Lake Illawarra Travel Guide
Wollongong
Visit Lake Illawarra
Popular places to visit
North Wollongong Beach
Enjoy a day of fun with the family at this central beach with a broad sandy strip, rock pools, grassy foreshore areas and plenty of space to relax.
Wollongong City Beach
Immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere or find your own secluded patch of sand on this vast beach that stretches for miles along the city’s gorgeous coastline.
Nan Tien Temple
With a name that translates to “Paradise of the South” in Chinese, this Buddhist temple complex is a modern architectural treasure with cultural exhibitions, a lodge and workshops.
Crown Street Mall
Wollongong’s pedestrianized main street is a shopping, dining and entertainment hub where you can join community events and festivities, or shop for a new look.
Wollongong Harbor
Wander to the edge of the scenic breakwater or take in the views of Wollongong’s two lighthouses from a waterfront café at this historic destination.
Sea Cliff Bridge
You can learn about the history of Wollongong with a trip to Sea Cliff Bridge. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Top hotels in Lake Illawarra
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Cannot fault the staff nor the cleanliness. However at every turn there is an extra charge on top of the room fee...parking, tea, fresh towels, a lemon slice. And buffet breakfast was not worth $42 per person. Absolute wrought by management and the Accor group.
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Comfy mattresses, fantastic buffet breakfast - good as any hotel, terrific location
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Five Islands Hotel
Rooms clean not one bit of dust parking bit full at times but the bar and staff was really good
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Nova Kiama
It was a short stay, worth one. Close to station and all the amenities. Close to the beach and blowhole. Definitely recommend it.
Reviewed on 20 Apr 2026
Lakeside Inn Illawarra
No hot water the room was filthy and when I asked for refund they gave me 50 dollars credit like I was staying in a tent
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Hotel TOTTO Wollongong
Clean rooms, easy access for parking and is located in the centre of CBD
Reviewed on 18 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Lake Illawarra
Warilla
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Warilla and surrounding area, you can visit Warilla Beach and Stocklands Shellharbour.
Windang
Visitors to Windang enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Perkins Beach is worth a stop.
Shellharbour
Shellharbour is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shellharbour South Beach and North Beach.
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.
Dapto
The coffee shops and lake views are a few reasons travellers visit Dapto. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit Port Kembla Golf Club and Stocklands Shellharbour, a few notable attractions nearby.
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.
