Illawarra Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Wollongong which includes rocky coastline
Wollongong showing markets as well as a large group of people
Illawarra
Wollongong South Beach which includes surf and general coastal views
Wollongong which includes a 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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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
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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
Wollongong South Beach showing general coastal views and a sandy 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 ₹11,130 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹11,130
₹12,243 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"BEAUTIFUL HOTEL"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW
The price is ₹7,753 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹7,753
₹8,529 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Great spacious room with really nice view. Very helpful staff."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Nova Kiama

Nova Kiama

3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St, Kiama, NSW
The price is ₹7,730 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹7,730
₹8,503 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Kiama. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (597 reviews)
"The hotel room was clean. It would have been useful to have a couple of dining chairs and small table inside the room, rather than on the balcony as it was too cold to sit and eat outside."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Nova Kiama
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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and on-site car hire. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,562 reviews)
"A bit if a difficult access from street front. Interior is tired but pleasamt staff."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (625 reviews)
"The staff were very helpful."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,911 reviews)
"Staff lovely, property a little tired. Good price"

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

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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