Wollongong’s inner city area encompasses the suburbs of Wollongong and North Wollongong, stretching north to Fairy Meadow, west to include Wollongong Hospital, and southward to Greenhouse Park. According to the 2016 census, the suburb of Wollongong itself had a population of 18,442 residents, reflecting a bustling urban community.

At the heart of the city lies the Central Business District (CBD), a major commercial centre renowned for its department stores, specialty shops, offices, and entertainment venues. The CBD is focused around the Crown Street Mall and Wollongong Central shopping complex, approximately bounded by Market, Corrimal, and Burelli streets alongside the railway line. Surrounding this vibrant core is a blend of parks, reserves, light commercial properties, as well as diverse residential options including houses and multi-story apartment buildings. Smith’s Hill, located northeast of the CBD, is particularly known for its multi-story housing, popular among residents seeking a combination of inner-city convenience, coastal views, and a beachside lifestyle.

To the east of the city lies Flagstaff Point, a striking rocky headland featuring eroded cliffs topped with grassy hills. This area is rich in history, containing a colonial fort, several restored cannons, and two distinctive lighthouses. The older Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse, constructed in 1871 from wrought iron plates, stands as a city icon at the harbour entrance. Nearby, the newer Wollongong Head Lighthouse, built in 1936 atop Flagstaff Hill, continues to operate into the 21st century. The historic Belmore Basin, carved out by convict labour and later extended with a breakwater, shelters Wollongong Harbour and hosts a commercial fishing fleet and the Fisherman's Co-op, while providing refuge for private boats.

Wollongong’s central beaches add to the city’s coastal charm. North Wollongong Beach stretches from the harbour northwards to Fairy Lagoon and the Puckeys Estate Reserve, while Wollongong City Beach extends south from Flagstaff Point, flowing into Coniston Beach. These beaches offer locals and visitors alike opportunities for recreation and relaxation against the backdrop of the city’s unique urban and natural landscape.