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Flagstaff Hill Fort
Flagstaff Hill Fort, also known as Stockade Point or Signal Hill, is an important landmark in Wollongong’s early military history. Built in the late 19th century as a first line of defense against a potential Russian attack, the fort presents a snapshot of the tensions and military technology in New South Wales at the time. Examine the fort’s battery of beautifully restored cannons and see where the fort’s disappearing gun was formerly installed.
Stroll around the grassy lawns of Flagstaff Hill Park and climb the gently inclining hillside that leads up to the fort. You’ll see the fort’s three 68-pounder guns, which point out toward the ocean waters. These cannons were installed in 1881 to defend Wollongong’s harbor. It was soon realized that the three-gun battery would not be a sufficient deterrent to enemy attack, so a deep circular pit was dug in 1890 to house a breech loading hydro-pneumatic disappearing gun.
Today, you can see the circular concrete pit embedded in the hillside. Tunnels connected the pit to the underground cartridge and shell stores installed within the hill. The gun emplacement was intended to be powerful and precise enough to sink a ship from Port Kembla in the south to Bulli in the north. Check out the entrance to the fort, which is located in a brick wall set into the southern side of the hill.
Continue your walk around the site to find interpretive markers and informative plaques. Looking out from the heritage emplacement, you can see sweeping views of Wollongong Harbour and City Beach. See the historic structure of Wollongong Head Lighthouse, which has beamed its light out to sea since 1936.
You’ll find several cafés and restaurants fronting the beach and the harbor at the bottom of the hill. Flagstaff Hill Park is accessible via a loop road and there is a free parking lot near the fort site. Flagstaff Hill Fort is less than a 10-minute drive from Wollongong’s city center and can be reached by bus. It is free to visit at any time.
Guide to Exploring around Flagstaff Hill Fort
Best Lodging Options Near Flagstaff Hill Fort
Per night/room
Sep 16 - Sep 17
Sage Hotel Wollongong
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSWSituated in Wollongong, this golf hotel is within a 10-minute walk of WIN Stadium and Wollongong City Beach. North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong Hospital are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wollongong Station is 24 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, NSWNestled on the beach, this North Wollongong hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Stuart Park and North Wollongong Beach. Wollongong City Beach and Wollongong Hospital are also within 2 mi (3 km). North Wollongong Station is 13 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Sep 3 - Sep 4
Harp Hotel
124 Corrimal Street, Wollongong, NSWLocated in the heart of Wollongong, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Illawarra Museum and Wollongong City Beach. North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong Hospital are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wollongong Station is 18 minutes by foot and North Wollongong Station is 27 minutes.
Per night/room
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong
19 Market Street, Wollongong, NSWLocated in the heart of Wollongong, this luxury apartment building is within 2 mi (3 km) of WIN Stadium, Wollongong Hospital, and Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium. University of Wollongong and Nan Tien Temple are also within 6 mi (10 km). Wollongong Station is 19 minutes by foot and North Wollongong Station is 25 minutes.
Per night/room
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Mantra Wollongong
6-10 Gladstone Ave, Wollongong, NSWLocated in the heart of Wollongong, this luxury apartment building is within a 10-minute walk of Crown Street Mall and Wollongong Hospital. WIN Entertainment Centre and Wollongong Golf Club are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wollongong Station is 7 minutes by foot and North Wollongong Station is 22 minutes.
Per night/room
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Best Western City Sands - Wollongong Golf Club
cnr of Banks & Corrimal St, Wollongong, NSWSituated in Wollongong, this golf motel is within a 10-minute walk of WIN Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centre. North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong Hospital are also within 2 mi (3 km). Wollongong Station is 22 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Sep 8 - Sep 9
The Belmore All-Suite Hotel
39 Smith Street, Wollongong, NSWLocated in the heart of Wollongong, this apartment building is within a 15-minute walk of Illawarra Museum, Wollongong City Beach, and North Wollongong Beach. Wollongong Hospital and University of Wollongong are also within 3 mi (5 km). Wollongong Station is 20 minutes by foot and North Wollongong Station is 21 minutes.
Per night/room
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Boat Harbour Motel
Cnr Campbell and Wilson St, Wollongong, NSWLocated in the heart of Wollongong, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Wollongong Fish Market, Wollongong City Beach, and North Wollongong Beach. Wollongong Hospital and University of Wollongong are also within 3 mi (5 km). North Wollongong Station is 22 minutes by foot and Wollongong Station is 26 minutes.