About London
Heading to London
Getting around London is convenient, thanks to its extensive transport network. Visitors can choose from various options, including the iconic London Underground (Tube), buses, taxis, and trains. Each mode of transportation offers unique advantages, whether it’s quick access to city attractions, scenic routes, or direct connections to major hubs. Below are detailed options for travelling by car, train, bus, and taxi to help you navigate the city seamlessly. Click below to view transportation options.
Transportation Options
By Car
1.5 - 2 Hours
The quickest route to get to Wollongong is to travel by car via the Westlink (M7) motorway that can be accessed via Macarthur in Sydney’s west.
Another straightforward and easy option when travelling by car is to take the M1 motorway from Sydney central that will take approximately 80 minutes to arrive into Wollongong.
If you’re looking to take in some of the glorious coastal scenery then it might be of interest to take the scenic route via Grand Pacific Drive which starts just 45 minutes south of the Sydney CBD.
The drive travels from the Royal National Park alongside glorious tropical rainforests; from mountains, onto the incredible coastline that travels all the way into Wollongong.
Hire cars are available from the airport Cheap Car Hire Sydney Airport – Rentalcars.com
By Train
2 hours from Sydney Airport and @$30AUD
Go to the Airport station’s Platform 2. Catch the train to Wolli Creek Station and change to Platform 4 for your train to Wollongong (The South Coast line) or
Go to Sydney Airport Domestic or Sydney Airport International Train Station. At either of these stations go to Platform 1. Catch the train to Central Station and change to the South Coast Line from the Country Platforms (1-13) at Central Station.
*Please note that not all trains to the South Coast stop at Wolli Creek Station, so check transportnsw.info OR if in doubt, we recommend you travel to Central Station.
transportnsw.info
The Transport for NSW Trip Planner provides scheduled train times. Search for a journey from the “International Airport” or “Domestic Airport” to “North Wollongong Station”.
By Bus
2 hours $18AUD
Airport Shuttle Services Sydney SYD Airport Shuttle Service
Premier Motor Service operates a regular bus that travels from Sydney to Eden with a stop-off in Wollongong. Tickets and timetables can be found at premierms.com.au Once in Wollongong there is are free shuttle buses from the CBD to the UOW campuses or other bus services are available.
Taxis & Private Transport
Taxis do not generally operate between Sydney Airport and Wollongong. Several private transport companies provide airport pick up services using small buses or hire cars. Some rideshare companies also operate between Sydney and Wollongong.
Handy UOW Getting to Wollongong Transport Access guide
Sydney Airport
Staying in Wollongong
There are many accomodation options in Wollongong, a short drive to the conference venue at the University of Wollongong. You can easily find these options through a simple Google search, however here are some of our recommendations.
Accomodation Options
SAGE Hotel Wollongong
SAGE Hotel Wollongong is a 3-star hotel located just 15 minutes from the University of Wollongong and 2km from Wollongong Train Station. Just one block from the beach, SAGE Hotel is situated opposite WIN Stadium, the home of the St George Illawarra Dragons Rugby League and the Illawarra Hawks Basketball teams. If you fancy a round of golf on your trip to Wollongong, SAGE Hotel is conveniently located right next to the Wollongong Gold Club, with some rooms even overlooking the green. With six different room types available, SAGE Hotel offers a range of accomodation types to meet your needs.
We have partnered with SAGE Hotel Wollongong to provide all conference delegates a 15% discount for their stay between the 22nd – 25th November 2022. Delegates can receive this discount on two room types:
Deluxe Room (from AUD$200): The rooms feature a Queen bed, 40-inch flat screen TV, cable internet & Wi-Fi, mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities. For more info: https://www.nexthotels.com/sage/wollongong/room/deluxe-queen-room/
Executive Balcony Room (from AUD$250): The rooms feature a Queen bed, 40-inch flat screen TV, cable internet & Wi-Fi, mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities and balcony. For more info: https://www.nexthotels.com/sage/wollongong/room/executive-balcony-room/
To take advantage of this discount, please use the rate code SPSYWOL when booking via email and phone ONLY. Online bookings are not able to use this code.
Email bookings: reception.wollongong@sage-hotels.com
Phone bookings please call: +61 02 4201 2111 extension 4
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is a 4-star located in North Wollongong, overlooking North Beach (a.ka. the Tasman Sea). If you’re looking for accomodation with a little more luxury, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is the place for you. Just a quick 10 minute drive to the University of Wollongong, or a short 2km walk from North Wollongong Train Station, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is conveniently located so you can make the most of your time in Wollongong. Novotel Wollongong Northbeach offers spacious modern rooms, many with stunning ocean or mountain views. With the newly refurbished Palisade Kitchen + Bar, or the popular Pepe’s on the Beach, Novotel Wollongong North Beach has everything you want plus more.
Whilst we do not have a deal with Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, you can find out more about their room types here (from AUD$307): Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Best Western City Sands
Situated within the Wollongong Gold Club, the 4-star Best Western City Sands Hotel is located only a short 5 minute walk to Crown Street Mall, 2 minute walk to WIN Stadium and South Beach. It is also only 4.6km from the University of Wollongong, meaning travel to and from the conference venue will be cheap. The Best Western City Sands offers 20 contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments with panoramic views of ocean and escarpment, situated on an 18-hole links-style golf course. The Best Western City Sands is also home to the Deck, a relaxed restaurant in idyllic surrounds which offers delicious lunch and dinner options.
