What to see
You wouldn’t ordinarily expect to find a Sumatran tiger in Helensburgh, but Symbio Wildlife Park is one of those surprising finds you occasionally unearth when you go off the beaten track. As well as tigers, the wildlife park gives you a chance to get a happy snap with a snake, koala or an alligator – or feed ring tailed lemurs and red pandas.
The view from Sublime Point is well worth the 30 to 45 minute climb from Austinmer. The Sublime Point walking track starts near the beach and cuts through rainforest on its way to the top of the escarpment, a giant staircase and steel ladders helping you to make the final ascent. Once there, wonder at the view (and catch your breath) before heading to nearby Sublime Point Cafe for a deserved treat.
A firm favourite with locals, The Blue Mile walk around Wollongong’s harbour foreshore stretches from Stuart Park in the north to Wollongong Golf Club in the south, taking you past historic North Beach Bathers Pavilion, beaches, parks and outdoor cafes.
At Shell Cove between Shellharbour and Kiama (turn towards the coast at Dunmore) you’ll find the 265ha Killalea State Park, a pristine coastal reserve with 8km of coastline, rainforest, wetlands, rolling hills, trails, seabird breeding areas – and two of the South Coast’s best surfing beaches, The Farm and Mystics. In 2009, Killalea was declared a National Surfing Reserve.
Looking for that Instaworthy shot? Look no further than Saddleback Mountain Lookout, 10 minutes west of Kiama, where the view extends 70km north to Royal National Park and south all the way to Jervis Bay.
What to learn
It seems all roads, tracks and flight paths lead to three world class museums dedicated to preserving our transport history. At the Australian Motorlife Museum in Kembla Grange, the focus is on pre 1940 motoring, with exhibits including a 1914 Australian built Victor motorcycle, a 1919 Republic truck, and the only surviving example of a 1904 “kit” car built in Sydney. Show your NRMA Member card for a discount off the entry price.
Steam fills the air at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum at Albion Park. Recalling a time when locomotives drove industry, travel and expansion, the museum’s lovingly restored collection of gleaming steam trains will delight visitors of every age, from young Thomas The Tank Engine fans to those whose memories are stirred by the sound of a steam whistle.
There are also memories aplenty at Wollongong Airport at Albion Park, home to the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Museum. Housed in hangars and ready for take off are some of the most magnificent military and commercial flying machines of the past 80 years. Admission includes a guided tour and the museum is open daily from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Open days are held on the second Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each month.
Where to stay
Within walking distance of the blowhole and historic Terrace shops, The Sebel Harbourside Kiama offers 80 luxurious rooms and apartments over three levels with a choice of ocean, garden or town views. Start your day with breakfast in The Quarry Room and enjoy lunch or dinner alfresco in the Blue Diamond Bar & Bistro’s garden courtyard. Blue Diamond’s gourmet pizzas are a highlight, or try the delicious tapas or contemporary Australian menu.
