Explore Wollongong on the South Coast of NSW Australia
Friday, September 3rd, 2010Wollongong is located in the New South Wales, south of Sydney. Known simply as ‘the Gong’ it is a multi-cultural city mostly known for its industries, coal mines, botanical parks and beaches. Wollongong, in the native language, is said to mean ‘the sound of the waves’ or ‘the sound of the seas’.
The history of the city can be traced back to the late 1700s when the early settlers started making it their home. Early occupation of the settlers was mining. Slowly, but surely, there began a kind of industrial boom in the city with hundreds of immigrants from all over moving in. These people, along with the native Aborigines make up the diverse population of the city.
The city has several miles of breath-taking coastline and beaches. Its pristine beaches are legendary. They are the hubs of activity during the scorching summer. People indulge in all kinds of sports like swimming, fishing and surfing. The other summer hangouts include the various parks in the city like the MacCabe park and the Botanical Gardens. Their cool shade provides the walkers and joggers relief from the summer heat.
The light houses are must-visit on the to-do list. Some of the buildings like the old lighthouse, St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Courthouse are heritage buildings. They are of historical as well as architectural importance and interest. A group of islands called he Five Islands are located off the city’s coast and they serve as a rich eco-hub with hundreds of species of wildlife.
With a population as diverse as this city has, it is only to be expected that it has a very colorful social reputation. It is very well known for its various festivals and folk events that showcase the Aboriginal culture. These apart, there are also a lot of other sports events that are held here every year.
The art and crafts industry is also very well developed here. Thanks to its ethnic diversity, the artists explore a wide range of inspirations to come up with truly unique art. The natives also have their own crafts and art which again add to the art scene. There are several renowned galleries that also play a major part in the social and cultural events of the society.
The city’s location on the coast serves as a blessing as it enjoys pleasant breezes throughout the year. However the summers, for the same reason, can be scorching, with temperatures as high as 35 degrees and a few times, they have known to have even touched the lower forties. Thankfully, the summer weather is interspersed with soft breezes. It is also common to have slight rainfall almost throughout the year. The city can easily be reached from Sydney by road, rail and air.
For people who enjoy doing lots of activities in their vacation, be it a short break or a family vacation, Wollongong is the place. The best time to visit would be in the summer when the pristine beaches and the wild bushlands can be enjoyed in all their glory. As with the best of places, visit Wollongong and once will never be enough. There are plenty of wonderful Wollongong nsw accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets.