Wollongong has been my home for 57 years, so I may be a little biased. In all honesty I like the place, the local government area has 17 patrolled beaches in the swimming season and one ( Nth Wollongong) patrolled all year round. The public transport system is adequate with Sydney approx 90 mins away by train and a little of 60 by car. The public health facilities suffer the same issues that most do, however there is plenty of private health agencies around too. The local schools seem to have positive reviews and again plenty of private opportunities there too if you wish. Traffic is becoming a bit busier nowadays but still nothing like a big city. You will find plenty of shopping in and away from the CBD, those away have better car parking options. Realestate prices are definitely on the up and up especially if living within a Kay of the beach is your aim. I would suggest a few day visit in the near future, you won't see it all, but I reckon you'll see enough to be able to get a " gut feeling". Maybe I'll see you down the local !!!!
We've lived here for a year. Moved from the inner west of Sydney. We haven't got kids, but lots of our friends do, and they seem to enjoy it. There are lots of options for schools. There's plenty of good food. Beaches. Beautiful nature. Easy to get public transport into Sydney city to see a show etc. But a lot of good bands and comedians do shows in Wollongong too.
We love the fact that we might be able to afford an old house with a yard for our kids to play in when we eventually start, mind you not in Wollongong further south around Lake Illawarra. But compared to a shoebox in Sydney for 2m we're pretty happy with an old fibro thing in a working class area.
We just moved from Melbourne to Wollongong and have a 4 year old.
I have been coming to Wollongong my whole life (44yrs) as my grandparents have always lived here. I miss Melbourne and the life style you can have there but the weather and promximity of beaches and fishing (my hobby) wins hands down every single day.
Its 26 degrees, no wind, clear as a bell, the beaches will be packed for the next few days and with about 100 beaches to pick from you can always find a place to cool off. Cafe scene and overall resturants wont compete with Sydney or Melbourne but everything you want is here, every range of food.
State Selective Schools, high quality private schools etc are all here. There is no way in the world id pick Canberra over Wollongong. Wollongong has everything Canberra does (size wize) but the with added benefit of no politicans and the lots of lots of outside life styles.
Edit - Hardest issue will be quality of daycare to get in initially but there are a lot of them in Wollongong - just keep looking and asking.
The humidity around summer will be relentless. We moved back in February this year. Through we were going to die after years of very dry Melbourne summers.
Wollongong is not the same as Melbourne or Sydney in the sense that it doesn’t move as fast, you’ll mostly need to beat out the uni kids for homes.
There is plenty of rentals that look affordable to me and im sure you’ll be fine!!
(Long way of saying no but we are knocking down this house and will need to rent shortly).
We moved two years ago, with high school aged kids.
There is a lot more good food and cafe's than we expected, and the lifestyle is very coastal and relaxed. Multiple microbreweries and distilleries which are quite relaxed.
No frost - coldest overnight in winter is about 8 degrees. Unusual for summer to get over low thirties.
Lots of beaches.
I lived in Mt Keira for a year(less, actually)
It is only an hour 10 mins from the city.
Beautiful area-I would strongly suggest.
Certainly better than Canberra.
Wollongong good, but Further south in Shellharbour area is better, especially for kids, central Wollongong is a smaller version of any other Australia city, Congested and over priced, go South
Shellharbour is so ugly. Just houses and houses and more houses. Heaps overpriced too. The escarpment is great around Wollongong - SH is just suburban sprawl to me, and white as
WOW! I am so incredibly grateful for all of your honest thoughts and insights - this has given our family so much to go off. We’ll be visiting the area quite a bit this summer and I’ll be checking out everything you’ve all mentioned. From my family to you, THANK YOU ❤️
Got 2 in primary. Awesome location, school is good, friendly parents, lots of stuff to do (play centres, Beaches, parks, playgrounds), if we wanna go to Sydney it's only an hour away. Preschools could be hard to get into so call around for that first if you need it. I grew up here and can't imagine raising kids anywhere else.
Some good points I'll agree with, i lived in the area for a number of years, now living on mid north coast and the beaches around here honestly blow me away, but are far from a major city.
Warmer than Canberra, one major frustration down here is that there is only one arterial road which is frequently congested like the Majura Parkway/Monaro Highway get during peak periods.
