The long weekend is around the corner and the weather forecast promises picture-perfect autumn weather.
With little or no rain forecast for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we're predicting the city's beaches and foreshore parks will be the places to be.
"Autumn really is one of the best times of year to enjoy our public spaces,'' Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"Often the parks aren't as frenetic as they can be at the peak of summer, but the water at the beach is still warm, and there's a very laid-back feel to our foreshore areas.
''Certainly Council's foreshore crews have been working hard in the lead up to this weekend ensuring the most popular areas have been mown, and there will be additional cleaning of public amenities between Friday and Monday.''
With many people expected to head to the beach for an end-of-summer swim this weekend, Cr Brown is reminding people to stay between the flags.
"We're expecting the beaches to be popular this weekend as people make the most of this warm weather,'' she said.
"Please do the right thing and only swim at one of our 17 flagged beaches, when Council's Lifeguards or volunteer Surf Life Savers are on patrol. We don't want anyone's long weekend to take a tragic turn.''
Cr Brown said this plea to be safe also applied to rock fishers who should ensure they're wearing a life jacket, monitoring the weather and surf conditions closely, and fishing with a friend.
"We know Easter is a time when people prioritise eating fish and that can include the challenge of catching your own for the dinner table,'' she said.
"However, we've seen rock fishing events turn to tragedy too many times in our city. It's one of the riskiest sports in Australia and that's why Council opted-in to the NSW Government's declared areas in 2022 and make life jackets mandatory.''
If you're looking for something to do this long weekend, Cr Brown said heading to the Wollongong Botanic Garden to catch the Sculpture in the Garden Wollongong outdoor exhibition was a must-do.
There are 18 artworks on display in the month-long exhibition that finishes at the end of April. The exhibition also includes artist tours, walks and talks, workshops and other events.
The garden is open Monday to Sunday from 7am-5pm and will be closed on Good Friday 18 April.
"I've spent a little time in the Garden recently and really enjoyed my interactions with the artworks included as part of the exhibition,'' Cr Brown said.
"Be sure to check out the distinctive green cubed sculpture, Affinity, which was the Acquisitive Prize winner and will remain in the garden as part of its permanent collection.''
