Local men, including Jim Spears, standing on the corner of Wentworth Street and Darcy Road, Port Kembla, with the Post Office, Commonwealth Bank and Whiteway Theatre, in January 1948 (MLNSW) JOIN OUR LOST WOLLONGONG FACEBOOK GROUP TODAY - LINK IN BIO 🔗 Discover more about the Illawarra's history and museums at www.lostwollongong.com #lostwollongong #wollongong #illawarra #welovethegong #wollongongcbd #gong #ilovewollongong #lovewollongong #visitwollongong #wollongongpressplay #destinationwollongong #wollongongcity #wollongongharbour #ourgong #grandpacificdrive #lovethegong #ilovethegong #gongspotting #ilovensw #visitnsw #destinationnsw #history #heritage #illawarramercury #southcoastnsw #coalcoast #coalcoastnsw @lostwollongong @visitnsw @wollongongmuseumtrail @shellharbourhistoryinphotos @visitwollongong @visitshellharbour @wollongongcity @wollongonglibraries @shellharbourcitylibraries @shellharbourcitycouncil @destination_nsw @sydney (at Port Kembla, New South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbXBXYlvrth/?utm_medium=tumblr

RDO 🥶!! #acoffeeadaykeepsthedemonsaway #coffeeslut #latte #coffee #gongcafe #wollongongharbour #belmorebasin #visitwollongong (at Levendi Wollongong Harbour) https://www.instagram.com/p/By8zgTQA2ET/?igshid=diflukiwf36p

One of the best thing about living on the east coast is that one can watch the moon rise! All the pics were taken the next day of full moon because the moon's luminosity is maximum during this phase's day. The first collage was taken on Austral summer solstice i.e. on 21st March 2019 whereas the second collage was taken on 20th April 2019. It is interesting to note the way it rose as in March, it was 'flashy' compared to the one in April. I feel that it may be because it was the next day, after supermoon (hence the moon was still close the earth) and, Austral summer (southern hemisphere closer to the sun due to earth's axis tilt). The bottom two images of both the collage are almost similar! I missed the supermoon this year, hence not sure if similar situation was observed. Comment what you feel might be the reason of this difference! #moon #moonrise #moonrising #supermoon #fullmoon #ig_moon #australia #beach #australiagram_nsw #visitnsw #newsouthwales #visitaustralia #ilovesydney #visitwollongong #fromthegong #nsweastcoast #nswsouthcoast #earthfocus #earthpix #planetearth #whpplanetearth #space #astronomy #nasa #isro #australianspaceagency #uowunilife #thisisuow #easterbreak (at Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwesL32HcEP/?igshid=1moxo50ao901u

🌊. #waves🌊 #canonaustralia #australiagram #ocean🌊 #oceanphotography #oceanbeach #oceanphotography #oceanmotion #yourshotphotographer #wollongong #shellharbourphotographer #shellharbour #wollongongphotographer #waveporn #naturephotography #nature #nature_shooters #visitwollongong #visitshellharbour #visitnsw (at Shellharbour, New South Wales)

~  P . O . O . L  ~  R . E . V . I . E . W  ~

8. W O M B A R R A   R O C K   P O O L  

by Dawn Tratt

Wombarra Rock Pool is a weird shape. 

It can’t decide if it’s a rectangle or a triangle. 

The northern end has three edges - like a giant pair of scissors has chopped off the right corner of a rectangle. 

The southern end has two uneven sides likes the pool is busy transforming into a triangle.

From the air it reminds me of high school geometry. Is it a quadrilateral? A trapezoid? I love that it’s none of the above. It’s just Wombarra. Take me or leave me. Wombarra don’t care.

I chose to swim a straight-ish line between the pointy triangle side to the chopped off corner poking into the sea.

I feel a sense of accomplishment after 1km.

The first time I swam at Wombarra, I climbed out after two laps. The day was overcast, the water black and there were creepy fingers of seaweed lightly touching me with every stroke.

In contrast, today the water is clear and the seaweed keeps its hands to itself.

I also have Shani with me. Swimming is best with a buddy.

On the way back to the car we stop to talk to a middle aged woman holding two large bundles of seaweed draped over her shoulders.

She encourages us to eat some raw.

I chew it with my back teeth, and swallow.

It’s rubbery and tasteless.

Shani immediately spits it out, scrunching her face in disgust and scraping her tongue with her fingernails.

The lady tells us the slippery seaweed is nutrient-dense.

I say, “awesome, thank-you, and bye-bye,” walking away.

The lady continues to talk about the benefits of seaweed.

I’m not sure she has noticed that we are no longer standing in front of her.

I watch her from the car, turn on the ignition, and drive away.

For all I know, she’s still there. Talking about the seaweed.

Wombarra Rock Pool gets 9/10 in my Pool Review of ocean baths:

Wannabe triangle and rectangle pool encourages you to be creative with your lap... you decide from which point to begin and end

It looks like it’s 50metres, though from where to where, I don’t know

Panoramic view of the ocean

Cold showers and change rooms

Paddling pool for minions.  