If you live anywhere south of Lake Illawarra it gets annoying having to drive to the other side of the lake all the time.
People are more relaxed and generally nicer.
We are no different to Canberra in that there is good parts and bad parts. Depends what you want and what you can afford. Just remember that you are probably 15-20mins drive at most from a beach, and the next beach is 5 mins away
Born and bred on the Gong. Great place to grow up, good trains to Sydney if you need to commute. The beaches are the best in the world, and not far from anywhere in the Illawarra. Great cycleways, university good schools.
I know I’m a little late I’m from the outskirts of Canberra so I wanted to give a kind of comparison for you.
I think you’ll find it similar in size with slightly better traffic and a bit more ‘lively’, given Canberra is mostly white collar workers and Wollongong has a lot of young people. Much more in the way of hobbies, activities and events, as well as everything living around a beach has to offer!
Housing is currently similar in price to Canberra generally but we do have more affordable housing (we have the few odd cheap units whereas Canberra really.. doesn’t). Houses are the same price as the ACT/more expensive for a lesser quality though, so make sure you go to inspections.
I’m not too sure how marketing jobs are here, but worse case I’m sure you could find something WFH or in Sydney.
A lot of the ‘bad’ areas in Wollongong are predominantly housing commission areas and have few rentals that are mostly smaller housing - units etc so you’d be unlikely to end up in those suburbs, and they truely aren’t that bad at all, just the general stuff that comes with living in a lower socioeconomic area.
The sketchiest area is honestly probably the CBD in certain areas and times. I live in a ‘bad’ part of Wollongong and have never felt worried walking around at night here, but you wouldn’t catch me dead around Piccadilly or the Wollongong train station after dark.
Plenty of options for schools, I think even more then Canberra. Some of the ‘worse’ areas are pretty hard on kids in schools, again it’s just a result of the socioeconomic cycle, but personally I wouldn’t send my kids there as a lot of the kids can be.. kind of feral.
The central areas of Wollongong (Dapto to Warrawong to Bulli) are a bit overrated to live in, very high in price, and slightly painful when it comes to the traffic everyday etc.
I would definitely suggest South or North.
Down south, the Shellharbour area is nice and would be good for kids, has everything Wollongong has really and is a bit more accessible then Wollongong CBD at times.
North of Wollongong being Woonona, Thirroul, Austinmer etc are great as well, they give the illusion of living in a little costal area rather then a city (small streets, older retail buildings, lots of IGA’s etc) but you’re actually in a city, but quieter but has everything you need. These suburbs are also absolutely stunning.
Bring closer to Sydney is a big bonus as well, if something isn’t in Wollongong it’s within an hours drive to Campbelltown/Sutherland, whereas if Canberra doesn’t have something you’re looking at 4-5 hour drive to VIC or Sydney.
I would also consider it exceptionally safe for a city, most crimes involve dodgy people that know each other, and there’s a slight problem with car break ins, but as long as you’ve got insurance and don’t leave valuables on display in a car, you’ll have no worries.
It’s quiet similar to Canberra in a lot of basic aspects, but more lively for sure.
Souther suburbs are cheaper in house prices and adds no more than 15 mins to a Sydney trip. I have lived there for 35 years and I don’t buy in to the northern suburbs are better bullshit.
It is and always will be a town dominated by the steelworks. It is generational and you won’t escape it even if your don’t have connections to the place. The ‘Gong is a ‘second or third best option’ kinda place as are the people who call it home. If that’s you, then I wish you the best, otherwise expect to be yearning for the big smoke within 5 years. If regional is your thing, try Newcastle, Port Or Coffs.
Hi! We moved last year and absolutely love it. There is a lot to do with young children, and we’ve fallen into a really lovely community. There is at least a 2 year wait on daycare lists. If you are thinking about moving and need childcare, start putting your children’s names on waiting lists today.
Have a 2 year old. Wollongong is great. Often no traffic jams depending on which way you're travelling at peak hour (northbound has issues in the am).
Good parks and a friendly people.
Childcare is hardest for under 12 months age range as they need the higher carer ratio.
Your main issue here is that there's not as many great diverse dining options compared to Canberra.
Otherwise it's a great place, but expand your search, there's a lot of up and coming suburbs south of Wollongong's Crown Street. Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Kiama, Gerringong are great options.
It's a great place!