Whilst we do not have a deal with the Best Western City Sands, you can find out more about their room types here (from AUD$225): Best Western City Sands Rooms
Quest Wollongong
Located in the heart of Wollongong CBD, Quest Wollongong serviced apartment style hotel rooms offer guests a relaxed and comfortable Wollongong accommodation experience perfect for short stays. Quest Wollongong is close to all of the main attractions in Wollongong, including being just a short 1km stroll from WIN Stadium and South Beach. The beauty of Quest Wollongong is its proximity to many of the delightful restaurants, bars and cafes that Wollongong has to offer. Similar to the other accommodation options, Quest Wollonging is only a 10-minute drive to the University of Wollongong, meaning a Taxi or Rideshare service will only cost you spare change.
Whilst we do not have a deal with Quest Wollongong, you can find out more about their room types here (from AUD$256): Quest Wollongong Rooms
Explore Wollongong
Wollongong is situated along the Grand Pacific Drive south of Sydney. The shoreline is lined with surfing beaches and rock pools. The Illawarra mountain range, which encompasses the city, is framed by trails that surround the woods and steep cliffs of Mt. Keira. Hang gliders take off from Bald Hill to the north. The Buddhist temple of Nan Tien is to the south, as is Lake Illawarra, a huge lagoon with boating and fishing opportunities.
Currently, there are no COVID-19 related restrictions in New South Wales, including Wollongong. There are also currently no vaccine related restrictions to enter Australia from overseas. To keep up-to-date with current health guidelines, please visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/rules
Sports
London boasts some of the most storied football teams in the world, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a premier venue for football and other major events, including NFL games. Rugby fans can enjoy the thrill of international matches at Twickenham Stadium, England’s home of rugby. For motorsport enthusiasts, Silverstone Circuit, the site of the British Grand Prix, is just a short drive away. Additionally, cricket lovers can explore Lord’s Cricket Ground, known as the “Home of Cricket,” as well as the The Oval offering a deep dive into the sport’s rich history.
Royal London Tour
Experience the grandeur of London’s royal landmarks. Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, offers guided tours of the State Rooms during the summer months, where you can witness the opulence of royal life. Kensington Palace the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, showcases exhibitions on royal history and fashion. For those interested in royal ceremonies, Westminster Abbey is a must-see, as the site of coronations, royal weddings, and the final resting place of many monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth I. Walk the historic Mall, lined with Union Jacks, leading up to Buckingham Palace.
Arts & Culture
London is a cultural capital, home to some of the world’s most prestigious art galleries. The Tate Modern, housed in a former power station, is a world-renowned gallery of contemporary art, showcasing works by Picasso, Rothko, and Warhol. The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square boasts a collection of over 2,300 paintings, including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Rembrandt. For those interested in decorative arts and design, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is a treasure trove, featuring everything from fashion and textiles to sculpture and ceramics.
West End Theatres
London’s West End Theatres are synonymous with world-class theatre. Often compared to Broadway, the West End offers a wide array of shows, from timeless classics like The Phantom of the Opera to more contemporary hits like Hamilton and The Book of Mormon. The area around Covent Garden and Leicester Square is home to many historic theatre’s, including the Royal Opera House and the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. With a vibrant mix of musicals, dramas, and comedies, there’s something to suit every taste, making London a dream destination for theatre lovers.
Tourist Attractions
London is brimming with must-see landmarks. The London Eye, towering over the Thames, offers panoramic views of the city, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Shard, the tallest building in the UK, provides a similar experience from its glass-walled observation deck. Take a boat cruise along the Thames to see landmarks like the Tower Bridge and Shakespeare’s Globe. For a blend of history and leisure, a visit to Covent Garden offers street performances, boutique shopping, and a bustling market.
History
London’s history is rich and captivating. The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to 1066 and has served as a royal palace, prison, and home to the Crown Jewels. With its stunning Gothic architecture, Westminster Abbey has been the site of every British coronation since 1066 and is the burial place of iconic figures like Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton. For a deeper dive into the city’s past, the Museum of London offers exhibits detailing London’s journey from Roman times to the modern metropolis.
2012 Olympics Legacy
The 2012 London Olympics left a lasting mark on the city, with the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park standing as a testament to its success. Visitors can explore the state-of-the-art sports venues, such as the London Stadium, originally built for the Olympics and now home to West Ham United FC.
The ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest sculpture, offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck and a thrilling descent via its 178-meter tunnel slide. The park also features beautifully landscaped gardens, walking trails, and the Aquatics Centre, still hosting international swimming events.
Green Spaces
London is home to many vast green spaces offering tranquility amidst the urban sprawl.
Hyde Park, one of the city’s largest parks, is perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, or boating on the Serpentine Lake. Visit the Diana Memorial Fountain or Speaker’s Corner, where public debates have taken place for over a century.
Regent’s Park, with its rose gardens and the famous London Zoo, is another gem. For panoramic city views, head to Primrose Hill. Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat or a bustling gathering spot, London’s parks have something for everyone.
Museums
London’s museums house some of the most significant collections in the world.
The British Museum boasts artifacts from ancient civilizations, including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures. The Natural History Museum offers awe-inspiring exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to gems, while the Science Museum is ideal for interactive displays and learning about scientific breakthroughs.
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) showcases an eclectic mix of decorative arts, fashion, and design, with rotating exhibits that feature everything from haute couture to medieval armour.
Historical Landmarks
London is steeped in history, and its architectural landmarks reflect this rich past. St. Paul’s Cathedral, with its iconic dome, survived the Blitz and continues to be a symbol of resilience. Westminster Hall, part of the Palace of Westminster, dates back to 1097 and has hosted everything from medieval banquets to modern-day political addresses.
The Houses of Parliament, home to the UK’s government, and Big Ben are iconic symbols of democracy and governance. A walk through these historic structures offers a glimpse into the heart of British history and politics.