Port Kembla Wollongong

Royal Caribbean is testing Wollongong's Port Kembla as a potential new homeport for its Australian fleet, which is rapidly running short of Sydney berthing options.

Port Kembla is an industrial harbour about 4 km south of central Wollongong and has no facilities.

To travel from Sydney airport to Wollongong by train, take an airport service to Wolli Creek and change there. Peak-hour Wollongong trains often omit Wolli Creek, so at those times take the next train to Hurstville, then change again for a Wollongong train on the South Coast line. Private bus operators also run door-to-door shuttles from the airport to any address in the Illawarra/Wollongong area.

Admire Nan Tien Temple, one of the southern hemisphere's largest Buddhist temples. Constructed with traditional Chinese methods, the complex contains two vast prayer halls, the Thousand Handed Avalokitesvara and the Five Dhyani Buddhas, along with extensive gardens, a restaurant and Chinese-culture classes.

Stroll through Wollongong Botanical Garden at the foot of Mount Keira and appreciate nature's beauty. At Wattamolla lagoon in Royal National Park, families can picnic, swim and snorkel. Take breathtaking photographs of historic Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse, built in 1871 to help mariners enter the harbour safely.

Hourly trains link Sydney and Wollongong on the South Coast Cityrail line. Services can be busy during morning peaks towards Sydney and evening peaks away from it, though you should usually find a seat. The scenic route crosses Royal National Park with ocean and rainforest views. From Sydney, sit upstairs on the left in the direction of travel; towards Sydney, choose the right. The trip takes around 90 minutes.

During summer, Wollongong offers 17 surf beaches, each with fewer crowds and more room than any Sydney beach. Every beach has free foreshore parking, and most can be reached by public transport or bicycle.

A free Wollongong shuttle runs every 20 minutes and visits local places of interest.