Danielle McCarthy
Cruising

This city could be the next Aussie cruising hub

Wollongong is becoming a contender as a cruise destination.

Voyager of the Seas arrived in Post Kemble earlier this year showcasing Wollongong’s cruising potential.

It is the third time a Royal Caribbean ship arrived in Wollongong since October last year.

Labor’s member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, hopes the NSW Government will include Port Kembla in the 10-year Cruise Development Plan that was announced in 2014.

Scully believes that Wollongong has proven that it can play a vital role in the cruise ship industry.

Wollongong Liberal Councillor Leigh Colacino, said that growth has been a priority to show that Port Kembla can not only handle cruise ships with its facilities but also be a turnaround port.

Councillor Colacino has been providing input into the important plans for coastal areas and volunteered as an ambassador to make the thousands on the Voyager of the Sears feel welcome.

Many tourist locations such as Nan Tien Temple, Jamberoo Action Park, Symbio Wildlife Park, Kiama Blowhole and Illawarra Fly are a few on the locations being visited by tourists in the area.

Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh, believes that many cruising visitors are telling others how great their experience holidaying in Wollongong.

“The city is now looking forward to talking to other cruise ship companies,” Sleigh said.

Councillor Colacino said that Wollongong will not just be known as a port but also by its tourism, shopping and dining experiences.

“The city is now looking forward to talking to other cruise ship companies,” the Councillor said.

What do you think of Wollongong as a cruise destination?

Image credit: Greg Ellis

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cruising, Wollongong, australian, city, port