Destination | Wollongong
Wollongong is a beautiful seaside city perfectly nestled between the Illawarra escarpment and the Tasman Sea and is conveniently located just over an hours drive South of Sydney. The buzzing city centre offers shopping, art galleries, cafes, restaurants boasting fresh seafood and a lively bar scene.
This is completed by the abundance of natural beauty on offer with 17 stunning beaches, historic harbours and coastal rainforests – making it the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure and activities. Wollongong or “the Gong” as it is fondly referred to by locals and return visitors, is the third largest city in NSW located just 75km’s south of Sydney. Convenient freeways connect the region to Sydney and the nation’s capital, Canberra, or you can take the scenic multi award winning Grand Pacific Drive. The fabulous coastal routes dotted with crystal clear coves boast some of the world’s most pristine beaches stretching for many kilometres. Enjoy the backdrop of the Illawarra Escarpment which is covered with World Heritage National Parks and rainforests. Taking the scenic Grand Pacific Drive will provide the finest introduction to the South Coast – providing landscapes of vivid green forest, small seaside villages with innumerable cafes, and the famously photogenic Sea Cliff Bridge.
HOTEL | NOVOTEL WOLLONGONG NORTHBEACH
The conference will be held at the lovely waterfront Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, it has extensive meeting exhibition space with views over the coastline and escarpment. Delegates can take advantage of spacious pre-function areas, enjoy breaks or networking sessions on the outdoor terraces, drink hot barista made coffee at their leisure and enjoy the fresh, contemporary dining at Palisades Restaurant. At the end of a long day a choice of refreshing beers and exotic cocktails awaits you in the North Bar. When you retire at night every one of Novotel’s guest rooms include plush bedding, broadband internet, full-service amenities, 24-hour in-room dining service and in-room movies for total relaxation. The hotel is located opposite the popular Northbeach and in the heart of Wollongong and with lots of shopping, galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants in walking distance to the hotel for you to enjoy in your free time.
Accommodation - The Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
We have secured special accommodation rates at the hotel from Sunday 26 October through to Saturday 1 November (check out date).
Registration will open at the end of November 2024 and during your registration full registration types will be able to book and pay for the Novotel accommodation within the booking tool. Here are some of the room types and room only rates on offer:
• Residential view room (Queen or Twin) - $269.00 per night
• Ocean View (Queen or Twin) - $299.00 per night
• Courtyard (Twin) - $269.00 per night
• Ocean view with balcony (Queen or Twin) - $329.00 per night
• Suites $469.00 per night
• Beach Front Suites - $569.00 per night
Please note:
• It’s a minimum 4 nights stay check in Monday 27 October check out Friday 31 October 2025
• These are room only rates.
• Friday night will occur a $50.00 surcharge per room per night.
• Buffet breakfast is available in Palisade Kitchen & Bar at $30.00 per person per day
Other Accommodation Options
If you wish to book another hotel or are only attending part of the conference, there are other options within Wollongong we have listed a few suggestions these are close to the Novotel though still only a short walking distance. You will need to contact the hotels directly to check availability and make a reservation.
Adina Apartments
• Apartment style accommodation in the heart of Wollongong with 72 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
• Distance to Novotel – Walking 20 minutes
• Hotel website - Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong | Best Rate Guaranteed (adinahotels.com)
Quest Apartments
• Apartment style accommodation in the heart of Wollongong with 42 serviced apartments with full kitchen and laundry facilities.
• Distance to Novotel – Walking 20 minutes
• Hotel website - Quest Wollongong | Wollongong Serviced Apartments | Wollongong Accommodation (questapartments.com.au)
TOTTO Hotel
• Smack bang in the centre of Wollongong. Steps away from the beach with industrial style décor with 150 rooms.
• Distance to Novotel – Walking 20 minutes
• Hotel website - Hotel TOTTO Wollongong | Accommodation in Wollongong
TRAVEL | GETTING TO WOLLONGONG
Travelling to Wollongong couldn’t be simpler!
With options by air, rail or road travel, there’s something for everyone.
Wollongong is a stunning coastal city, located in the Illawarra Region on the South Coast of New South Wales, only 75km south of Sydney.
Flights - There are daily domestic flights from most main Australian capital cities available for delegates to book and many international flight options available.
Sydney International and domestic airports are approximately a one-hour trip by rail, airport shuttle or rental car.
Collecting your rental car directly from the airport, or picking it up after taking in the sights and sounds of Sydney, you can hit the road and drive the gentle 80km south to Wollongong with ease.
By Rail/Train - If delegates would like to travel by train the service between Sydney Airport and Wollongong is efficient and one of the most scenic routes in NSW. The train fare from the airport to Wollongong one way is AU$24.00 (Adult). The schedule for trains from Wollongong to the airport (and return) are available from www.transportnsw.info or phone 131 500.