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Wollongong South Part Three - Surf, Sand and Sun Wollongong's warm climate is ideal for swimming and surfing. Many locals regard Port Kembla Beach as one of the region's top surfing spots. As with all the major beaches throughout the city, it is patrolled by professional lifeguards during the summer months. One of the best kept secrets is that sand from Port Kembla was exported to Hawaii to restore their famous beaches after they were devastated by fierce storms. The most recent addition to Port Kembla Beach is a state of the art swimming complex of international standard. Mount Kembla Mining Village This historic village was initially known as Violet Hill, but its name was changed to Mount Kembla in 1884 after the opening of the first coal mine. Many of the original miners' cottages still remain, as does the old hotel and primary school constructed in 1895. A bushwalking trail commencing at the school and transversing a large tract of rainforest, is open to anyone who wishes to experience this remarkably beautiful environment. An added bonus is the large variety of flora and fauna to be found along the way. The school also houses a museum of local memorabilia. Viewings can be arranged on request. Just a few metres away, a memorial commemorates the 1902 mine disaster in which 96 local men and boys lost their lives and a further 152 were injured. Just about every family in the village was directly affected by this tragedy, which is still described as the worst mining disaster in Australian History. Further up the escarpment are Graham Gallery and Ruby's Restaurant, both equally well known throughout the area. Ruby's Restaurant caters for a wide range of functions as well as casual dining. It is also a popular choice for weddings with its fine food and magnificent surrounds. Moving at a Great Pace Dapto, Wollongong's fastest growing suburb, was first established as a rural settlement in the early 1800's. Dairying had been Dapto's mainstay for many years until recently when the suburb virtually exploded with new residential estates and commercial outlets. The rural link however is still strong as evidenced by the range of recreational and entertainment opportunities available within the district. These include the Yallah Woolshed a popular music and line dancing centre, Logbridge Farm, the Four Seasons Riding Academy, Kanahooka Point Indoor Equestrian Centre and the Koonawarra Lakeview Lodge Stud. >> Back to Wollongong North Top of Page

•  Part One - Popular Port of Call    The bustling maritime complex of    Port Kembla Harbour •  Part Two - Clear Blue Waters    The beautiful Lake Illawarra •  Wollongong North •  Wollongong Central Get detailed driving directions from anywhere in Australia to Wollongong. Click the map below for a larger version, or view a more detailed map.