Wollongong Archives - Destination's Journey

10 January 202210 January 2022

Sri Venkateswara Temple

Consecrated on 30th June, 1985, construction of Sri Venkateswara Temple started in 1978. Located in Helensburgh, 60 minutes south of Sydney, and 30 minutes north of Wollongong, the temple has ample parking. Built in a bushland setting, it serves as an impressive local landmark.

The NSW Office of Environment Heritage listed the Temple for historical, aesthetic, social as well as reasons of rarity and representativeness in the Wollongong Region.

Although serving as a major religious and sacred place for Hindus living in and visiting Australia, many non-Hindus and tourists visit due to the unique Temple architecture.

The complex consists of two large temples, one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other to Shiva/Parvathi. For this reason, there are two towers, each with beautifully carved decorations. Specialist sculptors, who used traditional methods completed the sculptures found in and around the temple, while using no modern tools.

Visitors are welcome, whether they want to admire the temple, or learn more about the Hindu religion. There are several important things to know before you visit:

no footwear, hats or caps are allowed inside. An undercover area is available outside the main entrance to leave your shoes.
No photography of any kind inside.
Be quiet and respectful at all times..
No mobile phone use inside.
No food or drinks inside

Inside The Temple

If you liked the exterior of the temple, the interior will amaze you. The numerous beautifully decorated shrines and idols were the highlight of our visit. Unfortunately we could not take photos because they are not allowed inside. However, being able to walk around an admire them up close was a great experience.

Temple Entrance Sri Venkateswara Temple — Sri Venkateswara Temple

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

5 January 202227 December 2021

Lawrence Hargrave Memorial

Lawrence Hargrave Memorial

Located at Bald Hill is a memorial to British-born Australian engineer, explorer, astronomer, inventor and aeronautical pioneer Lawrence Hargrave. Associated with Hargrave’s first attempt to fly, Bald Hill is the perfect place to remember his achievements, as well as providing fantastic views.

On November 12, 1894, Hargrave linked four of his box-kites together, added a sling seat, and flew approximately 5 metres. By demonstrating a safe and stable flying machine, Hargrave opened the door to other inventors and pioneers. The Hargrave-designed box kite, with its improved lift-to-drag ratio, was to provide the wing model of the first generation of European and American aeroplanes.

Hargrave has two memorials here, one at each end of the car park. The primary one, is at the southern end, which has relief of him carrying a model of his box-kite. At the north end a memorial wall lists his achievements. The carpark itself has plenty of parking available, while toilets are available at the north end.

Depicted on the old style $20 note, Hargrave’s importance to aviation was on display to Australians from 1966 to 1994, when it was replaced.

While visiting the memorials, check out the amazing views, which are amazing. This is one of the best places to admire the coast around Wollongong. The views were great, despite the rainy day we had.

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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30 December 202127 December 2021

Wollongong Botanic Garden

Located at the foot of Mount Kiera, the Wollongong Botanic Garden is a great place to spend time to relax and unwind. Entry is free and the gardens are open every day except Christmas Day. We parked in one of the dedicated car parks, then spent an hour walking through the different themed area.

Our first stop was the beautiful pond and rotunda. Surrounded by flowering plants and palms, it was a nice place to stop and watch the waterbirds. One was even building a nest in the lilies, dragging nesting material across the pond from its edge.

A small stream flows through the gardens, feeding into the pond. By following it upstream, we came across the Japanese themed red bridge. Built as a gift of friendship it symbolises the connection with Wollongong’s sister city in Japan, Kawasaki.

From the bridge, we followed the path through the Australian rain forest section. This is the largest section in the gardens, showcasing a range of rainforest plants as well as those from the Illawarra region.

One of the highlights of the gardens is the succulent section, because of its amazing variety of plants. This garden is positioned on a built-up mound with sandy soil, because the succulents and cacti require good drainage. Large boulders have also been added to form rocky outcrops and slopes.

While walking, look out for interesting sculptures, like the insect hotel and Mercury Fountain.

Overall, a great place to visit and relax.