Just an hour south of Sydney lies the interesting, diverse and beautiful regional city of Wollongong, which is often overlooked by tourists in favour of the bright lights and famous landmarks of the New South Wales capital. Yet more visitors are turning to Wollongong as a base from which to explore this part of the state, and with good reason. It has the laid back atmosphere of a regional town whilst still having the physical characteristics and facilities of a city, which makes it an easy place to live and a relaxing, refreshing place to visit. Add into the mix the stunning coastline, the diverse bushlands and the thick rainforests all a stones throw away and you have the makings of a perfect holiday.

Wollongong is situated next to thirty kilometres of coastline, divided up into an incredible seventeen beaches patrolled by lifesavers. These beaches are central to the culture and lifestyle of Wollongong and are a point of pride amongst its residents. They are all easily accessible and close to amenities like shops, restaurants and hotels. Safe for swimming, the beaches also attract surfers of all skill levels to try out the variety of wavebreaks. The city is fast getting a reputation as a centre for adventure sports, and the large billowing kites of the kiteboarders have become a familiar site here. If you are seeking the ultimate thrill then you could skydive out of an airplane and land on the beach, enjoying the birds eye view of Wollongong below you, Sydney to the north and the southern coast stretching south.

The natural attractions of this city are not limited to its coast alone. The Illawarra Escarpment is nearby, and provides Wollongong with a picturesque backdrop. Divided up into numerous National Parks, the mountains and hills of this escarpment support a dense rainforest vegetation cover that is alive with birds and wildlife. There are lots of walking trails and drives that lead to lookout points such as Mount Keira, Stanwell Tops and Sublime Point. Beautiful views of the coast and the hills and valleys of the escarpment are available from these points, and from many others. For the adventurous at heart there are plenty of abseiling opportunities on the steep mountain slopes, and the wide wings of hang gliders are often spotted in these skies. Just south of Wollongong is Lake Illawarra, a large sea-fed lake popular amongst fishermen and windsurfers. Its perfect for a day trip from Wollongong to go boating or sight seeing.

If you don't want to explore the surrounding countryside, then stay in the city itself, where you will find more than enough to keep you entertained. Wollongong is gaining a reputation as a proponent of fine foods and wines, and this is evident in the many cafes and restaurants that are concentrated around its centre and its harbour. Cultural diversity has led to the availability of a range of cuisine from all over the world, and the proximity of the ocean and of nearby farmlands means only the freshest produce is used. Strong Middle Eastern and European influences can especially be seen on the cuisine here, creating a truly cosmopolitan dining experience that will cater to every kind of palate.

The night life in Wollongong has an intimacy to it that is absent in the more populated clubs and pubs of Sydney. The welcoming venues and the friendly people are sure to make you feel at home, and there are always musical and theatrical performances to keep you entertained. A good start to an evening out is to visit the Five Islands microbrewery, the first brewery to open up in the area. Their sumptuous lounge and bar area is situated right next to the equipment that houses the brewing beer, and the beer you drink comes to you directly made from the vats. Named after the five islands just off the coast of Wollongong, the brewery has become something of a local icon here, and is well worth a visit.

The presence of the well established Wollongong University has helped give this city a dynamic edge. Large numbers of international students have added to the cultural diversity, which has increased the profile of Wollongong as a centre for arts and culture. It is home to Australia's leading regional art gallery, the Wollongong City Gallery, which has a wide collection of art from the area, as well as collections of Aboriginal and Asian art. Travelling exhibitions often make the gallery their temporary home, and your visit is likely to coincide with at least one of these.

When the night falls in Wollongong head to the harbour and climb the lighthouse for a magnificent view of the sun setting over the ocean. This is a fitting send off to a day exploring the sights and wonders of the region, before you sample what the Wollongong night has to offer. With such an exciting choice of things to do and see, the sooner you start planning your trip to Wollongong the easier your holiday will be. A hirecar will give you the freedom and the versatility you need to enjoy the region to its fullest potential and make your holiday that much more stimulating. Enjoy your trip!

Gavin Wyatt is a journalist with a passion for travel. originally from Zambia he has traveled around the world to end up on the sunny shores of Australia. For more of his articles visit Car Hire in New South Wales