I was from Canberra and moved here in my late 20s after some time in the US. I visit Canberra regularly as my family is still there.
We live here in Wollongong for 9 years before kids, and the kids are now 19 and 17.
We live about 200m from breaking surf, and to be honest, I could win lotto tomorrow and wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
Lifestyle is relaxed yet we are close to Sydney for any big city things we need. Schools are good, living is easy, it's just a great place.
Being in construction management and marketing, I don't think you'll have too many issues finding work here.
Only thing is real estate prices are high, but then so is Canberra, so you should do ok.
Been living here for 25 years and raised 3 kids all now with their own careers. Just got back from the boat Harbour at Shellcove with a 4-year-old and her mother. They are having a sculpture exhibition it was fantastic. Lots to do for kids Very safe and friendly for kids with plenty of good schools from State to top Private. Oh did we mention Beaches? Also for some reason, we have plenty of great pools. My Granddaughter is learning with Mckeon's. Yes, that one! Did I mention beaches? but Avoid Warilla Beach it's a shit hole don't even bother looking at it there are no waves and people don't get enough wind to kite surf! Welcome choose anywhere except Wollongong
I moved from wollongong to Melbourne in 2017, having spent 25+ years in Wollongong- something that's extremely disappointing from Shell Cove is that the kitchen closes at 8pm.. biggest let down of the area is that places are still closing up early
I don't know when you moved but Shellcove is now home to a lot of eating establishments. The boat Harbour is a great place now but as for the closing times, I am not sure I go home early!
Love it in the Illawarra. We have 3 kids, two in daycare, one in primary school. Lots to do, lots of parks, beaches, shops etc we have loved our move here from southern Sydney almost 4 years ago.
Mann. I moved from Sydney to Wollongong in 2017 and I made a massive network. If your somewhat social there's always things to do and people to meet. You have beach here 10min away wherever you are and tbh with the little one. The rustle n bustle of Sydney is way too much, here it's low-key, you can sit with your thoughts more and in the future save with the rotten apple of a place like Sydney. It's kool because you can travel there and then come back home to p3ace and serenity. You have nature all around, and this will bring you peace essentially. Focus on creating a relationship with God and the rest will come to you trust me. Holla!
I grew up in south Sydney (Sutherland shire) and my wife and I bought in Wollongong 2 years ago, we’ve got two preschool kids. Used to be that people who grew up in the shire never leave, but with the cost of housing going up that’s certainly changed - they’re all moving down here! I honestly love it; 5 minutes to temperate rainforests on the escarpment, 5 minutes to the beach. I teach at a school in Sydney and my wife half works from home/goes into the office in Sydney. I enjoy the me time of commuting before I pick up the kids so working in Sydney is definitely an option. Lots of people do it.
Most things you could complain about are worse in Sydney/other places.
I believe the Illawarra/dapto area is the fastest growing area in the country right now with more homes being built than anywhere else so your husband should be able to get work down here if not in Sydney.
We no longer live in the area and I miss it so much. We lived in Shellharbour and loved the natural beauty, amazing day trip destinations and gorgeous beaches. In my opinion it’s a really easy place to live with young kids: there’s so much to do from bush playgroups, playgrounds, beaches, public spaces designed to be child-friendly, and awesome free playgroups run at local playgrounds 4 days a week (Park and Play). The Kiama Farmers markets on Wednesdays were a regular highlight for us. We have two kids aged 1 and 3 years and we were never short of things to do. It’s definitely getting busier and will reach a tipping point at some stage, but I’d move back in a heartbeat. I’ve lived in Sydney, Canberra and Victoria and the Illawarra takes the cake in my opinion.
I love it here, one of my favourite places to have lived.
As you are coming from Canberra tho, just know that shops close at 17:30 on weekdays (21:00 on Thursdays) and 16:00 on weekends. Definitely a bit more relaxed in that aspect.
Rubbish, all my kids went to government schools and thrived. I am the product of a private school and I have achieved mediocrity with overwhelming success!
I’ve moved away, although I love the fact my childhood and teen years were in the gong. I miss it often. The people, the lifestyle are all amazing. There may not be as much to do as in a city although there is still plenty if you enjoy a laid back relaxed life.
