Summer in Wollongong is all about salty air, long beach days and slow mornings that roll into sunset drinks by the water. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous weekend escape or locking in a longer coastal stay, where you choose to stay can shape your whole experience.
From laid-back beachside spots to peaceful retreats and stylish places close to the action, Wollongong offers a stay to suit every kind of summer traveller. Here’s where to stay this summer, whether you’re chasing ocean views, cosy comfort or something a little bit special.
Boat Harbour Motel
Waking up opposite Wollongong Harbour is a pretty great way to start a summer day. Set right across from the foreshore promenade, Boat Harbour Motel puts you front and centre for morning walks, ocean swims and sunset strolls by the water. It’s one of those stays that works just as well for a romantic weekend as it does for a family holiday or quick business trip.
Rooms are comfortable, serviced and thoughtfully equipped, with air conditioning, private balconies and all the essentials you need for an easy stay. Some rooms look straight out over the harbour and ocean, while others take in park, harbour or city views. Interconnecting rooms make it a smart option for families or groups travelling together.
Food and coffee are covered too. Basin Café, located onsite, is a local favourite for great coffee, all-day breakfast, lunch and homemade pastries – best enjoyed with a harbour view. There’s also Lu Mare Restaurant, a newly opened dining spot just steps from your room, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a standout menu without needing to head anywhere else.
Affordable, well-located and effortlessly convenient, Boat Harbour Motel is a classic summer stay with everything you need right at your doorstep.
Price Range: $200 to $315 per night (subject to change).
Tumbling Waters Retreat
If your idea of a summer escape involves switching off, slowing down and reconnecting, Tumbling Waters Retreat delivers in spades. Perched high above the ocean and wrapped in lush rainforest, this boutique retreat feels worlds away – yet it’s just an easy drive south of Sydney.
Designed for romance and special occasions, Tumbling Waters is all about indulgence. Spend your days unwinding in ocean-view suites, soaking in stone outdoor baths made for two, or lounging by the sun-drenched saltwater wet-edge pool and spa. There’s also the Upper Deck Lounge and Bar, where you can relax with a drink in hand while taking in sweeping views across the rainforest and ocean.
Dining is a standout experience here. On Friday and Saturday nights, guests can opt into Dining on the Edge, an all-inclusive dining experience that pairs exceptional food with an intimate, atmospheric setting. Ease into Friday night with relaxed dining, then elevate your stay with a refined Saturday evening that turns dinner into a memorable event.
Perfect for couples, anniversaries and celebratory stays, Tumbling Waters Retreat is a summer escape where nature, luxury and romance come together effortlessly.
Price Range: $750 – $1,500 per night (subject to change).
The Palms Motel
For a relaxed beach stay that won’t blow the budget, The Palms Motel is a solid summer pick. Just a short stroll from North Wollongong Beach, it’s all about keeping things simple, comfortable and conveniently close to the coast.
Ideal for weekend getaways, beach holidays or trips built around events and sport, The Palms offers clean, affordable accommodation in a location that puts the best of Wollongong within easy reach. Rooms are designed to suit all kinds of travellers, from classic Standard Rooms to newly refreshed Deluxe Rooms, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for your stay.
Every room includes the essentials for an easy holiday base, with air conditioning, a private ensuite, complimentary Wi-Fi, bar fridge and tea and coffee facilities. Friendly service and a laid-back vibe round out the experience, making it a great option if you’d rather spend your budget on beach days, dining out and exploring the city.
If you’re chasing a fuss-free summer stay close to the sand, The Palms Motel delivers comfort, affordability and location in one neat package.
Price Range: $120 – $200 per night (subject to change).
Comfort Inn at Towradgi Beach
If you’re looking for a laid-back stay that balances beach time with easy access to the city, Comfort Inn at Towradgi Beach ticks all the boxes. Located just north of Wollongong and only minutes from the CBD, it offers a quieter coastal setting without feeling far from the action.
The beach is an easy walk away, making it perfect for morning swims, sunset strolls or long summer days by the water. Onsite, families will love the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, complete with a children’s playground near the beer garden – ideal for winding down after a day of exploring or beach hopping.
Dining is easy too, with Towradgi Beach Hotel right at the property, or you can jump in the car and be in Wollongong’s dining precinct in no time. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a seaside escape, a stopover or a work trip, Comfort Inn at Towradgi Beach offers a calm, convenient base with everything you need close by.
Price Range: $110 – $200 per night (subject to change).
Surfside 22
If beach-at-your-doorstep is high on your summer wish list, Surfside 22 delivers. Just steps from Wollongong’s golden sands, this boutique stay blends relaxed coastal living with modern comfort, putting you right in the heart of the action.
Rooms are light, stylish and airy, and is so close to the beach that it makes sunrise swims almost mandatory. It’s an easy base whether you’re here to surf, explore Wollongong’s buzzing café scene, tick off coastal walks or simply unwind by the sea. Friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere make it feel more like a home base than a hotel.
Outside, there’s space to slow things down. Take a dip in the plunge pool, unwind in the sauna or stretch out on the deck between beach sessions. Step outside and you’re moments from great surf, coastal paths, local cafés and the city centre – with adventure, shopping and dining all within easy reach.
Perfect for solo travellers, couples or families who want to soak up the coastal lifestyle, Surfside 22 is all about easy summer living with a front-row seat to Wollongong’s beach scene.
Price Range: $300 – $600 per night (subject to change).
Novotel North Beach
If you’re dreaming of a classic beachfront stay with a touch of luxury, Novotel North Beach is hard to beat. Set right on the sand, this 4.5-star hotel pairs contemporary style with sweeping ocean and escarpment views, creating a stay that feels both relaxed and refined.
Rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, with chic interiors that reflect Wollongong’s coastal surrounds. Whether you’re visiting for a summer getaway or travelling for work, the location makes it easy to switch between beach time and city exploring. Families are well catered for too, with interconnecting rooms and accessible room options available.
One of the standout features is the variety of in-house dining options. From Palisade Kitchen & Bar to North Bar,Adrift Pool Bar, The Frisky Flamingo and PEPE’s on the Beach, you can move from morning coffee to sunset drinks and beachside dining without leaving the property. Add in the beachfront pool and unbeatable location, and you’ve got a summer stay that truly has it all.
Price Range: $200 – $1,500 per night (subject to change).
From beachfront hotels and relaxed motels to boutique retreats tucked into nature, Wollongong makes it easy to find a place that suits your summer style. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family holiday, a budget-friendly beach break or a stay right in the heart of the action, there’s an option that lets you spend less time commuting and more time soaking up the coast.
Wherever you choose to stay, one thing’s guaranteed – salty air, ocean views and that laid-back Wollongong feeling are never far away.