Solo Australia Part 21: Wollongong
7-25 Wollongong, a name derived from the Aboriginal language, means "sound of the sea." It is an industrial city on Australia's east coast, about 80 kilometers from Sydney, with numerous surfing beaches, scenic lookout points, and a botanical garden. Today, I am going to visit this city along the Grand Pacific Drive. On the way, I passed through the Royal National Park and dropped off my uncle at a small beach to fish.
This natural beach had few people, with the ground covered in seagull footprints and a lifesaving service point. Many people came here to surf.
Continuing along the Grand Pacific Drive towards Wollongong, I soon arrived at Bald Hill. The cliffs here are the best spot to overlook the Wollongong harbor scenery and are also a paradise for hang-gliding enthusiasts. The famous gliding pioneer Lawrence Hargrave began his first flight here. Jumping off the cliff, the sea breeze lifts you into the air, and you spread your wings like a bird, freely gliding in the sky, with the unbeatable views of the South Pacific and the toy-like seaside houses below.
Under these cliffs, the houses by the sea are all super luxury ocean-view villas, owned by the ultra-wealthy! See that Lamborghini? Actually, there were four forming a convoy, roaring past. On such a sunny day, driving a luxury car on such a beautiful road—they really know how to enjoy life!
But the luxury lineup on the ground can't compare to the private plane trailing smoke across the sky! The deep blue sky was split in two by white smoke, as if the sky was torn open, very striking. It was like a sharp sword thrust into the cliffs by the sea.
Look closely at the direction the sword points—do you see a bridge winding along the cliff? That is the Sea Cliff Bridge, a landmark of the Grand Pacific Drive.
In 2005, Australia built this bridge, making it the most beautiful section of the road. This elevated bridge, built along the cliff and winding over the South Pacific, is 665 meters long. You can drive or walk along the coast. You must stop here to enjoy it for a while before continuing. Stroll along the specially built pedestrian path, feel the sea breeze, and experience the endless deep blue.
Drove to a Chinese restaurant near the University of Wollongong, bought a delicious cumin beef rice, and headed directly to Wollongong Head. Parked the car, enjoyed lunch facing the clean beach—so satisfying!
Wollongong Head, the easternmost point of Wollongong, is a famous historical fortress, with eroded cliffs, grassy slopes, several reserve cannons, and two lighthouses. This is Flagstaff Hill Park. The hill has cliffs on three sides, below which are the turbulent Tasman Sea of the South Pacific. At the northern end of Wollongong Head stands the white Blackwater Lighthouse, marking the entrance to the sheltered Bellambi Bay. Built in 1872, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia, still using plant fuel. At the eastern end of Wollongong Head rises the Wollongong Head Lighthouse. Built in 1936, it was the first fully automatic flashing light installed by the Australian Department of Shipping in New South Wales, and also the first electric lighthouse in Australia. At the time, this reinforced concrete lighthouse cost a total of £16,207.00. Next to this white lighthouse are three black cannons, their muzzles pointing north towards the sea, guarding Bellambi Bay. Here, seagulls fly everywhere, the sea breeze blows, and the environment is beautiful and serene.
While in Wollongong, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, Nan Tien Temple, is a must-visit. Nan Tien Temple was founded by a Chinese international Buddhist community, construction began in 1992 and was completed in 1995, covering 55 acres with a building area of 11,000 square meters. It adopts a Chinese palace-style architecture, integrating the essence of Eastern and Western cultures. The name "Nan Tien" means "Southern Heaven," symbolizing a paradise in the Southern Hemisphere and promoting cultural exchange. The temple complex with yellow tiles and yellow walls is set against lush greenery, creating a beautiful scene. It is very popular and also offers vegetarian meals.
Another pleasant day. When I picked up my uncle at the beach it was already evening, the pink sky was exceptionally soft, and only the sound of the waves could be heard. Time to go back and eat fish!
Solo Australia Complete List
Solo Australia Part 27: Shopping
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1885842.html
Solo Australia Part 26: Strolling Around
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1885841.html
Solo Australia Part 25: Sydney Taronga Zoo
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1885160.html
Solo Australia Part 24: Paddington Market
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1885838.html
Solo Australia Part 23: Sydney Bondi Beach
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1884686.html
Solo Australia Part 22: Sydney Rocks Market
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1884684.html
Solo Australia Part 21: Wollongong
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1884683.html
Solo Australia Part 20: Sydney Blue Mountains
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1884682.html
Solo Australia Part 19: Gold Coast Sunrise, Koalas, Q1 Building
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/goldcoast456/1884681.html
Solo Australia Part 18: Gold Coast Movie World
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/goldcoast456/1885391.html
Solo Australia Part 17: Gold Coast Sea World
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/goldcoast456/1884680.html
Solo Australia Part 16: Brisbane, Capital of Queensland
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/brisbane323/1884679.html
Solo Australia Part 15: Gold Coast Whale Watching
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/goldcoast456/1884678.html
Solo Australia Part 14: Gold Coast Rainforest 4WD
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/goldcoast456/1884677.html
Solo Australia Part 13: Gold Coast Glowworm Caves
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/goldcoast456/1884676.html
Solo Australia Part 12: Port Stephens Dolphin Watching
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1884675.html
Solo Australia Part 11: Melbourne City
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/melbourne312/1884672.html
Solo Australia Part 10: Melbourne Gold Panning
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/melbourne312/1885390.html
Solo Australia Part 9: Melbourne Great Ocean Road
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/melbourne312/1884671.html
Solo Australia Part 8: Melbourne Phillip Island
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/melbourne312/1884670.html
Solo Australia Part 7: Canberra
http://you.ctrip.com/place/canberra321.html
Solo Australia Part 6: Parks, Markets, Zoo
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1885275.html
Solo Australia Part 5: Sydney City
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/sydney236/1884668.html
Solo Australia Part 4: Integration
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1884667.html
Solo Australia Part 3: Transportation & Communication
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1884875.html
Solo Australia Part 2: Arrival
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1884873.html
Solo Australia Part 1: Preparation
http://you.ctrip.com/travels/australia100048/1884664.html