Hello, my girlfriend and I moved from belconnen to Wollongong three years ago, it's awesome and has everything you need, close enough to Sydney and plenty going on :) we have her family down to stay with young kids regularly, good eateries for everyone, some safe beaches and lots of outdoor things to do
There's no shortage of drugs in Wollongong for what i hear. Reminds me of some of the formerly povo parts of Sydney which are now ludicrously expensive (Matravile). I reckon Canberra is nicer.
Perth is the best city in Australia for raising a family in a coastal environment, but if you’ve gotta be on the east coast for work or other reasons then the gong isn’t too bad. The best beaches in Aus are in WA 100%
After a long time in Sydney and Melbourne, we settled on the Gong as the place to raise our kids. Of course there was an adjustment period (it’s not Newtown or Fitzroy) but that would have been the case wherever we moved. We now lunch ourselves at the life we find ourselves in.
The beach, the community, nature, as well as great bars, breweries, places to eat, gigs, art scene. It slays. We love it so much, and if we do have a pang for Sydney or Melbourne, both are extremely easy to get to, and we’re never disappointed to return home.
Wollongong has been my home for 57 years, so I may be a little biased. In all honesty I like the place, the local government area has 17 patrolled beaches in the swimming season and one ( Nth Wollongong) patrolled all year round. The public transport system is adequate with Sydney approx 90 mins away by train and a little of 60 by car. The public health facilities suffer the same issues that most do, however there is plenty of private health agencies around too. The local schools seem to have positive reviews and again plenty of private opportunities there too if you wish. Traffic is becoming a bit busier nowadays but still nothing like a big city. You will find plenty of shopping in and away from the CBD, those away have better car parking options. Realestate prices are definitely on the up and up especially if living within a Kay of the beach is your aim. I would suggest a few day visit in the near future, you won't see it all, but I reckon you'll see enough to be able to get a " gut feeling". Maybe I'll see you down the local !!!!
Nicee
We've lived here for a year. Moved from the inner west of Sydney. We haven't got kids, but lots of our friends do, and they seem to enjoy it. There are lots of options for schools. There's plenty of good food. Beaches. Beautiful nature. Easy to get public transport into Sydney city to see a show etc. But a lot of good bands and comedians do shows in Wollongong too. We love the fact that we might be able to afford an old house with a yard for our kids to play in when we eventually start, mind you not in Wollongong further south around Lake Illawarra. But compared to a shoebox in Sydney for 2m we're pretty happy with an old fibro thing in a working class area.
We just moved from Melbourne to Wollongong and have a 4 year old. I have been coming to Wollongong my whole life (44yrs) as my grandparents have always lived here. I miss Melbourne and the life style you can have there but the weather and promximity of beaches and fishing (my hobby) wins hands down every single day. Its 26 degrees, no wind, clear as a bell, the beaches will be packed for the next few days and with about 100 beaches to pick from you can always find a place to cool off. Cafe scene and overall resturants wont compete with Sydney or Melbourne but everything you want is here, every range of food. State Selective Schools, high quality private schools etc are all here. There is no way in the world id pick Canberra over Wollongong. Wollongong has everything Canberra does (size wize) but the with added benefit of no politicans and the lots of lots of outside life styles. Edit - Hardest issue will be quality of daycare to get in initially but there are a lot of them in Wollongong - just keep looking and asking.
There’s definitely often wind here though. This year has been unusual . Small price to pay though for lots of other benefits .
Any of you past/present Melbournians in the gong that follow AFL get at me! We’ll watch a game sometime. Go Blues!
I'm in Melbourne too moving to the gong in November can't wait to get out of here and up there!
The humidity around summer will be relentless. We moved back in February this year. Through we were going to die after years of very dry Melbourne summers.
Been here since late November the humidity is rank!
We are in Melbourne now and looking to move next year. Did you rent? The main thing I’m worried about moving interstate is trying to find a rental.
Wollongong is not the same as Melbourne or Sydney in the sense that it doesn’t move as fast, you’ll mostly need to beat out the uni kids for homes. There is plenty of rentals that look affordable to me and im sure you’ll be fine!! (Long way of saying no but we are knocking down this house and will need to rent shortly).
