Wollongong, Australia 🇦🇺
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Wollongong is a coastal city located in New South Wales, Australia, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to Sydney. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 300,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 80 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AUD ≈ 0.66 USD. Major banks include Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, and of good quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type I sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone are the main providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common payment methods include debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and PayPal. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely across the city. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Stayz, and local rental agencies offer short term accommodations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort and the YHA Hostel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Internet Lounge offers a vibrant coworking space with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kinn Thai Cafe has great coffee and a comfortable workspace. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are organized regularly through platforms like Meetup.com and Eventbrite. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Wollongong Expats' provide community engagement opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates extensively throughout Wollongong. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Wollongong has bike rental services like Wollongong Bike Share. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | North Wollongong Beach is a popular choice and 5 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Regional Express (Rex) connects to nearby regional areas. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Qantas and Virgin Australia serve Sydney Airport for international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The M1 Pacific Motorway connects Wollongong to Sydney and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Wollongong Station is the primary train station, connecting to Sydney. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Opal Card is used for all public transport in NSW. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Wollongong to nearby cities like Kiama and Shellharbour. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Wollongong Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Wollongong offers a variety of classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and F45 Training provide excellent workout options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wollongong has various laundromats, including Wollongong Wash & Fold. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Deliveroo are popular food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local seafood dishes, particularly the fish and chips from the Pavilion. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Soul Origin and The Grain Store offer excellent vegan/vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Dessert House is renowned for its variety of sweet treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Wollongong Central has a variety of inexpensive food court options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Australia and eBay are widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coles and Woolworths offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Crown Street is the main nightlife strip with various bars and pubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Wollongong Brewery is a popular local establishment. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Appreciation Society hosts wine tastings and events. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The weekly markets at Crown Street feature local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Taste of Curry on Burelli Street is highly recommended. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Wollongong Lighthouse and the Wollongong Harbour are must-visit spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Wollongong Art Gallery hosts impressive exhibitions and collections. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Wollongong Railway Station is a significant historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary Star of the Sea Cathedral is a notable place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Wollongong Festival showcases local talent and culture each year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Wollongong Arts Precinct for galleries and performances. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Illawarra Performing Arts Centre hosts various shows and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Wollongong Markets offer local produce and artisan goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Cambridge Hotel features a wide array of music acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Wollongong has vibrant street art, particularly in the laneways near the city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Wollongong Cooking School offers classes for all levels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Artist Market features local artists showcasing their work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Wollongong Town Hall is an architectural landmark worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Wollongong has a rich mining heritage reflected in local museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Wollongong Botanic Garden offers a tranquil space for nature enthusiasts. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Royal National Park is a short drive from Wollongong, perfect for hiking and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Coastal Walk from Wollongong to Thirroul provides stunning ocean views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Illawarra Lookout provides panoramic views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Illawarra is a popular spot for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | North Wollongong Beach has designated bonfire areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Australia Post and CouriersPlease provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Mobile Planet offers repair services for various gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Wollongong Table Tennis Club provides facilities for table tennis enthusiasts. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Wollongong Language School offers courses in various languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Wollongong City Library has excellent resources and study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Wollongong Community Centre hosts events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On is a lounge for video gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Wests Illawarra offers gaming facilities and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 200,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AUD 160,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 270,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AUD 210,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AUD 4,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 336,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AUD 3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AUD 256,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation for locals and expats. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Australia has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the unimproved value of the land. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 5% to 6% depending on the state. |