Campbelltown to Wollongong drive: Distance, time & best stops

Top road trip stops on the Campbelltown to Wollongong drive include Dharawal National Park and Cataract Dam. The distance from Campbelltown to Wollongong is 52km, with a driving time of 45m.

Planning a Campbelltown to Wollongong road trip

The Campbelltown to Wollongong drive climbs down the Illawarra Escarpment from the Macarthur region of New South Wales to the state’s third largest city.

To look for Campbelltown accommodation deals, head here.

Wollongong offers several amazing beaches, tandem hang-gliding flights and skydives with a beach landing. To find the best Wollongong accommodation, look here.

This guide should help you plan your ideal Campbelltown to Wollongong road trip. Click through on the links for more detailed information about individual towns and attractions.

If you need to hire a car, find the best rental deals. And don’t forget to do all your pre-road trip shopping.

Campbelltown to Wollongong distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Campbelltown to Wollongong is 52km, with a driving time of around 45 minutes.

Attractions in Campbelltown include the Campbelltown Steam and Machinery Museum, the Sambar Brown Lookout and the Australian Botanic Garden. The Smiths Creek Reserve, meanwhile, is the best place to see koalas in Sydney.

The quickest route from Campbelltown to Wollongong is almost entirely along the B69, which is also known as Appin Road.

Campbelltown to Wollongong drive: Dharawal National Park and Cataract Dam

You’ll soon come to Gilead, which acts as the gateway to most of the highlights in Dharawal National Park. The Weir, Minerva Pool, Jingga Pool and the O’Hares Creek Lookout all congregate close to each other.

The road then passes through humdrum Appin, before threading past Cataract Dam.

If diverting to Cataract Dam, there are tremendous views available from the top of the dam wall. It’s also a popular picnic spot. Fishing, boating and swimming are not allowed, however, as the lake’s primary function is drinking water supply rather than leisure.

Campbelltown to Wollongong road trip: Joining the Princes Highway

After snaking down the Illawarra Escarpment, Appin Road joins the Princes Highway next to the Bulli Lookout. This is a good photo stop,

You’ll pass the Mount Keira Lookout and Illawarra Rhododendron Gardens on the way into Wollongong.

Things to do in Wollongong include admiring the twin lighthouses on the harbour and swimming at the Continental Pool.

6 fantastic Wollongong experiences to book before you arrive

Tandem hang-gliding flight from Bald Hill – float down towards the beach.
One hour private surf lesson in Woonona – learn the basics, and get standing on your board.
Illawarra Fly ziplining course and treetop walk – test your nerves high up in the canopy.
Tandem skydive with beach landing – feel the rush of freefall.
Explore the city on a scavenger hunt – a fun way to get to know Wollongong better.
Half day deep sea fishing adventure – haul in some big boys.