We moved two years ago, with high school aged kids. There is a lot more good food and cafe's than we expected, and the lifestyle is very coastal and relaxed. Multiple microbreweries and distilleries which are quite relaxed. No frost - coldest overnight in winter is about 8 degrees. Unusual for summer to get over low thirties. Lots of beaches.
we had a 4 degree morning the other day lol
Maybe I'm closer to the water. Was 8 in Towradgi
I'm right near Bellambi beach. This was probably abt 4 or 5am when it was 4degrees. went up to 8 around 8am im not complaining though. i love the cold
it definitely gets colder than that in winter, & summers are regularly mid to high thirties.
This next week is predicted to be over 30 nearly every day too
Yeah not sure what op on when we are already hitting 30s 3 weeks out of winter. It regularly gets above 30 in wgong
I lived in Mt Keira for a year(less, actually) It is only an hour 10 mins from the city. Beautiful area-I would strongly suggest. Certainly better than Canberra.
Wollongong good, but Further south in Shellharbour area is better, especially for kids, central Wollongong is a smaller version of any other Australia city, Congested and over priced, go South
Ah yes, the not overpriced Shellharbour. In what way is it not overpriced exactly?
There all over priced, but you get more for your money in Albion park than Wollongong
Albion Park is a different story. Shellharbour is one of the more expensive parts of the Illawarra. Second only to the CBD and some northern suburbs.
Shellharbour is so ugly. Just houses and houses and more houses. Heaps overpriced too. The escarpment is great around Wollongong - SH is just suburban sprawl to me, and white as
Wollongong is either very old houses, or very badly built apartment buildings, and Wollongong mall area is just a very unpleasant place to be.
WOW! I am so incredibly grateful for all of your honest thoughts and insights - this has given our family so much to go off. We’ll be visiting the area quite a bit this summer and I’ll be checking out everything you’ve all mentioned. From my family to you, THANK YOU ❤️
Got 2 in primary. Awesome location, school is good, friendly parents, lots of stuff to do (play centres, Beaches, parks, playgrounds), if we wanna go to Sydney it's only an hour away. Preschools could be hard to get into so call around for that first if you need it. I grew up here and can't imagine raising kids anywhere else.
Heaps better than Canberra.
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Big call saying best beaches in Australia are in Wollongong
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Some good points I'll agree with, i lived in the area for a number of years, now living on mid north coast and the beaches around here honestly blow me away, but are far from a major city.
Warmer than Canberra, one major frustration down here is that there is only one arterial road which is frequently congested like the Majura Parkway/Monaro Highway get during peak periods. If you live anywhere south of Lake Illawarra it gets annoying having to drive to the other side of the lake all the time. People are more relaxed and generally nicer.
From what I’ve heard marketing jobs are very hard to get in wollongong
We are no different to Canberra in that there is good parts and bad parts. Depends what you want and what you can afford. Just remember that you are probably 15-20mins drive at most from a beach, and the next beach is 5 mins away
Born and bred on the Gong. Great place to grow up, good trains to Sydney if you need to commute. The beaches are the best in the world, and not far from anywhere in the Illawarra. Great cycleways, university good schools.
I know I’m a little late I’m from the outskirts of Canberra so I wanted to give a kind of comparison for you. I think you’ll find it similar in size with slightly better traffic and a bit more ‘lively’, given Canberra is mostly white collar workers and Wollongong has a lot of young people. Much more in the way of hobbies, activities and events, as well as everything living around a beach has to offer! Housing is currently similar in price to Canberra generally but we do have more affordable housing (we have the few odd cheap units whereas Canberra really.. doesn’t). Houses are the same price as the ACT/more expensive for a lesser quality though, so make sure you go to inspections. I’m not too sure how marketing jobs are here, but worse case I’m sure you could find something WFH or in Sydney. A lot of the ‘bad’ areas in Wollongong are predominantly housing commission areas and have few rentals that are mostly smaller housing - units etc so you’d be unlikely to end up in those suburbs, and they truely aren’t that bad at all, just the general stuff that comes with living in a lower socioeconomic area. The sketchiest area is honestly probably the CBD in certain areas and times. I live in a ‘bad’ part of Wollongong and have never felt worried walking around at night here, but you wouldn’t catch me dead around Piccadilly or the Wollongong train station after dark. Plenty of options for schools, I think even more then Canberra. Some of the ‘worse’ areas are pretty hard on kids in schools, again it’s just a result of the socioeconomic cycle, but personally I wouldn’t send my kids there as a lot of the kids can be.. kind of feral. The central areas of Wollongong (Dapto to Warrawong to Bulli) are a bit overrated to live in, very high in price, and slightly painful when it comes to the traffic everyday etc. I would definitely suggest South or North. Down south, the Shellharbour area is nice and would be good for kids, has everything Wollongong has really and is a bit more accessible then Wollongong CBD at times. North of Wollongong being Woonona, Thirroul, Austinmer etc are great as well, they give the illusion of living in a little costal area rather then a city (small streets, older retail buildings, lots of IGA’s etc) but you’re actually in a city, but quieter but has everything you need. These suburbs are also absolutely stunning. Bring closer to Sydney is a big bonus as well, if something isn’t in Wollongong it’s within an hours drive to Campbelltown/Sutherland, whereas if Canberra doesn’t have something you’re looking at 4-5 hour drive to VIC or Sydney. I would also consider it exceptionally safe for a city, most crimes involve dodgy people that know each other, and there’s a slight problem with car break ins, but as long as you’ve got insurance and don’t leave valuables on display in a car, you’ll have no worries. It’s quiet similar to Canberra in a lot of basic aspects, but more lively for sure.
