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Werrong Beach Track — Image credit: Photo: OEH

Natural Attractions

Werrong Beach Track

Only an hour south of Sydney, take a walk along Werrong Beach track in Royal National Park. Taking you to Werrong Beach, a designated nude beach, it’s perfect for those who like their nature ‘a la naturelle’. Although the beach is beautiful, it's unsuitable for swimming due to the prominence of rips and rocks. The idyllic coastal walking track which takes you Werrong Beach is in the southern most area of the park. At Otford lookout, take in spectacular coastal views up and down the coast. From here, it’s a short steep climb passing a dramatic sandstone cliff before dropping into lush coastal rainforest of cabbage tree palms and ferns. Upon arriving at the beach, fling off your shoes, walk the sandy shores, and take in the ocean vista. You might be the only ones there, except for the silver gulls and occasional sea eagle. Make sure you pack a hearty picnic lunch, because you’ll need the energy to get back up the steep track.

Otford NSW

0.6 km away

Horse riding

Amusement and Theme Parks

Otford Farm Horse Riding

Otford Farm has been operating since 1961, and with friendly and experienced staff they take pride on offering, just a little more hands-on horse experience and atmosphere. They are always happy to help and instruct you. With this in mind, Otford Farm will not only make your riding experience a pleasure but will enhance your existing knowledge and skill. With over 30 quality, well-behaved horses to choose from, Otford Farm will make your riding event an enjoyable one. Ride through the lush rainforest or native bush, and see all Australia has to offer on horseback, hopefully you are lucky enough to see some of the resident wallabies, deer, birds and reptiles. The farm attracts riders from all walks of life - schools and colleges, day-trippers, international and interstate visitors and community groups. Whether you are just visiting or live nearby, they can arrange riding lessons with one of their experienced instructors. All levels of riding experience will benefit from individual tuition.

Otford NSW

1.0 km away

Bald Hill Lookout, Stanwell Tops NSW — Image credit: Kramer Photography

Natural Attractions

Bald Hill Lookout - Otford

Bald Hill lookout offers expansive views south towards Wollongong and is internationally known as a major hang-gliding point. Overlooking the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge which extends along the Grand Pacific Drive a 140-kilometre award-winning coastal drive beginning 45 minutes south of Sydney in the Royal National Park. The first of three missing links in the Great Southern Walk has been completed, with a new one-kilometre track featuring more than 400 sandstone steps linking the bush to the beach. This newly opened section from Bald Hill to Stanwell Park connects the Royal National Park to the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. It was on the beach below Bald Hill that Lawrence Hargrave, an Australian pioneer of flight, made a successful flight on 12 November 1894. A memorial cairn dedicated to him has been erected at the peak of the hill. Flying High Café is situated within the car park and offers an array of takeaway options.

Otford NSW

1.3 km away

Soaring above Stanwell Park beach

Natural Attractions

Tandem Paragliding Experience

Experience Tandem Paragliding in the professional care of SkySurf Paragliding. Soar above the ocean and enjoy the breathtaking views of Stanwell Park and the Royal National Park. There is no previous experience required; you will fly with an expert instructor. The flights are available all year round and are the best opportunity to experience a bird's eye view of the world.

Stanwell Tops NSW

1.5 km away

Kellys Falls picnic area

Natural Attractions

Kellys Falls picnic area

Water cascades over the rocks and drops into a pool, providing a relaxing soundtrack to your lunch at Kellys Falls picnic area, a beautiful spot to get back to nature. From this picnic area, you can walk up to one of four scenic lookouts to take in the views of waterfalls and the rainforest-lined gullies below. With satin bowerbirds, honeyeaters and wattle birds attracted by the flowering banksia, hakea, grevillea and towering Gymea lilies, it’s a great place for birdwatching. From here, you can take a walk along one of the adjoining walking tracks; there are bushwalking links to Stanwell Tops and Illawarra Escarpment that take you to the northern suburbs of Wollongong.

