Science Space

South Coast NSW

LoginSave

Buoyancy, inertia, the Stroop effect and other scientific laws and phenomena are explained with cranks, bubbling tubes and even a mechanical elephant at this hands-on science museum. Operated by the University of Wollongong, the Science Centre is very much geared towards kids (though adults might be pleased to learn how much they'd weigh on the planet Mercury). Planetarium shows ($6 extra) run regularly on most days.

You can get here on the free shuttle buses (55A and 55C) from Wollongong Station; they stop right outside.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • coastal view with era beach, royal national park, nsw

    Royal National Park

    21.77 MILES

    The 15,091-hectare Royal National Park was established in 1879, making it the oldest national park in the world after Yellowstone in the USA. Stretching…

  • Wollongong Botanic Garden

    Wollongong Botanic Garden

    1.46 MILES

    In a region already awash in scenic spots, Wollongong's botanic gardens still delight visitors with their attractive lily ponds, manicured lawns and…

  • International Cricket Hall of Fame

    International Cricket Hall of Fame

    27.75 MILES

    Bowral is where the late, great cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, Australia’s most legendary sporting hero, spent his boyhood. Incorporating the Bradman…

  • Seven Mile Beach

    Seven Mile Beach

    26.03 MILES

    This superlative crescent of sand, stretching south from Gerroa to Shoalhaven Heads, is one of the South Coast's most memorable beaches thanks to its pale…

  • Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

    Minnamurra Rainforest Centre

    18.89 MILES

    At the eastern edge of Budderoo National Park, 15km inland from Kiama via Jamberoo, this is a surprisingly lush subtropical rainforest. A 1.6km loop walk…

  • Fitzroy Falls

    Fitzroy Falls

    28.97 MILES

    Tumbling 81m from near-vertical sandstone cliffs, Fitzroy Falls can be a dramatic torrent or, in the heat of summer, a mere trickle. Regardless, you can…

  • North Beach

    North Beach

    0.91 MILES

    Stretching north from the harbour, North Beach is an excellent all-rounder: shallows for kids to splash in, breaks suitable for various levels and…

View more attractions

Nearby South Coast NSW attractions

1. North Beach

0.91 MILES

Stretching north from the harbour, North Beach is an excellent all-rounder: shallows for kids to splash in, breaks suitable for various levels and…

2. Breakwater Lighthouse

1.39 MILES

Presently more of a landmark than an attraction, this heritage lighthouse on the harbour was built in 1871 (and switched on the following year). It was…

3. Wollongong Botanic Garden

1.46 MILES

In a region already awash in scenic spots, Wollongong's botanic gardens still delight visitors with their attractive lily ponds, manicured lawns and…

4. Belmore Basin

1.47 MILES

The basin, cut from solid rock in 1868, is a good place to orient yourself in Wollongong. The harbour beach is great for young children, with sand and…

5. Wollongong Head Lighthouse

1.54 MILES

The larger and newer of Wollongong's two lighthouses, this 25m concrete tower is still active. Picnic benches close by on the grassy headland, and…

6. Wollongong City Beach

1.76 MILES

The southern of Wollongong's two city beaches is a popular stretch of golden sand with good swimming (especially at the northern end) and, depending on…

7. Wollongong Art Gallery

1.76 MILES

The work of local creators, including Aboriginal artists, is displayed in this attractive four-floor gallery. Much of the permanent collection centres on…