Illawarra

Travel Guide

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

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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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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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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$1,020 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
HK$1,020
HK$1,122 total
31 Aug - 1 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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Amazing location and so nice to see and hear the ocean. A bit over priced comparing this to similar places in Sydney but overall clean, comfortable and great service."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong

Sage Hotel Wollongong

4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW
The price is HK$714 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
HK$714
HK$786 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"It was a busy weekend due to a League game at the stadium, but the staff on reception handled the check-in very well and were friendly & informative. Was able to pull up car at the front, Checkin & then proceed down to carpark ($25). With lift from carpark to floor we stayed on. The room size was ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Nova Kiama

Nova Kiama

3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St, Kiama, NSW
The price is HK$690 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
HK$690
HK$759 total
10 Aug - 11 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! (611 reviews)
"Room was basic but nicely updated, bed was ok, nice shower, convenient location, staff were lovely. Bathroom needs better ventilation as the shower steam makes the bathroom very damp. Mostly very quiet except for the noise from the shower in the next room - especially when they had a shower at 4am ..."

Reviewed on 5 Aug 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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and onsite car rentals. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,571 reviews)
"Nice comfortable place to stay. I did not like the bes which was soft and seem to be sinking due to work out springs."

Reviewed on 7 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! (629 reviews)
"I loved my stay here, it had evening i needed, including washing machine and parking. Comfortable, friendly- couldn't ask for more."

Reviewed on 29 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 WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,915 reviews)
"This is our second stay at this property and we will be back. The staff a incredibly friendly and helpful. Location is the biggest factor on why we would return. The property is alittle dated, but jt was reasonably clean for its age"

Reviewed on 4 Aug 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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