Stanwell Tops NSW

2.2 km away

Sri Venkateswara Temple

Landmarks and Buildings

Sri Venkateswara Temple

Sri Venkateswara Temple Helensburgh is one of the famous Hindu Temples in the southern hemisphere and is held in veneration by all the devotees and visitors. The temple is built on top of a hilly area 400 feet above sea level. The temple has four 'Praharam' (encircling corridors). Helensburgh is a place of natural beauty with hills and groves surrounding it where Lord Balaji (Sri Venkateswara) with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Shiva (Shri Chandramouliswarar) along with Sri Tripurasundari remained here bestowing their blessing to the devotees. The temple has been built according to Vedic principles (Agama Sastras) and the first consecration took place on June 30, 1985. Whilst it serves as a major religious and sacred place for Hindus living in and visiting Australia, many non-Hindu visitors and tourists are also attracted due to the unique Hindu Temple architectural significance of the buildings and their iconic cultural status. The Temple's peaceful settings, ample car parking, the vegetarian canteen and comfortable rest room facilities further enhance the "visitor experience" of an ever-increasing number of tourists who are constantly attracted by the Temple's many and magnificent architectural aspects. The Temple is now one of the major tourist destinations in the Wollongong – Illawarra Region and attracts many thousands of tourists, both of casual and organised groups.

Helensburgh NSW

2.6 km away

Stanwell Park Beach

Natural Attractions

Stanwell Park Beach

Stanwell Park Beach is located in a beautiful spot under the escarpment off the Grand Pacific Drive. There is a large reserve with plenty of space to run around, and barbecue facilities are available, making it the perfect spot for picnicking. Stanwell Park is located 26 kilometres north of the Wollongong central business district. Dog zoning for this area is predominantly time sharing with a small area of off lead dog friendly space. Time sharing zone allows access on the beach on leash, please check seasonal times.

Stanwell Park NSW

2.6 km away

Wodi Wodi Track — Image credit: Destination Wollongong

Natural Attractions

Wodi Wodi Walking Track

The Wodi Wodi track is a 6.5-kilometre walking track, named after the original Custodians who lived along the Illawarra coast. The track has been designed to provide a comfortable one-day circular trip, starting at Stanwell Park Station and ending near Coalcliff Station. Various points of interest include the Bullock Track used by European settlers (1820), Lawrence Hargrave House (1880), and Stanwell Park Lagoon. Dogs are not permitted on this walk.

Stanwell Park NSW

2.6 km away

Our great library resources are updated regularly. — Image credit: Wollongong City Libraries

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Helensburgh Library

Helensburgh Library is a cosy and welcoming space on the main street of Helensburgh, just a short stroll from local shops. An inclusive and safe space, the Library is home to a collection of books, films, magazines and music, with free technology and internet access, and friendly expert staff on hand. The Library hosts events and programs for all ages, including fun preschool literacy programs. Free parking is available on-site.

Helensburgh NSW

2.9 km away

Red Cedar Flat picnic area

Natural Attractions

Red Cedar Flat picnic area

Near Otford and in the southern section of Royal National Park, rustic Red Cedar Flat picnic area is an ideal no-fuss lunch spot. Whether you're on a leisurely car tour of the park, or prepping for an adventure, you'll be able to pull up and park easily. It's also an easy spot to check your gear and have a quick bite before heading off on a road cycling tour, or stepping out on one of the many walking tracks on offer in the park. Arriving at the picnic spot, stretch your legs on a couple of small loop walks nearby. Unpack a picnic on the tables, and enjoy lunch, followed by a bit of birdwatching. If you're keen to explore further, try Governor Game lookout in the north, or a stop at nearby Otford lookout it's well worth it for spectacular views up and down the coast. If you're in need of a refreshing swim, head to Garie Beach picnic area.