Seaweed-eating locals 

Next stop… Coalcliff Rock Pool

ENDS

Photo 1 - “Wombarra” by Cardinal Direction Productions

Photo2 - “Wombarra” also by Cardinal Direction Productions

Photo 3 - “Wombarra Rock Pool” by Aquabumps

Fun at The Gong today, and yes we did see a pelly 👌 #wollongong #visitwollongong #gongspotting #wollongongcentral #thegong #gong #wollongongart #streetart #pelican #pelicans #pelly (at Wollongong, New South Wales)

[ Pattern Interrupt ‍️] Well hi... if you’ve seen my story, you’ll know that I’m interrupting my regular scheduling to share some of my favourite memories and experiences of Wollongong. I first heard of Wollongong when I was in the very early days of Instagram and I followed photographer Will Patino . Interesting, Will was an air-conditioning mechanic when he started being inspired by photography in his backyard and he even attributes this to helping him overcome depression. ️ I can see why; I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Wollongong around five times during my Instagram career and I’ve loved… [ Pattern Interrupt ‍️] Well hi... if you’ve seen my story, you’ll know that I’m interrupting my regular scheduling to share some of my favourite memories and experiences of Wollongong. I first heard of Wollongong when I was in the very early days of Instagram and I followed photographer Will Patino . Interesting, Will was an air-conditioning mechanic when he started being inspired by photography in his backyard and he even attributes this to helping him overcome depression. ️ I can see why; I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Wollongong around five times during my Instagram career and I’ve loved it every single time. (And there’s a lot more to see and do away from the coastline - believe it or not!) I’m so grateful and proud to be involved in campaigns like this one, to talk about Australian 🇦🇺 tourism boards that are pro-actively promoting what makes them unique. So, what does “pressing play” mean to me? It means taking action to do the things, travelling to play and experiencing life with joy and gratitude. ‍️ Who’s been to the Gong? Check it out, link in bio. VisitWollongong #VisitWollongong #WollongongPressPlay ▶️ . . . . . #SeeAustralia #NewSouthWales #Wollongong #Australia #CoastalPhotography #Ocean [ Pattern Interrupt ‍️] Well hi... if you’ve seen my story, you’ll know that I’m interrupting my regular scheduling to share some of my favourite memories and experiences of Wollongong. I first heard of Wollongong when I was in the very early days of Instagram and I followed photographer Will Patino . Interesting, Will was an air-conditioning mechanic when he started being inspired by photography in his backyard and he even attributes this to helping him overcome depression. ️ I can see why; I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Wollongong around five times during my Instagram career and I’ve loved…

Good morning from Hakula Follow @hakulavibe . . . . Credit to from @ianhollisphotography Spotlight 🌅 ~ After an epic sunrise shoot, I decided to put the drone up and try and capture the amazing light that was still hanging around! I wanted something simple, but effective. I spotted this surfer and here is what I came away with. This shot wouldn’t be possible without my @djiglobal Mavic 2 pro and the amazing filters from @nisifiltersaustralia ~ Let me know what you think of this one! 🙏🏼 ~ @australia @visitnsw @djiglobal @nisifiltersaustralia #photography #photooftheday #kiama #visitwollongong #ocean #visitnsw #eclectic_shotz #dji #australia #seeaustralia #discoveraustralia #aussie_images #ig_australia_ #surfer #surfermagazine #dronegram #skybangerz #ozscapers #discoverocean #moodycaptures #australiaphotography #dronephotography #dronestagram #skysupply #dronerookies #earth_pix #aerialphotography #special_shots #hakula #hakulavibe https://www.instagram.com/p/B4e_Gpuh6Ph/?igshid=34eg8r2usife

Oceanic mohawk 😁🌊🤙 . Reposted from @ianhollisphotography . . . . . . . . . . . . #photography #earth_pix #photographer #australia #wavephotography #discoverocean #wollongong #oceania #visitwollongong #seascapegram #shotzdelight #visitnsw #oceanart #seeaustralia #oceanlife #oceanphotography #sonyphotography #depthofearth #ozscapers #earthshotz #ig_australia #earthoffical #mint_shotz #sonyalpha #ozshot #specialshots #scaperspic #discoveraustralia #sonya7iii #eclectic_shotz https://www.instagram.com/p/B4SDP9WBDN-/?igshid=1jmpmd3lwbz25

So many places to explore...so little time...! . . . . . . . #bushwalkthegong #bushwalk #visitwollongong #visitnsw #visitshoalhaven #kangaroovalley #robertson #valley #explore #hikerlife #reality (at Warris Chair Lookout Track) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0yyyFcgdHM/?igshid=1adna0ffmsqzt

