You’ve barely left the city before you reach your first stop. Symbio Wildlife Park is 20 acres of regeneratively landscaped gardens and animal habitats, home to over 500 animals from around the world. Book an up-close animal encounter, or grab a map and make your own on-foot safari.
Need somewhere indoors? Check out the Early Start Discovery Space – a hands-on, interactive, playful children’s museum at the University of Wollongong.
Midday:
Head into town for lunch at Diggies North Beach – a family-friendly café with ocean views and a kids’ menu. Great for a relaxed, beachside bite in the sun while the kids run wild on the sand.
Wollongong Botanic Garden – Let the kids roam the playground and feed the ducks before hitting the road.
Afternoon:
Just south, you’ll find HARS Aviation Museum – Climb aboard real aircraft, sit in the cockpit of an F-111 jet fighter and explore the hangers on a guided tour to learn and discover the history of aviation. A hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Get the whole family on the green with Mini Golf at The Links Shell Cove – A mini version of the full-size course with undulating greens and bunkers making it perfect for both little and big kids. It’s a great way to burn off some energy and spark a little friendly competition. Bonus: it’s right next to the tavern, so snacks and smiles are never far away.
Evening:
Enjoy an early dinner at The Links Shell Cove Tavern, with perfect sunset views over the course and a menu the even the littlest adventurer will enjoy.
Walk, scoot or ride along the seaside pathway past bays and beaches to Little Earth Café where you can indulge in house-roasted organic coffee, homemade ice pops and their highly praised Reuban toasties.
If the swell is right, you might be able to see the spray from the Little Blowhole from the café. Otherwise, wander just down the road to a quieter, just-as-spectacular version for a second round of sea spray fun.
Mid-Morning:
Hop in the car and head for the hills – Minnamurra Rainforest boasts a pram-friendly boardwalk through lush rainforest, or those looking for a little more can keep climbing to the waterfall at the top. Be sure to keep an eye out for wandering wildlife like eastern water dragons, bower birds or even a sneaky swamp wallaby.
Lunch:
Crooked River Winery is set on the hills overlooking Gerringong. Offering an a la carte restaurant or a snack-sized bar menu, perfect for little mouths. Grab a picnic rug and set up on the grass to watch the light fade while the kids run off the last of their energy, or say hi to the resident farmyard animals before hitting the road and heading home.