NSWPort & river
Wollongong
A coastal service town became an industrial city.
1834Town layout planned
WHAT STARTED IT
Wollongong developed as a centre for the Illawarra’s farms and coastal trade. Its landing place and planned town served a district already attracting timber cutting and agriculture.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Coal from the escarpment and the growth of Port Kembla’s industry changed the scale of the region. Steelmaking, transport and migration helped create the larger urban area.
TURNING POINTS
Late 1800sCoal mining expands in the district.
1834The town’s layout is planned.
1849The first Mount Keira coal is carted down to the harbour on 27 August and loaded into the steamer William the Fourth.
1900sPort Kembla’s industries reshape the region.
1986The Illawarra railway is electrified to Wollongong, strengthening passenger links with Sydney.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
An Illawarra regional city with manufacturing, education, health services and coastal tourism. Its industrial port and escarpment remain central features.