A Look at the City of Wollongong:
The city of Wollongong is located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia. This seaside city lies to the south of Sydney. Wollongong is the third largest city in New South Wales and tenth largest all over Australia. The name of this city is interpreted as “Seas of the South”. Wollongong is flanked by the Tasman Sea on the east, while the Illawarra Escarpment lies on the west. The city of Wollongong has sister and friendship city arrangement with Kawasaki in Japan, Ohrid in Republic of Macedonia and Longyan in People’s Republic of China.
Climate of Wollongong is oceanic in nature. Summers in this city are characterized by sea breezes. Rainfall is evenly distributed all through the year. However, it is somewhat on the higher side during the first half of the year, which is why local flooding becomes a common phenomenon during this period. During the warmer months, thunderstorms are a universal occurrence. Thunderstorms bring with them lightning, heavy rains and at times even hail. Months of July and August are the windiest in this city.
The city of Wollongong is home to a number of primary as well as high schools. These schools are distributed in the public, denominational and independent categories. A few specialist schools based in this city include Smith’s Hill High School, The Illawarra Grammar School, Edmund Rice College and Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts. As far as the area of tertiary and higher education is concerned, two campuses of Illawarra Institute of TAFE are known to offer such courses in this city. One University that is located in this city is the University of Wollongong. This University was initially a part of the University of New South Wales.
Three commercial television networks, namely, WIN Television, Prime7 and Southern Cross Ten offer television services in the city of Wollongong. Apart from this, television services are also made available by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Special Broadcasting Service (SBS). Wollongong receives five ABC radio services. In addition to this, radio services are also offered by two commercial radio stations and two community radio stations. One daily newspaper circulated in the city of Wollongong is The Illawarra Mercury. This newspaper is published from Monday to Saturday. There are few other active free community newspapers circulated in this city, the popular ones being Wollongong Advertiser and Local Citizen.
Transport, Sport & Art Statistics in Wollongong:
The city of Wollongong houses the Illawarra Regional Airport. This Airport is interchangeably known as the Wollongong Airport. Located at Albion Park Rail, there are multiple air charter businesses operated from here, including NSW Air, EliteJet and Touchdown Helicopters. Route services are provided in Wollongong by Premier Illawarra and Dion’s Bus Service. In addition to this, there is a free shuttle bus service available. The Illawarra railway line serves the city of Wollongong. There was a time when a passenger rail service was operative between Wollongong and Southern Highlands. However, it has now been replaced with a coach service. Freight services are also available on this line.
Rugby League is an important game in the city of Wollongong. This city is represented in the National Rugby League (NRL) competition by St George Illawarra Dragons Rugby League club. This game has been played in this city from the year 1911, having produced around 41 international players. At the local level, teams are seen playing in the Illawarra Rugby League and Group 7 Rugby League. The team Illawarra Cutters represents the Illawarra region in the New South Wales Cup and the Harold Matthews Cup. Games such as cricket, basketball and association football are also played in this city. Other popular recreation activities in Wollongong include rock climbing, surfing, cup stacking, triathlon and mountain biking. Road cycle races are held by the Illawarra Cycling Club almost every week of the year in this city.
The field of Art is held in high regard in the city of Wollongong. Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, which is one of the largest regional conservatoriums in Australia, is situated in this city.
The extremely popular 1990s stoner rock band, Tumbleweed was formed and based in Wollongong. Local talent in music, dance and theatre finds a stage for itself at the Wollongong Eisteddfod that takes place in this city every year.
Places to Visit in the City of Wollongong:
Kellys Falls: If a one day picnic coupled with a mesmerizing barbeque experience is on your list, then Kellys Falls is the place for you. People who are fond of bird watching can have a rendezvous with satin bowerbirds, honeyeaters as well as wattle birds at this place.
Wollongong Botanic Garden: You can better acquaint yourself with plant life and horticulture by heading to the Wollongong Botanic Garden. This place is particularly known for its natural beauty. People visit this venue in order to relax and celebrate.
Coalcliff Beach: This small beach, which is located 24 kilometers north of the Wollongong city centre, is surrounded by rocks and cliffs. People who are fishing enthusiasts are sure to have a time of their life at the Coalcliff Beach. Towards the southern end of the beach one can bump into a saltwater rock pool.
Wollongong Comedy: People who wish to spend some light and humorous time in Wollongong should consider a visit to Wollongong Comedy. This is one of the longest running comedy rooms in the Illawarra region. Here, you will be greeted with better than the best local, national and international acts.