Sydney to Wollongong road trip guide: Stops, distance & drive time
The quickest drive from Sydney to Wollongong is 85km in distance, with a driving time of 1h17m. But the slightly longer road trip along the Illawarra coast is more fun.
The drive from Sydney to Wollongong connects the largest and third largest cities in New South Wales. Such is the suburban sprawl of both Sydney and the Illawarra region that the two almost merge into one.
Sydney’s enormous collection of experiences includes all-inclusive sunset dinner cruises, behind-the-scenes tours of the Opera House, jet boat thrill rides and historic walking tours. To get the best deals on Sydney accommodation, book here. To find Sydney tours and experiences that suit your tastes, step this way.
Sydney to Wollongong driving time
The Sydney to Wollongong drive is 85km in distance, with a Sydney to Wollongong driving time of one hour and 17 minutes.
The quickest route to Wollongong from Sydney follows the Princes Motorway. It heads through Sydney’s southern suburbs, such as Brighton-le-Sands, Kogarah, Sylvania and Kirrawee before skirting the eastern edge of the Royal National Park.
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.
After passing through Engadine, Heathcote and Waterfall, you reach Helensburgh. Here’s where you have to make the decision to choose the quick route of the scenic route.
Go for the quick route and you largely follow the Illawarra Escarpment, zooming down the Princes Motorway. The Sublime Point Lookout, Bulli Lookout and Mount Keira Lookout are good photo stops if you wish to pull over.
