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    5 budget-friendly weekend activities to do in Wollongong

    When the weekend rolls around, we all want to make the most of it by spending time with our friends and family. Watching a movie could cost a group of four around $80. Going out for dinner after could easily cost another $60 or so. However, we don’t always want to dish out hundreds of dollars for plans to be worthwhile.

    There’s a range of activities you can do on the weekend living in Wollongong that won’t break the bank. In fact, some of these options won’t have to cost you any money at all.

    Bushwalking

    If you’re looking to get active, Wollongong is home to a wealth of bushwalking trails. All you need are some shoes and maybe some snacks to have a bushwalking adventure. For example, the Mount Keira Ring track will take you about three to five hours with the option to start with a picnic near the Girl Guide camp or to make a detour to the Robertson Lookout. You could also attempt the Sublime Point walking track, ideal for birdwatching and scenic views.

    Those looking to go for a bushwalk with a family might be interested in Brokers Nose. You’ll be able to enjoy views of the ocean along the 3.5km track. You might also want to check out the Cascades Walk. Only half an hour away from Wollongong, the track is mostly flat terrain and easy for people at all levels of fitness, including toddlers.

    Volunteering

    Another option that doesn’t have to cost you a dime is volunteering. Better yet, you’ll be able to use your time to help others. Some options you have include volunteering for an animal shelter, a hospital or an aged care facility. The RSPCA has an Illawarra Volunteer Branch run exclusively volunteers. Volunteering Illawarra has a range of volunteering opportunities for social support.

    Go to a park

    Going to your local park may sound boring. However, there are a number of fun things you can do at a park with your children, your partner or in a group of friends. For example, stop by Stuart Park to have a Sunday afternoon BBQ. You could also visit Stanwell Park, known to be one of the best places to fly a kite in all of New South Wales. Even at a small park, a great budget-friendly option could involve having a picnic and playing a few card games.

    People enjoying the long weekend in Wollongong, NSW’s third-largest city, known for skydiving, art galleries, museums, pristine beaches and walking trails (Wollongong, NSW, Australia)

    Visit the water

    Lakes and beaches are easy to access in Wollongong, perfect for fishing, prawning, boating, swimming or just to lay by the water. For instance, Windang is known to be great for fishing, prawning and boating. Wollongong is also home to beaches such as Port Kembla Beach, Stanwell Park Beach, Thirroul Beach and a number of others.

    Stanwell Park, New South Wales

    Explore a market

    You’ll find a range of different kinds of markets in and around Wollongong that you can explore over time. On the first Sunday of every month, you can visit Killalea State Park for The Farm’s Market. Here, you’ll find over 90 stalls with fashion, local producers, sweets, brewers and more. The Foragers Market holds multiple events every month such as the Sunday Forage on the second Sunday of every month at the Bulli Showground. Coledale Markets is another popular option that runs on the 4th Sunday of every month.

    Final words

    With so much on offer in Wollongong, it’d be a shame not to make the most of it. Having a fun-filled weekend doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Giving each of these options a try over the next few weekends could definitely be worth your time. In the end, what really matters is the people you’re with and what you make of your environment.

    Guest author: Ellen Orton is the Head of Business Operations at OpenAgent.com.au, an online agent comparison website helping Australians to sell, buy and own property.