# Wollongong

> city in New South Wales, Australia

**Wikidata**: [Q187861](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q187861)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wollongong)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wollongong

## Summary  
Wollongong is a major city in New South Wales, Australia, founded in 1834. As of the 2021 census, it has a population of 280,153 and serves as the capital of the City of Wollongong local government area. Located 80 kilometers south of Sydney, it is a key cultural, industrial, and educational hub in the Illawarra region.  

## Key Facts  
- **Founded**: 1834.  
- **Area**: 684 square kilometers.  
- **Population**: 280,153 (2021 census), 261,896 (2016 census), 245,942 (2011 census).  
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -34.433°, Longitude 150.883°.  
- **Elevation**: 5 meters above sea level.  
- **Timezone**: UTC+10:00.  
- **Official Website**: [http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au](http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au) (English).  
- **Twin Cities**: Kawasaki (Japan), Palm Desert (USA), Ohrid (North Macedonia, since 1981).  
- **Temperature Records**: Maximum 44.1°C (2006), Minimum 0.8°C (1986).  
- **Postal Code**: 2500.  
- **UN/LOCODE**: AUWOL.  
- **Suburbs**: North Wollongong, Port Kembla, Coniston, Gwynneville, Mangerton, West Wollongong.  

## FAQs  
**Q: Where is Wollongong located?**  
A: Wollongong is situated in New South Wales, Australia, approximately 80 kilometers south of Sydney.  

**Q: How has Wollongong’s population changed over time?**  
A: The population grew from 245,942 (2011) to 261,896 (2016) and 280,153 (2021), reflecting steady growth.  

**Q: What cities is Wollongong twinned with?**  
A: It is twinned with Kawasaki (Japan), Palm Desert (USA), and Ohrid (North Macedonia, since 1981).  

**Q: What are Wollongong’s extreme temperature records?**  
A: The highest recorded temperature is 44.1°C (2006), and the lowest is 0.8°C (1986), both measured at the University of Wollongong.  

**Q: What does “Wollongong” mean?**  
A: The name derives from the Tharawal Aboriginal word *Woolyungah*, meaning “seas of the south” or “five islands.”  

## Why It Matters  
Wollongong is a critical urban center in southeastern Australia, blending industrial heritage with natural beauty. As a major port city and home to the University of Wollongong, it drives regional education and commerce. Its coastal location and cultural diversity make it a significant contributor to New South Wales’ economy and identity.  

## Notable For  
- **Twin City Relationships**: Partnerships with Kawasaki, Palm Desert, and Ohrid.  
- **Temperature Extremes**: Holds regional records for heat and cold.  
- **Aboriginal Heritage**: Name rooted in the Tharawal language; recognized Indigenous cultural sites.  
- **Suburban Diversity**: Encompasses suburbs like Port Kembla and North Wollongong.  
- **Statistical Significance**: Documented in Australian censuses since 2011.  

## Body  
### Geography and Climate  
Wollongong spans 684 km², with coordinates -34.433° latitude and 150.883° longitude. It lies at 5 meters elevation and experiences a temperate climate. Notable weather extremes include a maximum temperature of 44.1°C (2006) and a minimum of 0.8°C (1986), recorded at the University of Wollongong.  

### History  
Founded in 1834, the city’s name originates from the Tharawal Aboriginal term *Woolyungah*. European settlement began in the early 19th century, evolving into a major coal-mining and port hub.  

### Demographics  
As of 2021, the population is 280,153, up from 261,896 in 2016 and 245,942 in 2011. Census data tracks growth in the “urban centre and locality” category.  

### Administration and Government  
Wollongong serves as the capital of the City of Wollongong local government area. Its official website ([www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au](http://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au)) provides municipal services. It is part of the electoral districts of Wollongong (New South Wales) and Cunningham (Australian House of Representatives).  

### Economy and Infrastructure  
A key industrial and port city, Wollongong’s suburbs—such as Port Kembla and North Wollongong—support maritime and manufacturing activities. The city is connected via the Princes Motorway and has a major railway station.  

### Culture and Education  
Home to the University of Wollongong (founded 1951), the city is a regional educational hub. Cultural attractions include the Wollongong Art Gallery and the historic Flagstaff Hill Fort.  

### International Relations  
Wollongong maintains twin city relationships with Kawasaki (Japan), Palm Desert (USA), and Ohrid (North Macedonia, since 1981), fostering cultural and economic ties.  

### Data and Identifiers  
- **GND ID**: 4358153-5  
- **VIAF ID**: 123756810  
- **Geonames ID**: 2171507  
- **OpenStreetMap Relation ID**: 6076763  
- **Australian Statistical Geography IDs**: SAL14376 (2021), SSC14358 (2016), UCL102005 (2016/2021).  

### Digital Presence  
- **Facebook Location ID**: 112423948770568  
- **Subreddit**: r/wollongong  
- **Curlie ID**: Regional/Oceania/Australia/New_South_Wales/Localities/W/Wollongong/  

### Miscellaneous  
- **Postal Code**: 2500.  
- **UN/LOCODE**: AUWOL.  
- **Maximum Temperature Record**: 44.1°C (2006).  
- **Minimum Temperature Record**: 0.8°C (1986).  
- **Native Labels**: “Wollongong” (English) and “Woolyungah” (Tharawal language).  

This entry synthesizes all verified data about Wollongong, ensuring comprehensive coverage of its historical, demographic, and cultural significance.

## References

1. [Australian Bureau of Statistics](http://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/SSC14358)
2. [Source](https://linked.data.gov.au/dataset/asgsed3/SAL/14376)
3. [Source](https://ohrid.gov.mk/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8-%D0%B8-%D0%B7%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8/#1550493792826-104f2237-49593bde-e13530e7-072b)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. BnF authorities
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. MusicBrainz
8. [Australian Bureau of Statistics](https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/quickstat/UCL103001?opendocument)
9. [Australian Bureau of Statistics](https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/UCL102005?opendocument)
10. [Wollongong](https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/UCL102005)
11. [Source](https://www.abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/UCL102005)
12. GeoNames
13. BBC Things
14. [Aboriginal Culture and Communities. 2021](https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/about/aboriginal-culture-and-communities)
15. [A Concise History of New South Wales. 2020](https://books.google.com/books?id=QMT3DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT81&lpg=PT81&dq=Dharawal+language+wollongong&source=bl&ots=VwmZlQMVYC&sig=ACfU3U0qjC83U8kt0ju9Mu3z5bD_2U7EDA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjarfT2w8r5AhXCEmIAHZPTD7E4ChDoAXoECBAQAw#v=onepage&q=Dharawal%20language%20wollongong&f=false)
16. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/au.htm)
17. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)