Flagstaff Hill Fort

Check out the three-gun battery and take photos from a scenic vantage point at this heritage-listed military fortification, which was built to deter enemy ships in the 1890s.

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 Flagstaff Hill Fort

Nan Tien Temple

With a name that translates to “Paradise of the South” in Chinese, this Buddhist temple complex is a modern architectural treasure with cultural exhibitions, a lodge and workshops.

See hotels near here

Wollongong City Beach

Immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere or find your own secluded patch of sand on this vast beach that stretches for miles along the city’s gorgeous coastline.

See hotels near here

North Wollongong Beach

Enjoy a day of fun with the family at this central beach with a broad sandy strip, rock pools, grassy foreshore areas and plenty of space to relax.

See hotels near here

Crown Street Mall

Wollongong’s pedestrianized main street is a shopping, dining and entertainment hub where you can join community events and festivities, or shop for a new look.

See hotels near here

Wollongong Harbour

Wander to the edge of the scenic breakwater or take in the views of Wollongong’s two lighthouses from a waterfront café at this historic destination.

See hotels near here

Map

Top Hotel Deals

See all 608 Properties near Flagstaff Hill Fort

Sage Hotel Wollongong ￥7,934

See details

Sage Hotel Wollongong

60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated 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.

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach ￥10,104

See details

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, NSW

4.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Nestled 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.

Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong ￥9,103

See details

Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong

19 Market Street, Wollongong, NSW

4.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located 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.

Best Western City Sands - Wollongong Golf Club ￥9,093

See details

Best Western City Sands - Wollongong Golf Club

cnr of Banks & Corrimal St, Wollongong, NSW

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated 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.

Mantra Wollongong ￥10,782

See details

Mantra Wollongong

6-10 Gladstone Ave, Wollongong, NSW

4.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located 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.

The Belmore All-Suite Hotel ￥8,069

See details

The Belmore All-Suite Hotel

39 Smith Street, Wollongong, NSW

3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located 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.

Boat Harbour Motel ￥10,511

See details

Boat Harbour Motel

Cnr Campbell and Wilson St, Wollongong, NSW

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located 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.

Harp Hotel ￥6,103

See details

Harp Hotel

124 Corrimal Street, Wollongong, NSW

2.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located 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.

Flagstaff Hill Fort

Flagstaff Hill Fort