Australia : Safety by City
Australia - safety as a country Wollongong is just 80 km, or 50 miles, from Sydney.
You’ll find award-winning beaches, plenty of food and drink options, and entertainment in Wollongong.
Attractions include the Nan Tien Temple, aboriginal art, and performing arts.
Before you set off on your trip, you’ll need to know if Wollongong Australia is a safe place to visit.
Warnings & Dangers in Wollongong
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Wollongong has an overall risk of medium. Its crime rate is around average. It's safer than 68% of cities in Australia. When compared to other cities in New South Wales, Wollongong is safer than 43% of other cities. This means it's more dangerous than the majority of cities in New South Wales but safer than the majority of cities in Australia as a whole. While it's home to more deadly wildlife than any other country in the world, Australia is still a relatively safe place to visit. As long as you take the proper safety precautions, you can feel confident when booking a trip to Wollongong.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transportation and taxis are relatively safe in Wollongong. Taxis are well-regulated, and buses and trains are available as well. Transportation is reliable, although delays can happen, especially outside of peak travel times.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Pickpocketing is uncommon in Wollongong, and most of Australia, particularly when compared to Europe. However, it is still a possibility. Pay close attention to anyone who seems to be trying to distract you or get too close to you, and keep your purse or wallet secure and on you at all times when out. Pay close attention to crowded areas.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Australia, including Wollongong, has a high risk of natural disasters. Part of this is the sheer number of potential disasters that can occur in the area, including fires, thunderstorms with excessive wind gusts, tropical storms, heatwaves, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, and winter weather that can include ice or snow. Even though the risk is high, you are still unlikely to experience a natural disaster when visiting Wollongong.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
The risk of mugging is medium in Wollongong, due to the overall crime rate, and the rate of robbery or mugging in the area. Mugging occurs at a rate of 25.6 per 100,000 people, compared to a rate of 24 per 100,000 the average in NSW. This puts the risk of mugging just slightly higher than average for NSW. The odds of getting mugged while visiting Wollongong are fairly low.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The terrorism risk in Wollongong is low. The current terrorist threat level for Australia is possible, which means that an attack is possible but not likely to happen. The odds of an attack happening in Wollongong are very low.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams are not particularly common in Wollongong, but Australians are concerned about their personal data, online privacy, and the risk of scammers online. The most recent incident involved scammers pretending to be banks. They called and requested personal bank information from account holders, and then proceeded to withdraw the funds from the accounts. Unfortunately, many people lost their life savings in this scam.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Women travelers can feel fairly safe when traveling to Wollongong. The violent crime rate is much lower than the rate for property crime, so the most concerning offenses, like assault and rape, are not particularly common. However, the overall crime level means that it is important to be vigilant when visiting.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The tap water in Wollongong, and Australia as a whole, is safe to drink. 80% of the water in the city comes from the Warragamba Dam, which is fed by the Avon River. The water is filtered and monitored for safety and quality. Older homes and buildings can have old copper pipes, which can cause the water to taste metallic. However, it's not harmful to drink. In the rare case, that there's a problem with the water, the local authorities will send out an alert.
Safest Places to Visit in Wollongong
You are safe visiting the City Centre.
The safest neighborhoods in Wollongong are Figtree, Keiraville, Gwynneville, Fairy Meadow, and Balgownie.
Woononoa and East Corrimal are also safe places, although they are pricy.
As long as you avoid the rough areas, you should be fine when visiting Wollongong.
Places to Avoid in Wollongong
Which areas of Wollongong should you avoid?
Dapto and Bellambi are the most crime-ridden areas of Wollongong according to residents.
However, Dapto’s reputation has improved in recent years, with many younger families calling the suburb home.
Koonawarra and West Wollongong are also considered rougher areas.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Wollongong
- Learn the Wildlife. When you are in Wollongong or any area of Australia, you’ll want to know which types of wildlife to look out for. Australia’s reputation for having the deadliest creatures in the world is well earned, with an abundance of venomous snakes, spiders, and sea creatures. This shouldn’t stop you from visiting the city, but you do need to know which animals pose a danger to you, and what to do if the worst happens. The best strategy is to avoid any potentially dangerous animals, like snakes and spiders. They rarely attack humans unprovoked. Be sure to check your shoes before slipping them on, and be mindful of where you walk, particularly when in natural areas. If you are stung or bitten by anything, call for help immediately. The National Emergency Number is 000. This is Australia’s equivalent of 911.
- Water Safety. Many of Australia’s dangerous creatures live in the sea. Wollongong’s beaches are a big attraction, so you’ll likely enjoy the water during your trip. Pay attention to any signs that tell you not to swim in an area. These signs are there for a reason. Also, keep an ear out for lifeguard warnings, and watch the locals. If they are swimming, it’s probably safe for you to do so. If you do see an animal like a great white or a crocodile, calmly make your way back to shore. Australia also uses red and yellow flags. The safe area is between the red and yellow flags and signals that the beach is patrolled by lifeguards.
