Where to Book a Stay in Wollongong, New South Wales

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is located along the popular Blue Mile precinct of the city, close to great restaurants and many delicious local coffee haunts such as Diggie’s Cafe. Wander from Wollongong North Beach to Adrift, the pool bar at the hotel, for a watermelon frosé or two in the perennial New South Wales sun. You can even hire a private poolside cabana for the afternoon.

Mere footsteps from the shores of Wollongong Beach, the Sage Hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. Those in the former category may choose to take advantage of the 13 purpose-built function areas in the hotel, while holidaymakers can explore the city on foot. Alternatively, head to nearby Lake Illawarra for a swim or waterskiing.

The Coniston Hotel has been a cornerstone of the broader Wollongong community for more than 60 years. Now, after a substantial facelift, it’s entering a new era with the aim of becoming one of the premier venues on the South Coast. The 20 stylish rooms here are a great base from which to explore the best sights in the Illawarra region, just minutes from the Wollongong CBD but away from the bustle.

If you’re seeking the best boutique accommodation Wollongong can offer, you can’t pass up Southview Boutique Guest House. The two self-contained suites available to book are part of the owner’s family home in the suburb of Bulli – 15 minutes north of Wollongong CBD and less than five minutes to idyllic Sandon Point Beach. They also offer a standard king room called the StopOver for travellers after a no-frills place to stay.

Shortly after crossing the jaw-dropping Seacliff Bridge on your way down the South Coast, you’ll come to Austinmer. It’s here, nestled up on the rugged headland, that you’ll find Headlands Austinmer Beach. This modern hotel in Wollongong offers a variety of rooms – from studios to apartments – decorated with coastal-meets-Scandi decor. Watch the Pacific Ocean waves roll in as you enjoy a hot breakfast at their on-site restaurant, the Brasserie.

Sports enthusiasts are taken care of at the Charles Hotel, with flat-screen televisions and several projectors dotting the pub and lounge area, showing all different sporting codes – although you may have to battle locals to switch off their beloved rugby league. Nightcap at the Charles Hotel, just 4km (2.5mi) from the Wollongong CBD, also pours a large range of beers in the sun-drenched beer garden.

The humble Belmore All-Suite Hotel offers 34 different rooms, from studios to serviced two-bedroom apartments, catering to all traveller preferences. It’s situated in a prime pocket of Wollongong real estate, too, within walking distance of attractions such as the WIN Sports and Entertainment Centres and the Breakwater Lighthouse, making it the perfect home base for your South Coast jaunt.

Enjoy a hit of golf at the 18-hole course at Wollongong Golf Club before settling in for the night at their on-site hotel, the Best Western City Sands. This four-star retreat offers ocean-view rooms overlooking the fairway and others facing the lush Illawarra Escarpment – many with private balconies, so you can soak in the unbeatable vistas. Not a golfer? The hotel is just a short walk to Wollongong Beach and the central shopping district.

The Adina Apartment Hotel in Wollongong was designed with the modern-day traveller in mind. Situated in the centre of town, two minutes from the Illawarra Museum, its 72 dwellings are warm yet no-fuss. The one- and two-bedroom apartments are equipped with many conveniences, from a fully stocked kitchen to a separate laundry. You can also use the gym and pool facilities during your stay.