From Wollongong you can follow the coast southwards towards the Victorian border. This road is quite a unique stretch of highway in Australia that it follows the coast and headlands, giving views as you drive it. Many other coastal Australian Highways usually stay a small distance from the cost, requiring side trips to see the scenery. At Batemans Bay you can turn inland to the Hume Highway via Braidwood to Canberra and Melbourne via the freeway.
The Illawarra Highway is a scenic route through the Southern Highlands to the Hume Highway. The road winds its way up through the Macquarie Pass, through Robertson and then on to the open road.
Royal National Park
Travel north to the Royal National Park and camp by the beach
Kiama Blowhole
Travel south by train or car to Kiama, and visit the blowhole...make sure you don't fall in.
Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley is a peaceful location, inland of Nowra, and hour south of Wollongong
If you are staying Wollongong, Sydney is an easy day trip.