You can contact us by phone on

+61 2 42 275545
or 1800 240 737

Let a friend know about Tourism Wollongong.

The month that brings us Oktoberfest has drawn to a close and the steins go back in the cupboard for another year! We had a busy month here in Wollongong, with many visitors joining us for the Oktoberfest celebrations, the success of Viva la Gong and very special guests in the form of whales on their migration south.

There is plenty more to keep us on our toes in November, with the annual MS Sydney to the Gong bike ride – an event that has become an institution in the area, as well as some great sport with the Fiji v’s France Rugby League World Cup game at WIN stadium and the spectacular Super X superbike Championships.

I would personally like to congratulate all Tourism Wollongong operators who are finalists in the NSW Tourism Awards being held on November 20 at Star City. Good luck to you all and I look forward to seeing you on the night.

Until next month
Greg Binskin
General Manager

Friendly reminder for Tourism Wollongong members

The Tourism Wollongong Annual General Meeting is nearly upon us, and will be held at the Wollongong Golf Club on Tuesday 18th November. There will be an opportunity for all members in attendance to be presented with an update on the Southern Gateway Centre, in particular the Indigenous Tourist attraction 'Jumbullah Discovery Centre'.

For further information or if you wish to attend, please RSVP by Wednesday 12th November, by contacting Kate Chapman on 02 4228 0300 or via email.

Jamberoo Action Park celebrates 30 years!

NSW biggest theme park, Jamberoo Action Park, is set to celebrate its 30th birthday on Saturday 29 November 2008!

The celebration will include rides, entertainment, games, giveaways and the opportunity to meet 'Sammy the Shark'.

For further information refer to the Jamberoo Action Park website.

A visit of a special kind

One of the most wonderful sights we get to enjoy here on the South Coast is looking out to sea and catching a glimpse of the majesty that is the humpback whale. An estimated 11,000 whales have passed our shores this year on their annual migration. Currently migrating south, there have been many sightings of mothers and calves along the coast. The Illawarra Mercury has even reported sightings of whales by fisherman off the shores near Sea Cliff Bridge!

Jervis Bay Whales conducts three hour morning cruises daily to get closer to these incredible creatures. Morning tea is included on the cruise where you can sometimes spot whales in the Bay or further off shore as they migrate along the coast.

Check out Jervis Bay Whales for more information.

NRMA – more4members…more4Wollongong

Are you a member of the NRMA? If you are then you may have seen the new look member card, with the Sea Cliff Bridge splashed all over it no less! What a coup for the region!

The card was sent to around 2.2 million members, along with a booklet and a great image of the impressive Sea Cliff Bridge. This is a wonderful way to reach many more drivers with the Grand Pacific Drive message and we look forward to many more visitors to the region as a result.
 

Summer 'hot' deals

Summer is nearing and with thousands of visitors looking at what they will be doing over the summer holidays period, we want to make sure Wollongong is top of mind by giving them the opportunity to take advantage of some of the best summer deals available.

We are currently running Spring Hot Deals on the Tourism Wollongong and Grand Pacific Drive websites and would like to invite all operators to express interest in promoting a summer deal. If you are interested in participating in the Summer Hot Deals please contact Vera Cvetkoski by email to receive your Hot Deals participation form.
 

Good on you City Beach!

Congratulations to City Beach Function Centre! At the recent Restaurant and Catering Awards, City Beach Function Centre won Function Caterer of the Year, Wedding Caterer of the Year and the prestigious Overall Caterer of the Year. On top of these achievements they also hosted their 100th wedding. Well done to the team at City Beach!

What's on...?

What: Rugby League World Cup 2008 Fiji vs France
When: Saturday, 1 November 2008
Where: WIN Stadium, Cnr Crown and Harbour Street's, Wollongong
Info: 02 4220 2828 www.wec.org.au or 1300 136 494 www.ticketek.com.au

What: MS Sydney to the Gong Bike Ride 2008
When: Sunday, 2 November 2008
Where: 56km Start: Heathcote High School, Wilson Parade, Heathcote Finish: Stuart Park, North Wollongong
Info: 02 9413 4166 or www.msaustralia.org.au

What: Festival of Flight @ Stanwell Park
When: Saturday, 8 November 2008
Where: Stanwell Park Beach Reserve, 15 The Drive, Stanwell Park
Info: 02 4294 1257 or 4294 1750 or www.stanwellpark.net.au/cwa

What: 2nd Illawarra Mercury Fitness & Well Being Health Expo 2008
When: Saturday, 8 November 2008
Where: Kembla Grange Racecourse, Princes Highway, Kembla Grange
Info: 02 4221 2294

What: Search for Illawarra's Pop Star 2008
When: Saturday, 8 November 2008
Where: Crown St Mall Amphitheatre, Crown Street, Wollongong
Info: 02 4283 4105 or www.popstarrecordingpartys.com.au/events.html

What: Super X Australasian Supercross Championships
When: Saturday, 15 November 2008
Where: WIN Entertainment Centre, Cnr Crown and Harbour Street's, Wollongong
Info: 02 4220 2800 or www.wec.org.au

What: Camp Quality Convoy for Kids 2008
When: Sunday, 16 November 2008
Where: Westcliff Colliery, Appin Road, Appin
Info: 02 4223 4198 or www.i98fm.com.au