at Sublime Point lookout, the track takes a steep turn down to Austinmer via a narrow cliff ledge and several ladders. The nearby Lady Fuller park, featuring picnic tables and toilets, offers a fitting end to your challenging, but rewarding hike.

Stanwell Park NSW

2.9 km away

Stanwell Park Beach

Natural Attractions

Stanwell Park Beach

Stanwell Park Beach is located in a beautiful spot under the escarpment off the Grand Pacific Drive. There is a large reserve with plenty of space to run around, and barbecue facilities are available, making it the perfect spot for picnicking. Stanwell Park is located 26 kilometres north of the Wollongong central business district. Dog zoning for this area is predominantly time sharing with a small area of off lead dog friendly space. Time sharing zone allows access on the beach on leash, please check seasonal times.

Stanwell Park NSW

3.7 km away

Wodi Wodi Track — Image credit: Destination Wollongong

Natural Attractions

Wodi Wodi Walking Track

The Wodi Wodi track is a 6.5-kilometre walking track, named after the original Custodians who lived along the Illawarra coast. The track has been designed to provide a comfortable one-day circular trip, starting at Stanwell Park Station and ending near Coalcliff Station. Various points of interest include the Bullock Track used by European settlers (1820), Lawrence Hargrave House (1880), and Stanwell Park Lagoon. Dogs are not permitted on this walk.

Stanwell Park NSW

3.8 km away

Coledale — Image credit: Destination Wollongong

Natural Attractions

Coledale Beach

Coledale Beach offers a campers haven with a reserve right on the beach edge. There are fantastic views of the waves, and both ends of the beach are closed in with rock formations. Coledale Beach is located 18 kilometres north of the Wollongong central business district. This beach is only patrolled from the commencement of the NSW school holidays in September until the end of the NSW April school holidays. North Wollongong Beach is the only beach in the area that is patrolled all year round. Coledale Beach is not a dog friendly zone, however, Sharkey's Beach located to the south is an off-lead dog friendly beach.

Coledale NSW

4.0 km away

Soaring above Stanwell Park beach

Natural Attractions

Tandem Paragliding Experience

Experience Tandem Paragliding in the professional care of SkySurf Paragliding. Soar above the ocean and enjoy the breathtaking views of Stanwell Park and the Royal National Park. There is no previous experience required; you will fly with an expert instructor. The flights are available all year round and are the best opportunity to experience a bird's eye view of the world.

Stanwell Tops NSW

4.9 km away

Bald Hill Lookout, Stanwell Tops NSW — Image credit: Kramer Photography

Natural Attractions

Bald Hill Lookout - Otford

Bald Hill lookout offers expansive views south towards Wollongong and is internationally known as a major hang-gliding point. Overlooking the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge which extends along the Grand Pacific Drive a 140-kilometre award-winning coastal drive beginning 45 minutes south of Sydney in the Royal National Park. The first of three missing links in the Great Southern Walk has been completed, with a new one-kilometre track featuring more than 400 sandstone steps linking the bush to the beach. This newly opened section from Bald Hill to Stanwell Park connects the Royal National Park to the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. It was on the beach below Bald Hill that Lawrence Hargrave, an Australian pioneer of flight, made a successful flight on 12 November 1894. A memorial cairn dedicated to him has been erected at the peak of the hill. Flying High Café is situated within the car park and offers an array of takeaway options.

Otford NSW

5.0 km away

Kellys Falls picnic area

Natural Attractions

Kellys Falls picnic area

Water cascades over the rocks and drops into a pool, providing a relaxing soundtrack to your lunch at Kellys Falls picnic area, a beautiful spot to get back to nature. From this picnic area, you can walk up to one of four scenic lookouts to take in the views of waterfalls and the rainforest-lined gullies below. With satin bowerbirds, honeyeaters and wattle birds attracted by the flowering banksia, hakea, grevillea and towering Gymea lilies, it’s a great place for birdwatching. From here, you can take a walk along one of the adjoining walking tracks; there are bushwalking links to Stanwell Tops and Illawarra Escarpment that take you to the northern suburbs of Wollongong.

Stanwell Tops NSW

5.3 km away

Horse riding

Amusement and Theme Parks

Otford Farm Horse Riding

Otford Farm has been operating since 1961, and with friendly and experienced staff they take pride on offering, just a little more hands-on horse experience and atmosphere. They are always happy to help and instruct you. With this in mind, Otford Farm will not only make your riding experience a pleasure but will enhance your existing knowledge and skill. With over 30 quality, well-behaved horses to choose from, Otford Farm will make your riding event an enjoyable one. Ride through the lush rainforest or native bush, and see all Australia has to offer on horseback, hopefully you are lucky enough to see some of the resident wallabies, deer, birds and reptiles. The farm attracts riders from all walks of life - schools and colleges, day-trippers, international and interstate visitors and community groups. Whether you are just visiting or live nearby, they can arrange riding lessons with one of their experienced instructors. All levels of riding experience will benefit from individual tuition.

