The Best Wollongong Accommodation Options

From glamping getaways to hotels with all the mod cons and cute-as-a-button cabins, here are some of the best Wollongong accommodation options.

Whether you’re an outdoorsy family, a couple looking for a romantic weekend away or an adventurous type who likes to fly solo and get away from it all, we’ve got you sorted with some of the coolest places to stay on the South Coast. And the best thing about our list of the best places to stay in Wollongong and surrounds is that it ranges from campgrounds to hotel suites and beach houses with wrap-around views. Take your pick from the following.

Hotels

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

If you’re looking for some romance in the Gong, book a long weekend at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach . Dive headfirst into all the recently refurbished hotel has to offer: dinner at Palisade Kitchen and Bar and drinks at the North Bar, which looks like something out of an Entourage scene. Best of all, doe-eyed duos don’t need to leave the pool in order to order a cocktail at the spiffy Adrift Pool Bar.

Sage Hotel

Families with little ones will appreciate the fact the Sage Hotel has an activities room with old-school video games, table tennis and Giant Jenga. The hotel, which is within walking distance of Wollongong CBD and City Beach, feels as if it could double as a lighthouse, with its glass-fronted floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the Illawarra coastline. Parents will also appreciate the pool bar, which features Friday night movies.

Parents will appreciate the pool bar the Sage Bar.

Headlands Austinmer Beach

The new Headlands Austinmer Beach wraps around the Austinmer headland and it’s those sea views that guests are here for. The stylish ocean-view apartments, which are proving popular for weddings and luxury escapes, look out over the Illawarra and the beauty of the location is that you can stay glued to a sun-lounger by the hotel pool, one of the coolest on offer on the coast, have dinner at the pub downstairs and then hang happily on your hotel balcony.

Argo Apartments

The paint is only just dry at Argo Apartments located in the heart of the Wollongong CBD. Many of the new apartments, which accommodate small pets, offer views over the ocean and iconic Illawarra Escarpment. The rooms have stuck to a mainly minimalist palette of whites and charcoals enhanced by the warm glow of copper tones, which are a lustrous feature of the lobby. Enjoy glittering city views from the balcony at night as the Gong is lit up like a circuit board.

Airbnb’s

Ocean Blue Bed & Breakfast

Surprise your squeeze with a thrilling tandem hang-gliding adventure followed by a stay at Ocean Blue Bed & Breakfast , which is a multi-level home comprising the Beachcomber Spa Suite on the upper level, the Ocean Blue garden wing with a west-facing deck, and the Sandpiper Spa Suite on the ground level. Insulate yourself from the world at this bright and breezy retreat, which includes a fully cooked breakfast of a morning.

Wollongong Coastal Bungalow

Whether you’re travelling with your kids, the in-laws or a group of foodie friends, we’ve done the Airbnb Wollongong edit and found the best Wollongong accommodation on offer. Wollongong Coastal Bungalow is one of them. Here are the details: the three-bedroom, three-bathroom bungalow is located in the Wollongong CBD, is a 10-minute walk to some of the city’s best beaches and is packed with everything you will need and includes ocean views to boot.

Easton’s Escape

Easton’s Escape is a well-designed light-filled apartment that has room for up to six guests, and enough room for everyone to spread out in the communal living-dining area and sunny balcony. While there’s plenty of reasons to just kick back and relax in the apartment, when you do leave, you’re just a few blocks back from the beaches in North Wollongong and some of our favourite places to eat in Wollongong. Perfect for families.

The light-filled living area extends to a private balcony.

The Bower

The Bower is not on the coast. But the Mt Kembla home deserves special mention in our guide to Wollongong accommodation as it’s a quiet oasis away from the bustle of the city and the perfect base from which to lace up your boots and hit some trails. Fans of Mid-Century design will love the Mid Century lines of this architecturally designed home, while families will appreciate making memories around the fire pit under the stars.

Camping

Coledale Camping Reserve

The Coledale Camping Reserve is a small grassy campground just metres away from Coledale Beach. The campground has a really cool communal vibe and is filled with shaggy haired surfers living their best #vanlife and families with little ones who aren’t up for anything too intrepid. Swim, fish, surf, dive and play French cricket and then head to Sharky’s across the road for fish and chips.

Corrimal Beach Tourist Park

Corrimal Beach Tourist Park is a go-to for a night or two spent under canvas when visiting the Gong as it offers the simplest of joys – proximity to 1.4-kilometre stretch of sand beach views – all within nine minutes of Wollongong’s CBD. The park backs onto sand dunes and native grasses that whisker the coastline and is near to Towradgi Creek, which is a top spot to catch dusky flathead.

Windang Beach Tourist Park

Windang Beach Tourist Park is sandwiched between Lake Illawarra and Windang Beach Tourist Park and it’s a choose-your-own-adventure vibe with cabins, and powered campsites that cater to tents and caravans. The location – smack-bang on Windang Beach – is perfect for immersing yourself in the Wollongong lifestyle. Families should pitch their tent as near to the children’s playground as possible.

Reflections Holiday Park in Killalea Reserve

Reflections Holiday Park in Killalea Reserve is popular with large family groups who book out the backpacker-style accommodation for special occasions. In addition to the 40-bed bunkhouse, the holiday park has large, unpowered camping sites that are popular with the grizzled surfer brigade. Thanks to the park’s reserve status, the campsite is surrounded by rolling hills and near to famed surf breaks, The Farm and Mystic’s.

For more travel tips and itineraries read our Ultimate guide to Wollongong holidays.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

Accommodation to suit every traveller in Wollongong