There’s something for all ages at Wollongong Botanic Garden. Photo: Wollongong Botanic Garden.
If your Christmas holidays already feel more like a rut than a rejuvenation, we’ve got you.
It’s easy to get out there and marvel at all that’s on offer when you’ve travelled somewhere new, but Wollongong is home to plenty of hidden gems that can turn your staycation into something special.
Whether you’re home with the kids, in-laws, or just with the dog there’s something for everybody and every budget.
Check out these highlights in and around the Wollongong CBD.
Wollongong Botanic Garden
The 27-hectare botanic garden in Keiraville features an impressive collection of plants from Australia and around the world.
Admission is free and the gardens are open from 7 am until 6 pm on weekdays, and 7 am until 6:45 pm on weekends and public holidays.
The gardens feature an all-abilities playground, the historic Kawasaki bridge and tea house, a wellness trail, garden libraries and a sculpture collection.
You can loll by the duck pond with a new book or check out a range of plant collections from different environments, from the rainforest collection to the Australian arid collection.
Avid gardeners can stock up on native plants and tips at the attached nursery, and there are a variety of experiences on offer for visitors throughout the year.
The popular open-air Sunset Cinema starts in December and runs until March, although there is an entry fee for these events.
First Light Brewery
If you’d rather an activity that’s a little less active, and a little more tailored to grown-up tastes, check out First Light Brewery, tucked away in Coniston.
It’s a proud locally owned brewery and founders Haydon and Damien have years of brewing experience, dedicated to crafting freshly brewed beer on-site.
The brewery is open Wednesday to Sunday, and there’s no need to book ahead if you’re just popping in for a beer, unless you’re visiting with a particularly large group.
Brewery tours are available, but you’ll need to book via their website.
For the ultimate in laid-back evenings there is a rotating selection of food trucks and local food vendors are right outside every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
On days there is not a food truck at the brewery, you’re welcome to bring your own snacks or order food via Uber Eats from nearby restaurants.
UOW
If you think the university is just for students, think again.
Kids big and small can explore 100 interactive science exhibitions and a cutting-edge planetarium at the UOW Science Space.
The Energy Futures space with an additional 25 hands-on exhibits about sustainable energy will open just in time for summer holidays.
Open between 10 am and 4 pm every Thursday-Tuesday, the Science Space is at the Innovation Campus in North Wollongong.
For littler learners the Early Start Discovery Space is a children’s museum with interactive experiences for kids aged under 10.
It’s on the main campus in Wollongong and is open from 9 am most days.
Entry for both spaces is ticketed.
Tandem Sky Dive
If you’ve got a thirst for adventure, why not get a new perspective on the place we call home?
Skydive Sydney – Wollongong in North Wollongong is an award-winning adventure tourism company that offers jumps for first-timers to seasoned pros.
If you’d like to see what our coastline looks like from 15,000 feet in the air you can book a tandem jump for the ultimate thrill, without having to leave home.
If you’ve got a bit more time on your hands the company also offers learn to skydive courses and skydiving displays.
Book online here.
