Wollongong is located on the coast, 80 kilometres to the south of Sydney . With its population now approaching 200,000 residents, it is Australia's ninth largest city. The area boasts 17 patrolled beaches as well as many parks and cycle paths.
Its name is believed to have been translated from the Aboriginal word "Wol-lon-yuh", which means "sound of the sea". There are other beliefs also, as to where the name came from, which vary from names that mean 'may snakes' to expressions of surprise.
Initial settlement in 1815 saw the area used for cattle grazing, before trees were cleared for more farm lands . The trees themselves (mostly Cedar) were used in construction and boat building. In 1849 the first coal mine was opened and in 1927 the Illawarra Steelworkers were built at Pt Kembla.
Visit Wollongong City Council's website for more information.
