Wollongong Harbour Precinct, Heritage harbor in Wollongong, Australia.

Wollongong Harbour Precinct is a waterfront area on the New South Wales coast that takes in Belmore Basin, the inner harbour, Brighton Beach, and the hilltop lookouts of Flagstaff Hill and Signal Hill. Its different parts are linked by a network of walking paths, and a working fishing cooperative operates along the wharf.

The harbour was commissioned by Governor Bourke in 1837 and built by convict workers, with the main construction finishing in 1844. Over time, the area grew into a key stop for coal and goods trading along the south coast of New South Wales.

The Dharawal used the bay as a sheltered harbour for cultural and ceremonial activities for more than 20,000 years, possibly up to 40,000; middens in the area hold archaeological evidence of this occupation. Smiths Creek supplied fresh water, and the marine and riparian setting provided abundant food. From the 1820s Brighton Beach became the shipping point for supplies, produce and timber bound for Sydney.

The whole area is easy to walk, with flat, well-kept paths connecting most sections, though the climbs to Flagstaff Hill and Signal Hill require some effort. An early morning visit is worth considering if you want to see the fishing cooperative at work before the day picks up.

The harbour's stone sea walls were cut from rock excavated on site. The two lowest courses are dressed quartz sandstone, while the upper blocks are a less durable sandstone. A diving bell brought from England for the Sydney Harbour quay was used to adjust the facing walls.