After picking up your Dollar rental car from one of our Sydney branches, Wollongong is a coastal city about an hour and a half from Sydney. Known for its surf beaches and rock pools, you’ll spend your time here soaking in the seaside vibes with plenty of exploration on offer for the little ones. 

There’s no better way to start your exploration of Wollongong than with breakfast by the beach. Diggies cafe celebrates Australian beach culture with a delicious brunch menu, seaside views and a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, there’s a wide range of variety on the kids’ menu to keep the little ones happy before heading out for the day. Enjoy a meal with a view, snap some family photographs to mark the start of your holiday and let the ocean breeze evoke a feeling of relaxation. From here, travel through the town to reach the Wollongong Botanic Garden. With over ten garden and plant collections to explore, including a tiny forest, rose garden and a succulent collection, you’ll be enveloped by beautiful floral landscapes and wide open spaces - giving the kids plenty of room to run around and explore while adults admire native and exotic flora. Step out on a self-guided nature trail for an immersive sensory experience, let children adventure the all-abilities playground and grab a drink from the Garden Ground Cafe. There’s also a parents’ room here to accommodate visiting families.

After a morning of exploring the best of Wollongong’s greenery and gardens, travel back out to the shore in your Dollar rental car to reach the Wollongong City Beach. Embrace the sun, sand and sea, and spend a blissful afternoon by the water. From swimming in the ocean to making sandcastles and sunbathing, a beach day is a must for the whole family when holidaying on the New South Wales coast. Looking for more ways to discover the area? Set out on a family-friendly stroll along the shoreline up to the Flagstaff Point Lighthouse. From here you’ll get panoramic views of the coast, rock pools to explore and you can treat the family to a sweet treat from Normies Ice Cream and Gelato. After drying off back at your accommodation, it’s time for your first dinner in Wollongong.  Continue the theme of dining with a view with a meal at North Beach Pavilion. Situated on the city’s ‘Blue Mile’, it’s the perfect spot to eat and drink in the ocean scenery as the sun sets. The menu here comprises sharing plates, wood fired pizza and pasta dishes for adults, along with a delicious children’s menu.

Begin your second day in Wollongong with a hearty breakfast to fuel the family. Serving up toasties, rolls and breakfast classics, Lower East cafe in the heart of the city has got you covered for an energising meal to tackle the day’s adventures. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, an outing to Jamberoo Action Park is next on your list. With a variety of waterslides, fun activities and exciting rides here, you and the family can enjoy an adventurous day out under New South Wales’ glorious summer sun. There’s something for everyone here, including rides and pools for children of all ages, a scenic chairlift that soars over the park and a mini golf course. Plus, there are over five food and retail outlets on-site and day lockers available throughout the park to keep your things secure - an excellent idea when visiting with a large family. If you’re visiting during the cooler months, don’t worry, there are plenty of other activities on offer in and around Wollongong, including Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures which is open year-round.

If you’re not too tuckered out after a day of splashing around, continue your journey with a scenic drive to the Kiama Blowhole - just under 30 minutes away from Jamberoo. The blowhole is a natural attraction that draws locals and visitors from near and far to watch the spectacle. You’ll see water shooting high into the air out of the famed blowhole - with recorded heights of up to 30 metres. As the largest blowhole in the world, it’s an exciting attraction to visit if staying in the area. After watching the display, embark on a gentle walk around the harbour to enjoy coastal views before heading past Wollongong to Scarborough for a relaxing end to your holiday. Indulge with dinner at the Scarborough Hotel, where delicious casual dining dishes are on the menu, along with kids’ meals and an extensive range of beers, cocktails and wine. Always remember to assign a designated driver when drinking alcohol during your road trip. As your 48 hours in Wollongong draws to a close, admire the views of the sunset over the coast and cheers to a fun-filled adventure. 

From beachside bliss to exciting adventures, it’s now time to make memories and share experiences during your time in Wollongong. Book your Dollar rental car from one our Sydney branches today.