Paddy the Platypus visits Wollongong

 

Paddy the platypus is the New South Wales (NSW) mascot for the State Emergency Services (SES) within Australia. He helps educate kids about natural disasters such as floods,storms and fires. The SES is based within all states and territories in Australia and is a not-for-profit, community and volunteer emergency service organisation. The NSW SES headquarters are based in Wollongong NSW Australia. Wollongong is located around an hour and a half south of Sydney NSW Australia. My reason for visiting was to see the Paddy the platypus sign on the side of the SES building located in Wollongong at 93-99 Burelli Street in Dharawal country. There is also a cafe and visitor centre within the building that displays the history of the SES within NSW. 

 

 

 

 

Wollongong also is known for its great street art, along Burrelli street you can see a selection of artworks by artists such as Mikey Freedom, Smug,Ian McCallum and Phibs.  Near Wollongong Station on station street is a visitor welcome mural done by the artist Poncho Army. You can download a street art map of Wollongong here https://splatrs.com/street-art-maps/wollongong/ check out BigThing Whispers blog here https://www.australianpublictart.com/search/label/NSW%20-%20Wollongong for great info on amazing Wollongong street art too. 

Mikey Freedom streetart

Koalas by Smug

Fever by Ian McCallum

Fever by Ian McCallum detail

Fever by Ian McCallum detail

Phibs street art on the local Youth Centre

Wollongong Welcome Mural near station by Poncho Army

A cool sculpture entitled Nike created by the artist Ken Unsworth is located within McCabe Park on Burelli Street, it was built to commemorate the steel industry as Wollongong has a strong history connected with steel production.

Other popular attractions within Wollongong are the art gallery located at 46 Burelli street.

Wollongong is also home to beautiful beaches and two lighthouses. The Flagstaff Point Lighthouse was built in 1936 and is still in operation today.  The second lighthouse is located also within the Wollongong Harbour and is called the Wollongong Breakwater lighthouse, this was built in 1871 and is now heritage listed and is no longer in use due to the newer lighthouse but however is a popular tourist attraction and icon among locals.

Flagstaff Point Lighthouse

 

 

Flagstaff Point Lighthouse

Wollongong Breakwater lighthouse

Wollongong Breakwater lighthouse

Wollongong Beach

Wollongong Beach

Wollongong Beach

Wollongong is a great day trip or weekend getaway suited for anyone who loves art, nature and good food and drinks.

Below is more footage from my visit to Wollongong