How to get here
Wollongong is approximately 1.5 hours south of Sydney, connected by the City Rail network and by the F6 freeway (now known as the M1), which joins with the Princes Highway at Sutherland in Sydney’s southern suburbs.
From the Airport / Sydney
Flights: Wollongong is best serviced from Sydney airport. For those flying interstate or internationally, your options for connecting to Wollongong from Sydney airport, are via the rail system, a shuttle bus service, private transfer or to drive (hire car).
Rail: Delegates connecting from Sydney airport (domestic or international terminals) can use airport railway stations: catch the train heading to Wolli Creek (one stop only from the Domestic Airport), and then catch the express train to Wollongong from Wolli Creek. Please plan your journey in advance to avoid long waits or near-miss failed connections as trains are not frequent. Timetables and trip planners are available at Cityrail.
Shuttle Bus: Leisure Coast Limousine Services and Airport Connections also offer transportation to/from Sydney Airport and Sydney City. Services details are available on Leisure Coast Limousine Services and Airport Connections website.
Private Transfers: If you want to come to Wollongong without the hassle of driving or worry, try the following private transfer companies in Wollongong:
By the Sea Luxury Cars – Ph: 0419 427 882 email: possie@tpg.com.au
Super Hire Cars – Ph 02 4228 3635 email: enquiries@superiorhirecars.com.au
Wollongong Limousine Service – Ph: 02 4225 3666
Getting Around Wollongong
Bus: The free Gong Shuttle public bus service now operates 7 days a week around Wollongong city. This includes a high frequency loop service from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University, travelling in both directions. Buses can be caught from any specially marked green Gong Shuttle bus stop. The service operates between 7.00 am and 10.00 pm from Monday to Friday; every 10 minutes during peak (7.00 am-9.00 am & 3.00 pm-6.00 pm) and every 20 minutes off-peak. The weekend service operates every 20 minutes between 8.00 am and 6.00 pm. We encourage you to use the Gong Shuttle throughout your stay in Wollongong, as it is a good way to get a feel for central city/inner-city areas, as well as get from your hotel to the conference, to cafes, pubs and the beach. For more information visit http://www.uow.edu.au/transport/shuttles/index.html
Rail: UOW and Wollongong City Centre are both connected to the South Coast line of Sydney’s City Rail network. UOW is closest to North Wollongong station – which is a 15 minute walk from campus or 3 minutes on the free North Gong shuttle bus – they connect UOW with North Wollongong station every 7 minutes in peak hours, every 15 minutes thereafter. Visit City Rail for more information.
Road: UOW is adjacent to the F6 Freeway (also known as the M1 Motorway) at the base of the Illawarra escarpment (Mt Ousley Road). Coming from the north (Sydney), there are two exits
immediately after descending the escarpment. The first exit signposted Wollongong CBD takes you into the suburb of Fairy Meadow and thence to Wollongong City Centre; 200 metres further on along
the freeway, the second exit, signposted University, takes you quickly to UOW. Follow signs. If you miss either or both exits, there are subsequent exits further along the freeway and it is
possible to loop back around to both UOW and the city centre.
Other than free car parks for car-pooling visitors, there are a limited number of ticketed car parks on UOW campus where it is possible to pay by the hour. The only other alternative is to park
in surrounding residential streets, and these too are either limited-parking (2 hour maximum) or quickly filled – or both. An alternative for those staying in Wollongong City Centre while in town
for the conference, is to drive straight to your hotel and then leave your car there for the duration of the conference, and use the free Gong Shuttle bus for all intra-city transport to/from UOW
campus.
Cycling: Parts of Wollongong especially along the beaches/coastal fringe, are well connected by dedicated, safe cycle-ways and the city is steadily becoming a destination for professional cycling groups. If you are a keen cyclist, consider hiring a bike and exploring the city’s string of northern beachside villages, hemmed in by the escarpment, by cycle-way. For information see Cycling to UOW.