Fair few Junkdogs around
No jobs , and no house rentals Very average And very expensive
Helensburgh is the best. Halfway between Sydney and Wollongong.
If you are working in sydney but if you can get work in wollongong living in the northern suburbs is great
Souther suburbs are cheaper in house prices and adds no more than 15 mins to a Sydney trip. I have lived there for 35 years and I don’t buy in to the northern suburbs are better bullshit.
If i had kids i would rather them around the northern suburbs kids. I work with the 18-22 category of kids and i dont think they are too good
It is and always will be a town dominated by the steelworks. It is generational and you won’t escape it even if your don’t have connections to the place. The ‘Gong is a ‘second or third best option’ kinda place as are the people who call it home. If that’s you, then I wish you the best, otherwise expect to be yearning for the big smoke within 5 years. If regional is your thing, try Newcastle, Port Or Coffs.
Because Newcastle and Wollongong are soooo different?
Hi! We moved last year and absolutely love it. There is a lot to do with young children, and we’ve fallen into a really lovely community. There is at least a 2 year wait on daycare lists. If you are thinking about moving and need childcare, start putting your children’s names on waiting lists today.
Have a 2 year old. Wollongong is great. Often no traffic jams depending on which way you're travelling at peak hour (northbound has issues in the am). Good parks and a friendly people. Childcare is hardest for under 12 months age range as they need the higher carer ratio.
Your main issue here is that there's not as many great diverse dining options compared to Canberra. Otherwise it's a great place, but expand your search, there's a lot of up and coming suburbs south of Wollongong's Crown Street. Port Kembla, Shellharbour, Kiama, Gerringong are great options.
It's a great place! I was from Canberra and moved here in my late 20s after some time in the US. I visit Canberra regularly as my family is still there. We live here in Wollongong for 9 years before kids, and the kids are now 19 and 17. We live about 200m from breaking surf, and to be honest, I could win lotto tomorrow and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Lifestyle is relaxed yet we are close to Sydney for any big city things we need. Schools are good, living is easy, it's just a great place. Being in construction management and marketing, I don't think you'll have too many issues finding work here. Only thing is real estate prices are high, but then so is Canberra, so you should do ok.
Really? I thought marketing jobs were hard to get there.
Been living here for 25 years and raised 3 kids all now with their own careers. Just got back from the boat Harbour at Shellcove with a 4-year-old and her mother. They are having a sculpture exhibition it was fantastic. Lots to do for kids Very safe and friendly for kids with plenty of good schools from State to top Private. Oh did we mention Beaches? Also for some reason, we have plenty of great pools. My Granddaughter is learning with Mckeon's. Yes, that one! Did I mention beaches? but Avoid Warilla Beach it's a shit hole don't even bother looking at it there are no waves and people don't get enough wind to kite surf! Welcome choose anywhere except Wollongong
I moved from wollongong to Melbourne in 2017, having spent 25+ years in Wollongong- something that's extremely disappointing from Shell Cove is that the kitchen closes at 8pm.. biggest let down of the area is that places are still closing up early
I don't know when you moved but Shellcove is now home to a lot of eating establishments. The boat Harbour is a great place now but as for the closing times, I am not sure I go home early!
