Sunday Commute: Double Demerits in Force and Major City Rail Disruptions

Operation Australia Day: Double Demerits and High Police Visibility

As the Australia Day long weekend continues, commuters and local drivers are reminded that Operation Australia Day is currently in full effect across Wollongong and the wider Illawarra region. This high-visibility police operation began on Friday, January 23, and will continue through Monday, January 26, 2026. Drivers are alerted that double demerit points apply for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt, and motorcycle helmet offences. Traffic and Highway Patrol Command have increased patrols on the M1 Princes Motorway and Memorial Drive, focusing on high-risk driver behavior and alcohol-affected driving during the holiday period.

Major Arteries: Mount Ousley and M1 Northbound Peaks

Motorists traveling between Wollongong and Sydney today, Sunday, January 25, should prepare for significant delays on the M1 Princes Motorway. A heavy northbound peak is anticipated starting from mid-morning and intensifying through the afternoon as holidaymakers return toward the city. Specific areas of concern include the Mount Ousley interchange, where ongoing infrastructure works may require reduced speed limits and lane merges. Commuters are advised to monitor live traffic updates and, if possible, depart before 11:00 AM or after 7:00 PM to avoid the heaviest congestion through the Bulli Pass and Waterfall sections.

Wollongong CBD and Harbour Precinct Preparations

While the major Australia Day road closures for the Foreshore and Belmore Basin are scheduled for tomorrow, January 26, preparations are already well underway today. Expect increased pedestrian activity and limited parking availability near Wollongong Harbour and Flagstaff Hill as crews set up for the scheduled fireworks and community festivities. Long-term traffic changes remain in place within the CBD, including the continued closure of Crown Lane, which is currently slated to remain closed to vehicle traffic through February 2026.

Public Transport: Rail Trackwork Affecting Sydney Connections

Commuters relying on the South Coast Line to reach Sydney today will face significant disruptions upon arrival at Central. Official transport announcements indicate that from Friday night through to the end of today, Sunday, January 25, the following disruptions apply:

• City Circle: Trains are not running on the City Circle or between Central and Wynyard. Passengers should utilize T4 Illawarra Line services, light rail, or local buses for travel within the Sydney CBD.
• Sydney Metro: There are no metro services running between Tallawong and Sydenham due to essential testing. Replacement buses are operating between Tallawong and Chatswood only.

Within Wollongong, the Free Gong Shuttle (Route 55A/55C) continues to be the most efficient way to navigate between the University, CBD, and Foreshore, especially with the current holiday parking pressures.