Royal Caribbean is testing the waters at Wollongong's Port Kembla as a possible new homeport for its Australian fleet, which is fast running out of docking options in Sydney.
Port Kembla is an industrial port about 4 km south of the center of Wollongong. There are no facilities in the port.
To get to Wollongong by train from Sydney airport, you should catch an airport train to Wolli Creek, and then change for a train to Wollongong. Peak hour trains to Wollongong often skip Wolli Creek, so during peak hour catch the next train to Hurstville, and then change again for a train to Wollongong on the South Coast rail line. Private bus companies operate shuttle services from the airport to any destination door to door in the Illawarra/Wollongong region.
Map of Port Kembla
Video of Port Kembla
Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers
Monthly Climate Averages for Port Kembla Australia
Marvel at the Nan Tien Temple, one of the largest Buddhists temples in the southern hemisphere. Built using traditional Chinese techniques, the complex are the site of two massive prayer halls, the Thousand Handed Avalokitesvara, and the Five Dhyani Buddhas, as well as large gardens, a restaurant, and classes on Chinese culture.
Go for a stroll take in natures beauty in the Wollongong Botanical Garden located at the foot of Mount Keira. Relax with the family at the Wattamolla lagoon within the Royal National Park, where you can have a picnic, swim and snorkel. Take breathtaking pictures at the historic Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse, built in 1871 to help mariners safely navigate the port.
There are hourly train services between Sydney and Wollongong on the South Coast Cityrail line. This train can be busy during the morning and evening peaks heading towards and away from Sydney respectively, but you should usually get a seat. The train journey is a scenic one, travelling through the Royal National Park with views of the ocean and rainforest. Sit on the left hand side and upstairs (looking in the direction of travel) when travelling from Sydney or the right hand side travelling to Sydney. The trip takes around 90 minutes.
During the summer months, Wollongong has 17 surf beaches to choose from, each with less crowds and more space than any Sydney beaches. All have free foreshore parking, and most are accessible by public transport and bicycle.
A free shuttle bus runs in Wollongong every 20 minutes showing the places of interest.
Holidays in Australia
Thank you for printing this article! Please don’t forget to come back to whatsinport.com for new and updated port guides.