Otford NSW

5.4 km away

Sri Venkateswara Temple

Landmarks and Buildings

Sri Venkateswara Temple

Sri Venkateswara Temple Helensburgh is one of the famous Hindu Temples in the southern hemisphere and is held in veneration by all the devotees and visitors. The temple is built on top of a hilly area 400 feet above sea level. The temple has four 'Praharam' (encircling corridors). Helensburgh is a place of natural beauty with hills and groves surrounding it where Lord Balaji (Sri Venkateswara) with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva (Shri Chandramouliswarar) along with Sri Tripurasundari remained here bestowing their blessing to the devotees. The temple has been built according to Vedic principles (Agama Sastras) and the first consecration took place on June 30, 1985. Whilst it serves as a major religious and sacred place for Hindus living in and visiting Australia, many non-Hindu visitors and tourists are also attracted due to the unique Hindu Temple architectural significance of the buildings and their iconic cultural status. The Temple's peaceful settings, ample car parking, the vegetarian canteen and comfortable rest room facilities further enhance the "visitor experience" of an ever-increasing number of tourists who are constantly attracted by the Temple's many and magnificent architectural aspects. The Temple is now one of the major tourist destinations in the Wollongong – Illawarra Region and attracts many thousands of tourists, both of casual and organised groups.

Helensburgh NSW

5.5 km away

Maddens Falls

Natural Attractions

Maddens Falls

Take the easy Maddens Falls walk to the lookout for a view of the waterfall dropping from Maddens Creek to the pools below. The short and easy walking track is a great one for walking with children. It's also ideal for birdwatchers so don't forget your binoculars - look for local residents like honeyeaters, red wattlebirds and golden whistlers. Tree frogs, brown froglets and banjo frogs are often heard too, walk quietly to increase your chances of spotting wildlife. When you reach the falls, admire picturesque vegetation at the falls' base. Colourful with acacias, native river roses and lush, sprawling ferns, it's a pretty place to visit during spring when the flowers are out or in April when the falls will be at their fullest. See if you can spot the rare fern-leaf grevillea with its red toothbrush-like' flowers. When you're done gazing at the falls, head back along the track to the picnic table for a tasty lunch or afternoon tea. Take a virtual tour of Maddens Falls captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Darkes Forest NSW

5.6 km away

Austinmer Rock Pool

National Parks and Reserves

Austinmer Rock Pool

You’ll find these twin rock pools at the southern end of Austinmer Beach, overlooked by a historic pavilion. The southernmost pool is narrower and slightly longer than its northern neighbour, and both are popular year-round. If you’re not comfortable swimming in the ocean surf itself, this ocean water pool is a great testing ground as you swim laps up directly into the waves and back to shore with the waves flowing past you.

Austinmer NSW

5.7 km away

Sublime Point Lookout

Natural Attractions

Sublime Point Lookout

Sublime Point Lookout offers 180 degree views over the sea, the rainforest and the 17 beaches that span the coastline to Wollongong. The lookout offers some of the best views of the Illawarra escarpment, plain and coastline. Barbecues, picnic shelters, and toilets cater to visitors, but bring your own drinking water. Sublime Point Walking track is located just near the viewing platform. See National Parks and Wildlife website for more information.

Bulli Tops NSW

5.8 km away

Austinmer Beach

Natural Attractions

Austinmer Beach

Austinmer Beach is one of Wollongong's most popular beaches, located just 20 minutes north of the central business district. Austinmer is well set up to cater to large summer crowds being patrolled September to April. It is located off Lawrence Hargrave Drive, with shops lining the western side and a large car park and park between the beach and the Drive. The Surf Club and other amenities occupying the southern half of this 250 metre long beach. Two large rock pools lie on the southern rock platform. The relatively small beach is wedged between two low headlands and their extensive rock platforms. It receives waves averaging 1.4 metres, which result in two strong permanent rips against the rocks at each end. Austinmer Beach is not dog friendly. However, Little Austinmer Beach located directly to the north is an off lead dog friendly beach.

