Professional Services

Wollongong is where professional and financial services firms run head offices, satellite teams and shared-services hubs about a third cheaper than the Sydney CBD - one hour from Sydney, without giving up talent or client access.

A smarter location for professional services

As the regional capital of the Illawarra–Shoalhaven, and the fastest-growing region in NSW, Wollongong gives firms a credible alternative to the capital-city CBDs. Lower occupancy costs, a deep talent pool and easy access to Sydney let teams deliver work locally, nationally and globally from a more affordable base.

With an extra 130,000 residents forecast by 2041 and more than $1.5 billion of recent CBD investment and $1.3 billion in the pipeline, Wollongong is a practical move, without the compromise.

Firms move to Wollongong to:

Establish or consolidate a head office in A-grade office space
Run a satellite office connected to Sydney clients and teams
Set up a shared-services or contact-centre operation at lower cost
Support hybrid and flexible working close to where staff live
Redirect spend from rent into people, technology and growth

700,000+ workers within an hour A one-hour commute reaches more than 700,000 working-age people across consulting, finance, legal, engineering, digital and health

Affordable A-grade office space A grade office space in Wollongong CBD is 50% more affordable than Sydney CBD

70 minutes to Sydney Just over an hour by road or rail to Sydney and its airports, keeping clients and markets within easy reach

A-grade offices at half the Sydney cost

Wollongong's CBD has matured into a genuine professional-services precinct. A-grade office space costs around half the price of premium Sydney CBD space, and the supply of A-grade stock has grown by roughly 50% over the past 6 years as demand from professional services, technology and consulting firms has risen.

Modern floorplates, short commutes and strong amenity make for a workplace that supports productivity, collaboration and retention — with occupancy costs that free up budget for the work itself.

Image: GHD Engineering new office

Firms already in Wollongong

Wollongong is home to regional, national and global professional services organisations, including KPMG, EY, Mercer, SMEC, GHD, Northrop Consulting Engineers, Colliers, Accelo, IMB Bank, Services Australia, the ATO, Cardno, Suncorp and iCare.

A deep talent pool that stays

Wollongong's professional workforce spans consulting, accounting, legal, finance, engineering, digital, health and government services. The University of Wollongong is a top 1% ranked university globally, and TAFE NSW supply a steady flow of industry-ready graduates and ongoing skills development.

Retention is a standout advantage. Staff turnover in Wollongong tends to be lower than national average and thanks to short commutes, returning to the office isn't such a barrier. For employers, that means depth of capability, lower replacement costs and senior teams that choose to stay and grow.