Dine al fresco this summer

There’s no better way to enjoy the hot weather than with a meal, or possibly a cocktail or coffee, out in the sunshine. This summer, we’re encouraging residents to test out Wollongong’s popular ‘al fresco’ dining spaces.

The temporary outdoor dining spaces are in four locations - Crown Lane, Crown Street Mall, Globe Lane, and lower Crown Street. Their purpose is to add value to our streets and laneways by providing spaces for people to dine out and spend time with family and friends.

“We want to know what our community and visitors think about the new outdoor dining spaces in the Wollongong CBD. What do you like about them? How can we improve these spaces?” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“This is a trial project and that means your feedback will help Wollongong City Council decide whether to keep a version of these outdoor spaces in our CBD permanently. There are QR codes on signs at each temporary site and you can scan the code to fill out a short survey. Otherwise, jump online and visit the Our Wollongong website.”

This project is proudly funded through the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces (Round 2).

Feedback on the Outdoor Dining Trial is open until Tuesday 28 February 2023.

“Council first installed the outdoor dining spaces earlier in the year. Since then, we’ve received great feedback from local businesses that trade into the spaces who are pleased to see many people make use of the spaces and enjoy the city,” Cr Bradbery said.

“We’re fortunate to have a fantastic selection of cafés, restaurants, and bars right here in our city. We will continue to support outdoor dining and our hospitality industry by championing people-friendly streets and laneways that allow community members to support local and make use of public spaces.”

For more information about the project and to leave feedback, visit the Our Wollongong website.

You can also get in touch:

• At the outdoor dining spaces – scan the QR code found on signs at each location and fill out a short online survey
• Visit Our.Wollongong.nsw.gov.au and fill out the online survey
• Complete a hardcopy survey at Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street
• Write to: Wollongong City Council, Locked Bag 8821, Wollongong DC NSW 2500
• Emailing Council
• Or calling Council’s Customer Service team on (02) 4227 7111.

Not sure where to park? Most on-street and off-street parking in the Wollongong CBD is free after 4.30pm on weekdays and after 12.30pm on Saturdays. It’s also free on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Visit our parking and transport webpage for more information on parking, public transport and getting to and from the Wollongong CBD.