Austinmer NSW

6.0 km away

Hand feed and cuddle up to Kangaroos in our Kangaroo walk-though area. — Image credit: Symbio Wildlife Park

Amusement and Theme Parks

Symbio Wildlife Park

Discover your wild side at Symbio Wildlife Park, where you can meet some of Australia's (and the world's) most intriguing animals. See koalas, kangaroos, wombats, little penguins, red pandas, meerkats, monkeys, reptiles, birds, farmyard critters, and more! Take a selfie with a koala, feed and interact with friendly kangaroos and wallabies, and explore the farmyard. Join the daily keeper talks or book a special behind-the-scenes experience! Set on 20 acres of lush, manicured gardens, Symbio is the ultimate family day out. Enjoy the splash park, adventure playground, on-site cafe and picnic areas. Plan a children's party that will be remembered forever. At Symbio Wildlife Park, there's something for everyone, ensuring a day of endless fun!

Helensburgh NSW

6.0 km away

Sand bunker and driving range

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Helensburgh Golf Driving Range and Putt Putt Complex

Helensburgh Driving Range offers a full range of facilities including a driving range with covered and grassed tee-off areas, a bunker practice area, and a chipping area. The club offers free club hire and proper golf balls, with cash prizes to be won daily. The facility has an 18-hole Putt Putt course, fun for the whole family. They also offer golf tuition and party rooms are available for function hire.

Helensburgh NSW

6.3 km away

Werrong Beach Track — Image credit: Photo: OEH

Natural Attractions

Werrong Beach Track

Only an hour south of Sydney, take a walk along Werrong Beach track in Royal National Park. Taking you to Werrong Beach, a designated nude beach, it’s perfect for those who like their nature ‘a la naturelle’. Although the beach is beautiful, it's unsuitable for swimming due to the prominence of rips and rocks. The idyllic coastal walking track which takes you Werrong Beach is in the southern most area of the park. At Otford lookout, take in spectacular coastal views up and down the coast. From here, it’s a short steep climb passing a dramatic sandstone cliff before dropping into lush coastal rainforest of cabbage tree palms and ferns. Upon arriving at the beach, fling off your shoes, walk the sandy shores, and take in the ocean vista. You might be the only ones there, except for the silver gulls and occasional sea eagle. Make sure you pack a hearty picnic lunch, because you’ll need the energy to get back up the steep track.

Otford NSW

6.6 km away

Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong, NSW — Image credit: Kramer Photography

Natural Attractions

Grand Pacific Drive - Sydney to Wollongong and Beyond

Experience Wollongong's spectacular coastal drive - the Grand Pacific Drive, between Sydney to Wollongong and beyond. Grand Pacific Drive is a 140 kilometre award winning coastal drive beginning 45 minutes south of Sydney's International Airport in the Royal National Park. Follow the directional signage. The Grand Pacific Drive signage creates a more interesting and meaningful experience guiding you through the significance of each region along the drive. The reassurance signs provide a list of key locations and distances along the drive ensuring drivers don't miss the iconic spots along the way. Wollongong is also a great place to stay with a huge mix of options from international hotel brands to quaint and unique bed and breakfasts to backpacker accommodation - Wollongong has something to offer any traveller. The drive then takes you through to the beautiful coastal towns of Shellharbour and Kiama and ends in the spectacular Shoalhaven region.

Coalcliff NSW

7.0 km away

Darkes Forest Riding Ranch

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Darkes Forest Riding Ranch

Nestled in pristine native bushland just over an hour south of Sydney and 30 minutes north of Wollongong, Darkes Forest Riding Ranch is the ultimate destination for a memorable horse riding experience. Darkes Forest Riding Ranch prides itself on being a family-owned and operated establishment, ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. The experienced ride leaders and instructors are passionate about horses and dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for riders of all ages and skill levels. Whether a beginner or an advanced rider, Darkes Forest Riding Ranch offers trail rides and riding lessons designed to suit various abilities and preferences. Safety is a top priority, and helmets are provided for all riders to ensure a secure riding experience. After the ride, visitors can relax and take in the stunning surroundings with a hot beverage from the kitchen. The gift shop offers unique souvenirs to remember the visit.

Darkes Forest NSW

7.2 km away

Thirroul Pool

National Parks and Reserves

Thirroul Pool

Thirroul Pool, nestled between the pristine Thirroul beach and the escapement, is a favourite location to cool off for both locals and visitors. This idyllic spot boasts a 50-metre salt water lap pool for serious swimmers, as well as a welcoming toddlers' pool for the little ones. The convenience of a beachfront kiosk and kids' playground nearby adds to this seaside haven. Thirroul Pool offers a refreshing escape for all.

Thirroul NSW

7.4 km away

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