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

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.

Located just one hour south of Sydney, Wollongong is the third largest city in NSW, and has a busy calendar of cultural and sporting events throughout the year. From 28 to 30 October Harley Days will celebrate all things Harley-Davidson with three days of showcases, stunts, and entertainment.

On Sunday 30 October Lang Park in Port Kembla will host an event to mark the arrival of the Maiden Visit of Royal Caribbean’s mega-liner Radiance of the Seas. The Welcome to Wollongong event will showcase the best of the South Coast including local restaurants, food, wine, art & craft and entertainment.

Aussie YouTubers Jake Rich and Jacko Brazier recently went on a road trip to Wollongong with MTV titled 24 Hours in Wollongong. The video can be viewed here

For images go to http://images.destinationnsw.com.au/

Media contacts: Jessica Parry, Destination NSW
M: +61 (0)428 767 836
E: jessica.parry@dnsw.com.au