WOLLONGONG Wollongong is the first and only major city on the coast south of Sydney. In fact as is the case with Newcastle to the north, Wollongong has a high commute factor to Sydney, both by train and rail. Wollongong is an industrial city; initially, coal mining and at then steel construction has ensured Wollongong’s future. Wollongong is noted for its numerous surfing beaches, scenic lookouts and botanic gardens.  It has two regional cathedrals, and churches of many denominations. With a population of 284,169 Wollongong are the 3rd largest city in New South Wales after Sydney and Newcastle, and the 9th largest city in Australia. The first Europeans to visit the area were the navigators George Bass and Matthew Flinders, who landed at Lake Illawarra in 1796. The first settlers in the region were cedar cutters in the early nineteenth century; today Wollongong has a distinctly multicultural population. Many migrants were attracted to the area by the job opportunities at the Port Kembla steelworks in the post-war period. Wollongong central has few/no traditional pubs. The Wollongong War Memorial is a very lightweight acknowledgment to the fallen; the labour heritage most likely the reason. The Wollongong Museum is located at the eastern edge of the cbd. Like all large cities Wollongong is not easy to navigate, but that said once on foot is a likeable downtown precinct. Allow a few days to enjoy.