If Nan Tien Temple is somewhere you always drive past, take advantage of a holiday at home to explore one of Wollongong’s most serene tourist attractions. Photo: Nan Tien Temple.
If your family is crying out for a holiday, but the bank balance says no, never fear.
We’re lucky enough to live in a part of the world plenty of people spend their hard-earned dosh visiting.
If you’ve got some time off over the holiday period you can level up your holiday at home by getting out and exploring some of Wollongong’s hidden gems – spending money optional.
Check out our top picks in and around Wollongong’s southern suburbs.
Nan Tien Temple
First cab off the rank could hardly be described as hidden, but it’s a gem all the same.
The entrance to Nan Tien Temple is tucked away in Berkeley’s industrial area but the temple itself can be easily seen from the highway, with the bridge that connects the temple building with the art gallery and museum running directly over the six lanes of the M1.
The Mahayana Buddhist temple is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, and overlooks Mt Keira and Mt Kembla.
If you’d like to learn more about Buddhism, Chinese culture, tai chi, calligraphy or meditation you can book in for a class or weekend-long retreat at the temple (classes and retreats come at a cost).
Alternatively you can wander the temple building, grounds and gardens, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere for free.
Finish up your visit to the world of zen with a lotus tea or lunch at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.
The restaurant serves Taiwanese-style vegetarian food and drinks, with plenty of vegan options available.
Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park
If you’re more of an adrenalin junkie than a zen master, we’ve got you.
Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park boasts almost 12 kilometres of trails for riders from beginners to advanced.
The tracks have a mix of gradients, surfaces and obstacles to challenge your skills, whatever level you’re at.
These mountain bike trails are part of a bigger park that includes a new playground and more than three kilometres of shared-use and walking trails.
The park also includes a jumps park for beginner to intermediate riders, plus an asphalt pump track and bike skills playground.
The park is about 10 minutes’ drive south of the centre of Wollongong and is free to use.
Entry to the carpark is off Lackawanna Street, Cringila.
Illawarra Golf Complex
Do you have a family member who loves golf, while everyone else is … less enthused?
The Illawarra Golf Complex in Windang offers something for everyone.
They’ve got a golf driving range with 21 hitting bays and lessons from their resident PGA professional for the golf obsessed.
They also offer an 18-hole putt putt course for family members who might need a little more convincing.
Nestled between Lake Illawarra and Windang Beach at 71 Windang Road, a morning spent practising your putt can be rounded out with a fish and chip picnic by the water, or a cheeky spot of fishing.
Eden Spa House Dapto
OK, this one might be a bit of a splurge.
But if you’re all tuckered out from a hard day’s biking or golfing, Eden Spa House will set you right.
On Hamilton Street in Dapto, Eden offers a sauna, cold plunge, warm spa and hot spa for anyone whose body needs a bit of TLC.
You can unwind in a peaceful, meditative space and enjoy the effects of contrasting water therapies on your muscles and your mind.
The 90-minute sessions are held in a lush, traditional sauna space.
Finish up with a cuppa and maybe a wander along the cross-country course at nearby Integral Energy Park afterwards for a truly soothing afternoon.
