To celebrate MTV Beats & Eats festival, Destination NSW has prepared a guide for weekend wanderlusters to experience the best of Wollongong's vibrant food and cultural scene, adventure activities and natural beauty. MTV Beats & Eats will bring tunes and foodie treats to North Wollongong beach on Saturday 26 November. Throughout the day local and international musicians, including Grammy nominated superstar Steve Aoki, will dish out the hits, while Motti + Smith have curated a line-up of boutique food outlets to serve up an assortment of delicious festival food.
Here is Destination NSW's guide to some of the many ways you can spend a weekend living it up in the Gong.
Friday
12pm – Touch the sky at Illawarra Fly
The award winning Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures is one of Australia's premier treetop walks and zipline experiences. Positioned 710 metres above sea level, the stunning panoramic views take in everything from the rainforest canopy, coastal towns and out to the Pacific Ocean. Don a full body harness, helmet and zip around the beautiful South Coast forest.
3pm – Find your zen at Nan Tien Temple
It's always worth getting a good night's sleep before a festival and there is no better place to recharge the batteries than a stay at Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Pilgrim Lodge, is open all year round and located in the grounds of the Temple. It overlooks the lotus pond, the peaceful Temple, splendid gardens, the beautiful rolling hills, and famous escarpment of the Illawarra.
Saturday
9am – Start your day with a big breakfast at Sifters
Pull up a milk crate, grab yourself a single origin roasters coffee, and chow down on a delicious breakfast at Sifters café on market street Wollongong in the heart of the CBD. This café is set up in a shipping container and the whole experience will provide visitors with perfect Instagram content sure to make their friends jealous.
10am – Learn to Surf like a pro at Australian Surf Tours
Make the most of your time in Wollongong and get out into the waves and learn to surf with the experienced team at Australian Surf Adventures. For those wanting to become the next Sally Fitzgibbons, book a private tour to really master your skills, or get your friends together for a group lesson 'Blue Crush' style.
2pm – Dance the night away at MTV Beats & Eats
Food, drinks, friends and killer DJ sets. MTV Beats & Eats festival is the perfect place to kick-start your summer of music festivals. At Stuarts Park opposite North Wollongong beach enjoy a day of performances from New Zealand rapper Savage, electronic artist MAALA and local producer Paces, before international superstar DJ Steve Aoki rips up the decks with a 90 minute set to close the show.
Sunday
9am – Grab a morning coffee from Lee and Me
Start your day with a strong coffee at Lee and Me, a beautiful café located on the main street of Wollongong. Re-fuel with their delicious zucchini, haloumi and chickpea fritters, or ricotta hotcakes with Nutella cream and cookie crumble.
10am – Forage for the perfect morning tea at the Bulli Forages Markets
Catch the train from Wollongong Central just 10 minutes north to Bulli station, where you will find the markets at the Bulli Showground. Stroll around the stalls and check out the NSW seasonal produce on offer including organic bread, gourmet treats, flowers, and artisan cheeses.
1pm – Spot a whale and enjoy lunch at Scarborough Hotel
No trip from Sydney to Wollongong is complete without a stop at The Scarborough Hotel. Enjoy lunch in the beautiful Seacliff Garden which boasts breathtaking views out to sea and along the coastline. Try and spot a whale as they migrate south along the NSW coast.