Multicultural City - The Ukrainian float passing Church Street along Crown Street during the Illawarra Flame Festival in the 1960's (Richard Cornford) JOIN OUR LOST WOLLONGONG FACEBOOK GROUP TODAY - LINK IN BIO 🔗 Discover more about the Illawarra's history and museums at www.lostwollongong.com #lostwollongong #wollongong #illawarra #welovethegong #wollongongcbd #gong #ilovewollongong #lovewollongong #visitwollongong #wollongongpressplay #destinationwollongong #wollongongcity #wollongongharbour #ourgong #grandpacificdrive #lovethegong #ilovethegong #gongspotting #ilovensw #visitnsw #destinationnsw #history #heritage #illawarramercury #southcoastnsw #coalcoast #coalcoastnsw @lostwollongong @visitnsw @wollongongmuseumtrail @shellharbourhistoryinphotos @visitwollongong @visitshellharbour @wollongongcity @wollongonglibraries @shellharbourcitylibraries @shellharbourcitycouncil @destination_nsw @sydney (at Wollongong CBD) https://www.instagram.com/p/CaWjXP4Pv0i/?utm_medium=tumblr

Winter Mornings Pic @16images This looks amazing big. Made by Barnes • • • #coalcoast #wollongongphotographer #wavesfordays #wavephotography #waveoftheday #flagstaffhill #wollongong #wollongonglife #wollongongsurf #surfing #wollongongdesign #wollongongbeaches #wollongonglife #designwollongong #wollongongart #visitwollongong #australianlife #welovethegong #wollongongcoffee #visualsoflife #wollongongweekends #wollongongbusiness #visitwollongong #wollongongbuilder #wollongongharbour #wollongongbeach #wollongonglife #wollongongcentral #northwollongongbeach (at Wollongong, New South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzpafhGA9uW/?igshid=hl71r5n3fal0

"Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows." 😎🙏☀️ . . . #sunset #northwollongong #wollongong #nsw #australia #northwollongongbeach #visitnsw #sunshine #exploreaustralia #visitwollongong #aussiephotos #tourismnsw #visitwollongong #sunlight #seeaustralia #visitaustralia #wollongongphotographer #winterstyle #brasileirosporai #brasileirospelomundo https://www.instagram.com/p/BzVh0bGH5cs/?igshid=zbz15p64gooy

Sunsets #sunset #sunsets #bushwalking #hiking #adventure #coastalwalk #southcoast #minnamurra #kiama #wollongong #visitwollongong #visitnsw #newsouthwales #landscape #landscapephotography (at Minnamurra, New South Wales) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0qXwETnlm0/?igshid=e28wro8nbioy

Warilla Beach 🏖. #warilla #warillabeach #beachscape #beaches #beachphotography #landscapephotography #landscape_captures #landscape_capture #blue #sunnyday #beachlover #travel #wollongong #shellharbour #visitwollongong #visitshellharbour #visitnsw #australiagram_nsw #beachday #naturephotography #fifty_shades_of_nature #oceanview #magicmood #allbeauty_addiction #shotwithlove #amazing_australia #amazing_nature #coastalstand #southcoastnsw #welovethegong (at Warilla Beach)

~  P . O . O . L  ~  R . E . V . I . E . W  ~

7. A U S T I N M E R   O C E A N   P O O L S 

by Dawn Tratt

The Austi noticeboard is awesome.

Some swimming angel writes in chalk the date, water temperature and a quote or a riddle for the day.

It’s these personal touches that makes life magic.

Locals leave their belongings undercover on benches next to the noticeboard and dingy toilets, then walk about 30 metres down to the pools.

There are two. The narrower one on the right when looking out to the ocean is 50 metres, a local assures me, and the one on the left is a little smaller.

I choose the 50 metre pool, of course. 

The waters are crystal clear.

With each long lazy stroke I watch the sand puff up like smoke from the shallow bottom of the pool. 

Swirling.

The sharp barnacled walls closest to the beach-end of the pool make kicking off after a tumble turn a little painful. 

Best to do tumble turns at the far end jetting out into the sea rather, and just stop and turn around on the beach side.

After my 20 laps I jump into the smaller pool, swimming like a little froggy underwater and running my fingers through the soft sand, like a loving owner does her pet dog.

Lush.

Austi is a lovely location to visit but I don’t belong here.

I miss the Conti.

Austinmer Ocean Pools gets 8/10 in my Pool Review of ocean baths:

Two pools - the narrower one is 50 metres

The other shorter one is great for wading in and for children

Panoramic view of the ocean

Cold outdoor showers to wash off

The noticeboard is a sweet touch

Dinky cafes and restaurants overlook the beach - great choice for foodies and coffee drinkers

Next stop… Wombarra 

ENDS

Photo 1 - “Austinmer Aerial” by Kramer Photography

Photo 2 - “Austimer Pool Sunrise” by Kramer Photography

Photo 3 - “Austinmer Pool” by Kramer Photography