- Use Sunscreen. Australia’s sun is strong year-round, even on overcast days. You’ll want to wear sunscreen anytime you are outside for an extended period. The sun’s strongest in the summer months, during December and January, so you’ll want to use extra caution during this time. Sunburn won’t kill you, but it can certainly ruin your trip.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings when you are traveling in Wollongong. Keep an eye out for any strange behavior, and follow your instincts. Criminals generally choose easy targets, and keeping an eye out is one way to prevent you from being a target.
- Guard Your Belongings. You’ll need to guard your belongings when you are traveling to Wollongong. Don’t leave valuables out in your hotel room, and don’t leave your purse or suitcase lying around. It’s also best to leave any unnecessary valuables at home. Items like expensive jewelry and extra cash should be left at home.
- Travel With Others. It’s best to travel with others. This can make your trip more enjoyable because you have other people to share it with. It also helps to keep you safe, because there’s safety in numbers. You are less likely to be a target if you are part of a group, rather than a solo traveler. If something does go wrong, you have others to help make sure you get the help you need as well. If you must travel alone, stay in areas with plenty of people, and avoid deserted areas.
- Enroll in STEP. STEP stands for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. It’s a free service provided by the American government. It connects you with the local U.S. Embassy. You’ll get safety information about traveling to Australia, and you’ll be alerted to any threats, including natural disasters, civil unrest, and emergencies at home. It also makes it easier for loved ones to contact you if there’s an emergency at home.
- Know How to Get Help. In the event of an emergency, you should know how to get help. The main emergency number in Australia is 000. When you call this number, you’ll be connected with the proper emergency service. You can also approach the Australian police. They are friendly and professional, so if see them and need their assistance, don’t be afraid to ask.
- Keep Personal Information Private. Use caution with your personal information. Don’t leave your I.D. or credit card where it’s accessible. If someone asks to see your I.D. or requests personal information, ask for their credentials first. This will prevent you from inadvertently giving your information to a scammer.
- Stay In Touch With Loved Ones. It’s a good idea to stay in touch with loved ones at home. If you are traveling alone, this is essential. You should check in with someone you trust at least once a day. If they don’t hear from you, they will know something is wrong, and contact the authorities. Even if you are traveling as part of a group, it’s still a good idea to stay in contact with someone at home. This will let you know if there are any issues at home, and give your loved ones peace of mind.
So... How Safe Is Wollongong Really?
You can feel pretty safe when traveling to Wollongong.
It’s safer than 68% of communities in Australia, and 57% of cities in NSW.
So, Wollongong is safer than most cities in Australia.
Australia is also a safe country in terms of crime.
There is a high risk of natural disasters that you should be aware of.
However, natural disasters are an issue anywhere you go, so this shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the country.
How Does Wollongong Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Wollongong | 55 |
| Sydney | 80 |
| Melbourne | 80 |
| Canberra | 88 |
| Gold Coast | 69 |
| Adelaide | 88 |
| Brisbane | 90 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
| Toronto (Canada) | 81 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
Useful Information
Visas
Visas aren't required if you are planning on spending less than 3 months in Australia, and you are a U.S. citizen. However, you will need a valid passport. You'll also need an ETA or electronic travel authorization. You can get this fairy quickly, usually within a few days, if you have a passport. However, you should apply a few weeks before your trip to be on the safe side.
Currency
Australians use a dollar currency. However, their dollar is different than the U.S. dollar. One Australian dollar is equal to 66 cents in American dollars. You can use Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards in Australia, but you'll be charged extra fees by the bank. The best option is to exchange currency at your local bank or credit union before heading to Australia. You can also exchange currency at banks in Wollongong.
Weather
The weather in Wollongong is typically mild. Summers are warm, with the average high being 71. Winters are also comfortable, with an average of 56 degrees in the cooler months.
Airports
The airport in Wollongong is known as Albion Airport, Shellharbour Airport, or Wollongong Airport. It was formerly known as Illawarra Regional Airport.
Travel Insurance
When traveling to Wollongong, it's a great idea to have travel insurance. Some policies cover any health or medical expenses you may encounter on your trip. Other types cover lost luggage, delays, and cancelations. It's recommended that you have a comprehensive policy that covers all of these potential issues before setting off for Wollongong.
Wollongong Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 26 | 26 | 24 | 23 | 20 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 25 |
| Low °C | 18 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 12 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 17 |
| High °F | 79 | 79 | 75 | 73 | 68 | 64 | 63 | 64 | 68 | 72 | 73 | 77 |
| Low °F | 64 | 64 | 63 | 57 | 54 | 48 | 46 | 48 | 52 | 55 | 57 | 63 |
Australia - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Adelaide | 88 |
| Brisbane | 90 |
| Cairns | 61 |
| Canberra | 88 |
| Darwin | 70 |
| Gold Coast | 69 |
| Hobart | 90 |
| Melbourne | 80 |
| Perth | 85 |
| Sydney | 80 |
| Townsville | 77 |
| Wollongong | 55 |
its 100% safe
Having grown up in Wollongong, I can say for sure this place is safe. Sure there’s a few people around here I wouldn’t want to be see with but everyone looks out for each other.