Wollongong, located on the beautiful Illawarra coastline in New South Wales, offers a variety of attractions and sightseeing opportunities. Here are some top recommendations for things to see and do in Wollongong:

1. Nan Tien Temple:

   • Visit the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Explore the serene grounds, admire the architecture, and learn about Buddhist culture and practices.

2. Wollongong Botanic Garden:

   • Stroll through the Wollongong Botanic Garden, which features diverse plant collections, walking trails, and a picturesque lake. It's a peaceful place for nature enthusiasts.

3. Sea Cliff Bridge:

   • Take a scenic drive along the Grand Pacific Drive and cross the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, which offers breathtaking ocean views and is a popular spot for photos.

4. Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures:

   • Experience the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, a unique elevated walkway through the rainforest canopy. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area from the Illawarra Escarpment.

5. Wollongong Head Lighthouse:

   • Explore the historic Wollongong Head Lighthouse, which offers stunning coastal views. It's a great spot for whale watching during migration seasons.

These are just a few of the attractions and activities you can enjoy in Wollongong and its surrounding areas. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing by the beach, Wollongong has something to offer every traveler.

Woonona is a suburb of Wollongong in New South Wales, Australia, and while it is a quieter residential area, you can find accommodation options nearby in Wollongong itself. Wollongong offers a range of hotels, motels, serviced apartments, and other types of accommodations. Here are some options in and around Woonona:

1. Wollongong CBD Hotels:

   • As Woonona is a short drive from Wollongong's central business district, you can find numerous hotels in the city center, including Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, Sage Hotel Wollongong, and Mantra Wollongong.

2. Serviced Apartments:

   • Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong is a stylish option that offers fully equipped apartments with kitchen facilities, suitable for longer stays.

3. Motel Accommodation:

   • There are several motels in and around Wollongong, such as Flinders Motel and Marketview Accommodation, which offer budget-friendly options.

4. Holiday Parks and Campgrounds:

   • BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park and Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort are holiday parks with various types of accommodation, including cabins and camping sites.

5. Bed and Breakfasts:

   • Consider looking for bed and breakfast options in Wollongong, like The Belmore All-Suite Hotel or Corrimal Beach Bed and Breakfast.

6. Hostels:

   • While there are no hostels in Woonona itself, you can find backpacker hostels in Wollongong, such as Wollongong Backpackers Keiraleagh and Surf Camp Australia.

7. Luxury Accommodations:

   • For a more luxurious stay, you can check out Headlands Austinmer Beach or The Sebel Harbourside Kiama, both of which are a short drive from Woonona.

Since Woonona is relatively close to Wollongong, you can easily access the city's amenities and accommodation options while enjoying a quieter residential atmosphere in Woonona itself. Be sure to check availability and make reservations in advance, especially during busy tourist seasons or special events.

Getting to Maroubra Beach is relatively straightforward, and you can reach it by car, public transportation, or even by walking, depending on your starting point. Here are some instructions for different modes of transportation:

From Wollongong:
By Car:

1. Head north on the Princes Highway (A1): Start by driving north on the Princes Highway (A1) from Wollongong. Follow the signs for Sydney.

2. Merge onto the M1 Motorway: Continue on the Princes Highway until you reach the M1 Motorway (also known as the F6). Merge onto the M1 and continue heading north towards Sydney.

3. Continue on the M1: Stay on the M1 for approximately 60-70 kilometers (37-43 miles). You will pass through several toll gates along the way.

4. Take the exit onto Southern Cross Drive (M1): After passing the toll gates, take the exit onto Southern Cross Drive (M1) towards the Airport/Sydney.

5. Exit onto General Holmes Drive: Follow the signs for the Airport and then take the exit onto General Holmes Drive (M1). Continue on this road.

6. Turn right onto Anzac Parade: After a few kilometers on General Holmes Drive, you will reach Anzac Parade. Turn right onto Anzac Parade.

7. Continue on Anzac Parade to South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club: Follow Anzac Parade, and it will take you to South Maroubra. Continue along Anzac Parade until you reach South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club. Look for signs or use a GPS navigation system to help you locate the club.

Please be aware that traffic conditions and road closures may affect your journey, so it's a good idea to check for real-time traffic updates and road conditions before starting your trip.

From Newcastle:

By Car:

• Get on the Pacific Motorway (M1): Start by heading south from Newcastle and get on the Pacific Motorway (M1). You can access the M1 from various points in Newcastle, depending on your starting location. Follow the signs for Sydney.

• Continue on the M1: Stay on the M1 and follow it south towards Sydney for approximately 160 kilometers (about 99 miles). You will pass through several toll gates along the way.

• Please note that traffic conditions and road closures may affect your journey, so it's a good idea to check for real-time traffic updates and road conditions before starting your trip.

• Take the exit onto Southern Cross Drive (M1): As you approach the Sydney metropolitan area, take the exit onto Southern Cross Drive (M1) towards the Airport/Sydney.

• Exit onto General Holmes Drive: Follow the signs for the Airport and then take the exit onto General Holmes Drive (M1). Continue on this road.

• Turn right onto Anzac Parade: After a few kilometers on General Holmes Drive, you will reach Anzac Parade. Turn right onto Anzac Parade.

• Continue on Anzac Parade to South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club: Follow Anzac Parade, and it will take you to South Maroubra. Continue along Anzac Parade until you reach South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club. Look for signs or use a GPS navigation system to help you locate the club.