Wollongong Activities

Wollongong activities here take you above the coast or out onto it, from a tandem skydive over the NSW coastline to a deep-sea fishing charter and whale and dolphin cruises. If you're after things to do in Wollongong for a day trip from Sydney or a weekend on the coast, start here.

Tandem skydiving over the Wollongong coastline

The Wollongong tandem skydive jumps from up to 15,000ft with a qualified instructor attached to you, after a safety briefing on the ground. Freefall lasts up to 60 seconds at speeds of up to 200km/h, then the parachute opens for a 5 to 7 minute glide past beaches, the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline.

Every jump meets at the Skydive Sydney Wollongong check-in office at Stuart Park, North Wollongong, on the corner of George Hanley Drive and Cliff Road. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your jump time and allow about four hours. The booking covers a personalised certificate, all training and instruction, and Australian Parachute Federation insurance and membership.

Weekday or weekend skydive, with or without Sydney transfers

Skydive Australia runs the Wollongong jump on weekdays and weekends, so the choice mostly comes down to your calendar. The weekday tandem skydive and the weekend tandem skydive are the jump on its own, and you make your own way to Stuart Park.

Without a car, add the transfers. The weekday skydive with transfers and the weekend skydive with Sydney transfers include return transfers from Sydney CBD.

Deep-sea fishing charter from Wollongong

The deep sea fishing charter in Wollongong leaves Aquilla Charters' berth on Endeavour Drive at 6am and is back by 12pm, midweek only. A skipper and deckhands drift the outer reefs between Stanwell Park and Shellharbour while you fish.

Rods, bait, tackle and sinkers are supplied, with expert tuition if you haven't wet a line in a while. You keep what you catch, and the crew guts and cleans it for you (filleting isn't included). Breakfast is coffee, tea and a beef sausage sizzle. Bring your own food and drinks for the rest of the day.

Whale watching cruises from Shell Cove

The whale watching cruise from Shell Cove is a 90-minute trip out of the marina in the Shellharbour area, running during whale season from May to November. Humpback whales migrate past this coastline, and on the northern run the boat heads further out to find them.

Check in at The Salty Squid cafe at 9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove, 30 minutes before departure. Take a seasickness tablet beforehand if you're prone to it, because the crew doesn't supply them. For more whale watching along the coast, browse the South Coast whale watching cruises.

Dolphin cruises in Jervis Bay

If dolphins are the goal, head further south to Jervis Bay. The Jervis Bay dolphin watching cruise runs for 90 minutes on a bay with over 100 bottlenose dolphins, and you might also spot fur seals and sea turtles.

The Jervis Bay boom net dolphin cruise is the same length but adds a boom net extended from the boat, so you sit just above the water with the dolphins close by. Pack swimmers and a change of clothes. A coffee or tea is included. Both cruises board at Field Street in Huskisson.

Frequently asked questions

What activities can you book in Wollongong?

You can book a tandem skydive at Stuart Park in North Wollongong, a six-hour deep-sea fishing charter, and whale watching or dolphin cruises from Shell Cove and Jervis Bay.

How long does a Wollongong tandem skydive take?

A Wollongong tandem skydive takes about four hours from check-in to finish. Freefall lasts up to 60 seconds and the parachute descent runs 5 to 7 minutes.

Are there Wollongong activities for kids?

The Wollongong tandem skydive is for ages 16 and over. The Shell Cove whale watching cruise has child, concession and infant tickets, and the Jervis Bay dolphin cruises have child tickets for ages 2 to 14.

When can you go whale watching near Wollongong?

The whale watching cruise from Shell Cove runs from May to November, during the humpback migration.

Can you skydive in Wollongong as a day trip from Sydney?

Yes. The weekday and weekend Wollongong tandem skydive options with transfers include return transfers from Sydney CBD to the Skydive Sydney Wollongong drop zone.

Local tip: The skydive drop zone sits next to local beaches and cafes, so plan a coffee or a beach walk for after you land.

Head back to things to do in Wollongong to see what else is on the coast, or lock in the skydive, the fishing charter or the cruise that caught your eye. All good days are waiting.