Science Space

South Coast NSW

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Buoyancy, inertia, the Stroop effect and other scientific laws and phenomena are explained with cranks, bubbling tubes and even a mechanical elephant at this hands-on science museum. Operated by the University of Wollongong, the Science Centre is very much geared towards kids (though adults might be pleased to learn how much they'd weigh on the planet Mercury). Planetarium shows ($6 extra) run regularly on most days.

You can get here on the free shuttle buses (55A and 55C) from Wollongong Station; they stop right outside.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • coastal view with era beach, royal national park, nsw

    Royal National Park

    21.77 MILES

    The 15,091-hectare Royal National Park was established in 1879, making it the oldest national park in the world after Yellowstone in the USA. Stretching…

  • Wollongong Botanic Garden

    Wollongong Botanic Garden

    1.46 MILES

    In a region already awash in scenic spots, Wollongong's botanic gardens still delight visitors with their attractive lily ponds, manicured lawns and…

  • International Cricket Hall of Fame

    International Cricket Hall of Fame

    27.75 MILES

    Bowral is where the late, great cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, Australia’s most legendary sporting hero, spent his boyhood. Incorporating the Bradman…

  • Seven Mile Beach

    Seven Mile Beach

    26.03 MILES

    This superlative crescent of sand, stretching south from Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads, is one of the South Coast's most memorable beaches thanks to its pale…

  • Little Blowhole

    Little Blowhole

    19.84 MILES

    At the southern end of town, off Tingira Cres, this smaller sibling to Kiama's famous blowhole is far more regular (if not nearly as exciting to witness)…

  • Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

    Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

    18.89 MILES

    At the eastern edge of Budderoo National Park, 15km inland from Kiama via Jamberoo, this is a surprisingly lush subtropical rainforest. A 1.6km loop walk…

  • Cronulla Beach

    Cronulla Beach

    27.95 MILES

    Cronulla is a beachy surf suburb south of Botany Bay, its long surf beach (Sydney's only one reachable by train) stretching beyond the dunes to the Botany…

  • Symbio Wildlife Gardens

    Symbio Wildlife Gardens

    14.1 MILES

    Friendly kangaroos are the highlight at this private zoo, 34km north of Wollongong. Native animals such as emus, echidnas and koalas (plus imported…

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6. Wollongong City Beach

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