Travel
Where to stay near Port Kembla for your tattoo
If you’re coming from further away, staying close to the studio makes a full day much easier. Here are the best areas to look, and what to do on a rest day.
Port Kembla
closest, by the beach
~10 min
to the Wollongong CBD
~15 min
to North Wollongong
~20 min
to Shellharbour Village
Areas to look at
Close to the studio.
- Port Kembla: the closest option, near the beach and a short drive to the studio.
- Wollongong CBD: about ten minutes away, with the most hotels, apartments, restaurants and cafes.
- North Wollongong: beachside and relaxed, a little further from the studio, good for a longer stay.
- Shellharbour Village: about twenty minutes south, with a marina, restaurants and beaches.
- Thirroul and the northern beaches: about half an hour north, quieter and good for a few days.
Dylan's recommendations
Where clients have stayed.
[Dylan: two or three places clients have liked, plus a cafe for breakfast before a session and somewhere good for dinner after.]
On a rest day
Things to do nearby.
- Sea Cliff Bridge: a short drive north along Grand Pacific Drive.
- Wollongong Harbour and the lighthouses: an easy walk from the CBD.
- Nan Tien Temple: a large Buddhist temple in Berkeley, a few minutes from Port Kembla.
- Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk: up the escarpment, about 45 minutes away.
- Kiama Blowhole: about half an hour south.
Skip swimming while your tattoo heals: no ocean, pools or spas until it’s fully healed.
Tips for a multi-day trip
Looking after it away from home.
- Book somewhere with a proper shower and clean sheets: you’ll be washing a fresh tattoo.
- Keep it out of the sun, and pack loose clothing.
- Eat a good breakfast before each session and bring snacks for the day.
- Get a proper night’s sleep between sessions.
Work clients have travelled for
Questions
Common questions
Anywhere from Port Kembla to the Wollongong CBD is within about ten minutes. North Wollongong and Shellharbour are good if you want to be by the water for a few days.
Not while the tattoo is healing. Keep it out of the ocean, pools and spas, and out of the sun, until it’s fully healed.
More travel guides
About 90 minutes down the M1. Plan the drive, the train and the day.
Ten minutes from the Wollongong CBD, close to the whole Illawarra.
Have a piece in mind?
Books open a few times a year. The waitlist hears first.