From surf to summit: 9 of Wollongong’s top outdoor adventures

Take a dip in your choice of ocean pools 

For a relaxing swim head to one of the region’s many rock pools — each have amazing views. Popular options include Bulli Rock Pool, Austinmer Ocean Pool, Coalcliff Rock Pool and Thirroul Ocean Pool.  

Go paragliding or hang gliding at Stanwell Tops 

For the thrill of a lifetime, try a tandem glide with HangglideOz or SkySurf at Stanwell Park. Take off from Bald Hill, where Australian aeronautical pioneer Lawrence Hargrave first flew in his box kite in 1894, and soar above the Grand Pacific Drive and Pacific Ocean.  

Tour the Illawarra region on a Harley-Davidson 

Feel the wind in your hair, hear the roar of the motor, and see the beauty of the Illawarra region as you tour the area on a Harley-Davidson with Just Cruisin’ Motorcycle Tours. Customise your own tour or enjoy a thrilling ride along the Sea Cliff Bridge with an expert guide, choosing between riding a trike, sidecar or motorcycle. 

Cycle the Wollongong to Thirroul bike track 

Pedal along the Wollongong to Thirroul bike track, a popular coastal route offering scenic views with lots of places to swim and cafés to eat at along the way. Best of all, this 18km track is generally flat and suitable for all fitness levels.  

Hike through rainforest along the Illawarra Escarpment 

Nestled between rainforest and the coast, there are no shortage of great walks and views in the region. Hike Forest Walk to Sublime Point, a rewarding 11km trail that threads through cool upland swamps, blackbutt forests and cliff-top rainforests.  

For a trail that takes in mining heritage and bushland, try the 5km Mount Kembla Ring Track that takes in Mount Kembla Lookout. Bird watchers will love Mount Keira Ring Track that loops around a mountain full of birdsong and includes Mount Keira Lookout. 

Brave the highest altitude skydive you can do in Australia 

Challenge yourself to complete Australia’s highest altitude skydive with Skydive Sydney – Wollongong. Jump from 15,000 feet and soar over the coastline before landing right next to the beach.   

Get a bird’s-eye view of the coastline 

Fly over the gorges of the Illawarra Ranges, see sun-kissed beaches from above and take in the beauty of the Seacliff Bridge on a flight with Touchdown Helicopters. With a range of routes on offer, choose between flights that showcase waterfalls, the coastline or drop into one of the regions world-class vineyards for lunch.   

Learn to surf  

Pristine beaches are sprinkled along the coastline, from Stanwell Park Beach in the north to Windang Beach in the south. You can learn to surf in this beautiful part of the world with Pines Surfing Academy and Illawarra Surf Academy.   

Go horse riding through native bushland  

Horse riding is another great way to explore the area with Otford Farm and Darkes Forest Riding Ranch offering trail rides. There are bushland trail rides designed to suit all skill levels from beginners to advanced riders.