Since signing up over a year ago, I've had a positive experience At this gym. It won't be for everyone but being open 24/7 definitely has its benefits such as being able to exercise at night and on public holidays.
The gym is a little small but generally not too busy so you get to use everything you need. Men and women are very much all in the same space and I personally know a few females who prefer all female gyms or those with separate women's sections.
I have always found the equipment to be clean and well maintained. If ever something isn't working correctly they have a policy that it gets fixed in 48 hours which is good.
Parking is usually ok as they have a decent sized car park out the back.
Unfortunately they don't have a separate room for classes and run them in the communal space. Because they use a different company for these you actually have to pay an extra $40 or so per month just to do a couple of classes a week which I don't like. Basically if you're after convenience and classes aren't too important to you then it's a good gym. Try to sign up when they have a special or you have to pay about $100 sign up fee.

Approximate cost: $60/ month

Skydive the beach Sydney (as its known, silly considering its in north wollongong) is a once in a life time experience if you're up for it. I went a couple of weeks ago and wow! It was such a thrill, it's hard to explain the feeling because nothing else compares to it. Anyway the entire experience involves booking over the phone (you have to pay a $100 deposit at this stage) then you turn up at your booked time, fill out a couple of forms and meet your instructor- it's a tandem dive. The whole time staff make you feel very comfortable and safe, making jokes with you and guiding you through s quick safety demo. Then you get in the bus and head to the Albion park airport where you board the small plane. There are 8 tandems/ flight. This whole process everything prior to the airport took about an hour to an hour and a half. It's then time to jump which also goes very quickly about 7 minutes from jumping out of the plane to landing on safe ground. Not that you really jump- your instructor pushes you out. If you can afford it, the total cost (with DVD/ photos) is about $400 it's a must do. You don't have to be young or a thrill seeker either. There were people 50-65 in our group.

Approximate cost: $400

Definitely a great place to shop. Not only do they stock great fresh fruit and veg but have an excellent deli and wide range of specialty items. Great quality produce. Very well priced too, I'm sure they're giving Woolworths next door some healthy and much needed competition. My only complaint is that you often have to wait a long time lining up at the deli because they get so busy. Could possibly benefit by having more staff on those really busy mornings. Staff are wonderful though and extremely helpful. I'm yet to try the cafe but have heard it is also great.

Wow! This place is dessert perfection. The best waffles in the Illawarra. Topped with syrup, fresh fruit, chocolate, cream, ice cream the list is endless.... They even do savoury waffles now. Sugar cube recently moved into a small shop on crown street which has a funky, fresh feel very retro. A little tough to find parking though. It does get busy on weekend evenings but service is pretty quick and staff are very friendly. You won't be disappointed.

Approximate cost: $9

The gala cinemas are my favourite place to go in the Illawarra. They are the cheapest cinema around for a start. The Gala has an old fashioned feel to it with a small team working there meaning you get to know their faces- they are very friendly, welcoming staff. I think there are only 2 theatres so not as many movies show here as other places but the popular ones are usually on at good times.
The only issue I have found has been getting a park on busy days like in the school holidays but you can always park in the Westfield across the road and walk over. Drinks and popcorn are also reasonably priced and not outrageously large. I'd recommend the gala to everyone for a bit of old fashioned Customer service and an all round enjoyable experience.

Approximate cost: $7-$9

I've sent both my kids here and been pretty happy with the quality of teachers and program's. average to high price for lessons but overall a good experience, after all swimming lessons is something I'm willing to spend a bit on. Would definitely recommend McKeons, they've been around a long te and know what they're doing!

Always a great meal plus plenty to do at this club. Quick, quality and great tasting food make an enjoyable night out. Plenty of things to keep the kids busy too.

Approximate cost: $20

I've been here for a couple of birthday parties and once just with the kids (4 and 5 yrs) but we won't be going back anytime soon. It was dearer than the other play centres and too busy even though it is a bigger space. I think because it is so big the kids get pretty scared and I couldn't find my two a few times which stressed me out as well as them. Maybe this ones only good for the older kids

Approximate cost: $8+

My kids love this play centre. We usually go during the week and i love that i can sit down and do my work with a coffee while they play. It usually isn't too crowded and has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It's cheaper than the others I've been too as well. Thinking of having my girls party there in June :)

Approximate cost: $7- $10