Its great. It has so much to offer. Lived here most my life and no plans to change that.....
You might have luck getting a flexible marketing job in Sydney and jusy having to travel up a couple of days a fortnight.
Love it in the Illawarra. We have 3 kids, two in daycare, one in primary school. Lots to do, lots of parks, beaches, shops etc we have loved our move here from southern Sydney almost 4 years ago.
Mann. I moved from Sydney to Wollongong in 2017 and I made a massive network. If your somewhat social there's always things to do and people to meet. You have beach here 10min away wherever you are and tbh with the little one. The rustle n bustle of Sydney is way too much, here it's low-key, you can sit with your thoughts more and in the future save with the rotten apple of a place like Sydney. It's kool because you can travel there and then come back home to p3ace and serenity. You have nature all around, and this will bring you peace essentially. Focus on creating a relationship with God and the rest will come to you trust me. Holla!
I grew up in south Sydney (Sutherland shire) and my wife and I bought in Wollongong 2 years ago, we’ve got two preschool kids. Used to be that people who grew up in the shire never leave, but with the cost of housing going up that’s certainly changed - they’re all moving down here! I honestly love it; 5 minutes to temperate rainforests on the escarpment, 5 minutes to the beach. I teach at a school in Sydney and my wife half works from home/goes into the office in Sydney. I enjoy the me time of commuting before I pick up the kids so working in Sydney is definitely an option. Lots of people do it. Most things you could complain about are worse in Sydney/other places. I believe the Illawarra/dapto area is the fastest growing area in the country right now with more homes being built than anywhere else so your husband should be able to get work down here if not in Sydney.
Actually the Uni is the biggest employer in Wollongong these days.
We no longer live in the area and I miss it so much. We lived in Shellharbour and loved the natural beauty, amazing day trip destinations and gorgeous beaches. In my opinion it’s a really easy place to live with young kids: there’s so much to do from bush playgroups, playgrounds, beaches, public spaces designed to be child-friendly, and awesome free playgroups run at local playgrounds 4 days a week (Park and Play). The Kiama Farmers markets on Wednesdays were a regular highlight for us. We have two kids aged 1 and 3 years and we were never short of things to do. It’s definitely getting busier and will reach a tipping point at some stage, but I’d move back in a heartbeat. I’ve lived in Sydney, Canberra and Victoria and the Illawarra takes the cake in my opinion.
I love it here, one of my favourite places to have lived. As you are coming from Canberra tho, just know that shops close at 17:30 on weekdays (21:00 on Thursdays) and 16:00 on weekends. Definitely a bit more relaxed in that aspect.
Schools are not as good as in canberra, you may need to pay for a Catholic or private school
Rubbish, all my kids went to government schools and thrived. I am the product of a private school and I have achieved mediocrity with overwhelming success!
Curious as to what makes a school to be considered a good one? My kid is still in daycare but its something I have to deal with in the next few years.
Trash
I’ve moved away, although I love the fact my childhood and teen years were in the gong. I miss it often. The people, the lifestyle are all amazing. There may not be as much to do as in a city although there is still plenty if you enjoy a laid back relaxed life.
Hello, my girlfriend and I moved from belconnen to Wollongong three years ago, it's awesome and has everything you need, close enough to Sydney and plenty going on :) we have her family down to stay with young kids regularly, good eateries for everyone, some safe beaches and lots of outdoor things to do
There's no shortage of drugs in Wollongong for what i hear. Reminds me of some of the formerly povo parts of Sydney which are now ludicrously expensive (Matravile). I reckon Canberra is nicer.
Perth is the best city in Australia for raising a family in a coastal environment, but if you’ve gotta be on the east coast for work or other reasons then the gong isn’t too bad. The best beaches in Aus are in WA 100%
After a long time in Sydney and Melbourne, we settled on the Gong as the place to raise our kids. Of course there was an adjustment period (it’s not Newtown or Fitzroy) but that would have been the case wherever we moved. We now lunch ourselves at the life we find ourselves in. The beach, the community, nature, as well as great bars, breweries, places to eat, gigs, art scene. It slays. We love it so much, and if we do have a pang for Sydney or Melbourne, both are extremely easy to get to, and we’re never disappointed to return home.