port kembla
Port Kembla is a fascinating layer of Wollongong’s working and lifestyle history. What is it about Port Kembla that draws the eye and imagination in equal measure? We take a walk along the streets to find out …
Words Rebekah Lambert Images Sarah Tedder
No matter if you gaze up the coast from Kiama in the south or down from the lofty heights of Scarborough and Austinmer in the north, Port Kembla’s distinctive stacks cut a contrast on the skyline. But it’s not only her place in industry and history that garners local love. Port Kembla has a special affection in the Illawarra’s heart and that place is protected by some of the fiercest, most creative locals around.
Port Kembla has always been a beating heart of community. Steel and coal workers chose Port Kembla to be close to work. In those days, the place was almost sepia with dust and thousands of people pouring into Port by car, bus and train daily.
As industry shut down, so too did Port. She spent a few years with boarded streets, waiting for another crack at the title. In 2018, a revitalisation program called PK2505 began to bring the area back to life.
But it’s also the belief of local businesses and the residents that make Port something special. Tonitto Cakes is an institution. A shop brimming with birthday and celebratory delight, Tonitto’s has been serving quality cakes in Port Kembla since 1974. The following is loyal. Here in the windows and the counters are the best of Port Kembla’s cultural heritage in cannoli, croquembouche and cakes of all kinds. Generations of the Illawarra have been birthed, married and even buried with the comforting, perfectly sugared and creamed goodness that tempts you through the door.
Port Kembla Pool is another institution many locals have visited for generations. Opening in 1937, Port Kembla Pool has probably seen more swimming lessons, teen romances and sunburn than the most seasoned lifeguard. Perched overlooking the water, the pool is a 50 metre multi-lane complex with a separate toddler pool built to meet Olympic requirements for the handsome sum of 16,590 pounds. To this day, it’s a great place to go to recover from injury, considering the main pool has a beach-style incline that allows for gentle dipping and entry.
It’s not only history that flourishes in Port. Ash and the team from the Arthouse Cafe have been thriving under COVID. Is it any wonder? You can float up Wentworth Street from either direction on the scent of wonderful coffee and woodfire pizza. Live music happens on a regular basis and the vibe is always welcoming and family friendly. The seating in the courtyard leaves ample options to sit with privacy and safety and the yarn-bombed trees create something lovely to look at.
While in the courtyard, check out Smart Arts and Crafts, who are happy to keep you or the kids in creative endeavours with supplies. Redpoint Art Gallery brings a wide variety of art happenings to the area and are also often putting on a show. Or get more of your crafty fix at the Bead Shoppe on Wentworth where crafts, kits and classes combine.
Performance is also a part of the Port Kembla adventure. The Vault is a fan favourite for live music and the Servo Food Truck Bar has an ever-changing array of musical and live performance-based events. Currently making use of their ample outdoor seating and a shipping container stage, Servo is probably one of the most switched on venues in the Illawarra.
Feeling peckish? Pop across from Servo to Ambrosia Eatery and grab the deliciousness of burek just like Baba used to make. Another petrol station taking on a new lease of life, this family-owned business works hard to produce burek with a smile seven days a week.
When it comes time to do the grocery shop, Port Grocer is a fantastic local addition. With a local grocer and wholefoods store, Port Grocer uses its power as a store to end packaging waste by making environmentally sound choices. The aim is to use the buying power to give Port locals yummy, healthy and sustainable food and other products while aiming for a low to no-waste ethos.
If you’re still hankering for tasty treats, Amos Adams General Store is for you. With a wonderous array of meat, cheese, bread, spices, honey and more, this providore puts Australian made and artisan goods at the forefront. There’s something deliciously hipster here. Food is well made and shopping for a dinner party or filler for your next gift basket are both incredibly simple.
Want to stay abreast of amazing new Port Kembla additions as they happen? Stick close to Our Community Project, the group that has brought the likes of musical culture exploration Jam and Bread, not-for-profit funerals via Tender Funerals, Port Grocer, Men’s Shed, and creative micro-funders project Culturebank Wollongong to fruition. Their commitment to community sees ever-evolving ideas flourish.
Port Kembla is a vital and beautiful place that is proud of its heritage, multicultural roots and affection for the different side of life. That’s why she’s such a wonderful port in an Illawarra storm. No wonder the locals love her so.
“Port Kembla has changed dramatically in the time I’ve been here. At one point, it was known as the bridal street and there were about 10 bridal businesses – the concept was really good but the timing wasn’t right.
I live here as well as owning a business and it’s great to see businesses diversify and change with the times. The Arthouse Cafe and the Servo are both great for live music and there’s a real community feel. And it’s all walking distance from home and family friendly – you can wander up after work, have a glass of wine, bring your kids or your dog. Port Kembla has that ability to live, work and play.”