Wollongong Population 2026
Wollongong has a population of 280,153, making it the #13 biggest city in 🇦🇺 Australia, located in New South Wales. Roughly 1.0% of Australia's population lives here. It is about 20× smaller than Sydney, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
280,153
Rank in Australia
#13
Coordinates
34.42°S, 150.89°E
~29 m elevation · Australia/Sydney
Distance to capital (Canberra)
187 km
116 miles, straight line
Other big cities in New South Wales
| City | Population | Rank in Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 5,638,830 | #1 |
| Newcastle | 508,437 | #7 |
| Central Coast | 346,596 | #10 |
| Maitland | 89,597 | #24 |
| Coffs Harbour | 78,759 | #28 |
| Port Macquarie | 51,965 | #33 |
| Tamworth | 43,874 | #35 |
| Dubbo | 43,516 | #36 |
Cities near Wollongong
- Liverpool31,078 people · ~56 km away
- Parramatta30,211 people · ~68 km away
- Sydney5,638,830 people · ~68 km away
- Hornsby22,462 people · ~82 km away
- Goulburn24,565 people · ~113 km away
- Central Coast346,596 people · ~119 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Wollongong?
Wollongong has a population of 280,153 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #13 biggest city in Australia.
What region is Wollongong in?
Wollongong is located in New South Wales, Australia.
Is Wollongong the capital of Australia?
No, the capital of Australia is Canberra, about 187 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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