Illawarra

Travel Guide

Wollongong featuring rocky coastline
Wollongong featuring markets as well as a large group of people
Illawarra
Wollongong South Beach which includes general coastal views and surf
Wollongong which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views

Seaside towns, eucalyptus forests and expansive plains are dotted throughout this beautiful coastal region, where dramatic sandstone escarpments meet the Tasman Sea.

Explore the region of Illawarra to find a diverse landscape of coastal plains, magnificent mountain ridges, forests and urban areas. Beginning at Sydney’s southernmost border, Illawarra contains the beautiful Royal National Park, Lake Illawarra and Shoalhaven River to the south. New South Wales’ third-largest city, Wollongong, is located in Illawara, as well as a collection of charming coastal towns.

Spend several days exploring Illawarra’s magnificent coastal areas. From secret coves hidden by fragrant eucalyptus forest to open, sandy beaches with excellent surf breaks and sea baths, Illawarra has the diversity of coastal destinations to suit many pursuits. Spread out a towel or wax up your surfboard and check out the breaks at Austinmer or Wollongong’s North Beach. Follow a section of the unbeatable Coast Track in Royal National Park, a beautiful reserve filled with coastal forests of gum trees and palms, as well as historic beach shacks, stunning rock formations and secret swimming holes.

Wollongong is a relaxed city beneath the rugged Illawarra Escarpment. Find casual cafés, traditional pubs and fine dining establishments serving fresh local seafood. Discover rare and native plants at the Wollongong Botanic Gardens and take in sweeping vistas from atop the Bulli Pass or nearby Mount Keira.

Head south to find the magnificent Illawarra Lake, as well as the raging Kiama Blowhole and pretty Jamberoo. Check out the Minnamurra Rainforest Centre to enjoy relaxing forest walks, see a waterfall and learn about the ecology and local Aboriginal heritage of Budderoo National Park. Camp amid peaceful natural surroundings in Kangaroo Valley or go fishing from the wharves of Shellharbour.

Illawarra’s Royal National Park is a 45-minute drive from Sydney. Reach Wollongong via the scenic Grand Pacific Drive in 90 minutes. The South Coast Railway Line connects Sydney to several destinations in Illawarra. The region has year-round mild temperatures however, summers can become quite hot. Explore the region via a coastal road trip combined with exciting visits to beautiful national parks.

Where to stay in Illawarra

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Shellharbour

Shellharbour is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shellharbour South Beach and North Beach.

Shellharbour
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Thirroul

If you're spending some time in Thirroul, Thirroul Beach and McCauleys Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Thirroul
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Bulli

Bulli is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Bulli Beach and Sandon Point Beach.

Bulli
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Shell Cove

Travellers like the golf courses in Shell Cove, and Links Shell Cove Golf Course is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Shell Cove
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Austinmer

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Austinmer. You might want to make time for a stop at Austinmer Beach or Little Austinmer Beach.

Austinmer
Wollongong South Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach as well as an individual female

Port Kembla

You'll enjoy the beaches and monuments in Port Kembla. You might want to make time for a stop at Wollongong City Beach or Breakwater Battery.

Port Kembla
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach

4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, NSW
The price is €128 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€128
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy a beach locale, 4 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Nova Kiama

Nova Kiama

3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St, Kiama, NSW
The price is €98 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
€98
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Kiama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (628 reviews)
"I was surprised when I extended my stay for another week that the 2nd week was more expensive than the first week . I will say the staff were very helpful in organising the extended stay ."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Nova Kiama
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW
The price is €95 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
€95
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mantra Wollongong

Mantra Wollongong

4.5 out of 5
6-10 Gladstone Ave, Wollongong, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and onsite car rentals. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,577 reviews)
"Good size apartments with all amenities provided. The rooms are a bit dated and would benefit from a reno. Otherwise, does the job and ok for a short stay."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Mantra Wollongong
Headlands Austinmer Beach

Headlands Austinmer Beach

4 out of 5
1 Yuruga Street, Austinmer, NSW
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (633 reviews)
"Nothing to fault on our stay here. Beautiful location, great accommodation, very friendly staff at the property and also in other local cafes etc. Food great at the bistro. Fantastic for a relaxing staff."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Headlands Austinmer Beach
Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong

Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong

4.5 out of 5
19 Market Street, Wollongong, NSW
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Adina Apartment Hotel Wollongong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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