Lilyvale NSW

3.2 km away

Sand bunker and driving range

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Helensburgh Golf Driving Range and Putt Putt Complex

Helensburgh Driving Range offers a full range of facilities including a driving range with covered and grassed tee-off areas, a bunker practice area, and a chipping area. The club offers free club hire and proper golf balls, with cash prizes to be won daily. The facility has an 18-hole Putt Putt course, fun for the whole family. They also offer golf tuition and party rooms are available for function hire.

Helensburgh NSW

3.3 km away

Hand feed and cuddle up to Kangaroos in our Kangaroo walk-though area. — Image credit: Symbio Wildlife Park

Amusement and Theme Parks

Symbio Wildlife Park

Discover your wild side at Symbio Wildlife Park, where you can meet some of Australia's (and the world's) most intriguing animals. See koalas, kangaroos, wombats, little penguins, red pandas, meerkats, monkeys, reptiles, birds, farmyard critters, and more! Take a selfie with a koala, feed and interact with friendly kangaroos and wallabies, and explore the farmyard. Join the daily keeper talks or book a special behind-the-scenes experience! Set on 20 acres of lush, manicured gardens, Symbio is the ultimate family day out. Enjoy the splash park, adventure playground, on-site cafe and picnic areas. Plan a children's party that will be remembered forever. At Symbio Wildlife Park, there's something for everyone, ensuring a day of endless fun!

Helensburgh NSW

3.3 km away

Forest Walk to Sublime Point Track — Image credit: Photo: NSW Government

Natural Attractions

Forest Walk to Sublime Point Track

The Illawarra Escarpment offers a full range of exciting walks. This extended hike combines several of the best, threading through magnificent cliff-top rainforest and dry eucalypts. Start the walk at either Coalcliff (Wodi Wodi track) or Austinmer (Sublime Point track). Both trackheads are a short stroll from the train station. Your path then ascends sharply before snaking a leisurely 11 kilometres along Forest walk. Views are superb across the panoramic coast below, as you wander through upland swamps and tall blackbutt-apple shale forest. You’re bound to capture some inspiring photos here. You can cap it all off with a post-trek barbecue: at Sublime Point lookout, the track takes a steep turn down to Austinmer via a narrow cliff ledge and several ladders. The nearby Lady Fuller park, featuring picnic tables and toilets, offers a fitting end to your challenging, but rewarding hike.

Stanwell Park NSW

3.4 km away

Cawleys Road trail

Natural Attractions

Cawleys Road trail

Need a place to head out hiking or go mountain biking? Cawleys Road trail starts just off the old highway near Helensburgh and heads through low, open forest filled with scribbly gums, banksias and waratahs. It’s a wide track, surfaced with bitumen and gravel, generally flat, and suitable for all walking, mountain biking, cycling or horse riding levels. Stop for a breather and lunch at Kellys Falls picnic area. A beautiful series of waterfalls cascading into a rainforest gully are a great accompaniment to your break. Those who are mountain biking can also explore some of the other trails connecting to Cawleys Road trail. Among the scribbly gums and waratahs, you’re likely to see swamp wallabies or echidnas. Honeyeaters and wattlebirds are also attracted by many of the wildflowers, including Gymea lilies, grevilleas and banksias.

Helensburgh NSW

4.0 km away

Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong, NSW — Image credit: Kramer Photography

Landmarks and Buildings

Sea Cliff Bridge

The 665 metre long Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive. A drive which takes in 140 kilometres worth of coastal scenery from the Royal National Park, Loftus down to Nowra. The bridge has become an icon to the people of Wollongong and the world, once again welcoming tourists annually to this picturesque coastal road. Opened in December 2005, the Sea Cliff Bridge offers visitors the chance to get out of the car and stretch their legs. It is also a great viewing platform for migrating whales heading north/south during migrating season. The Sea Cliff Bridge is accessible via public transport. Coalcliff station has trains running seven days a week. There is a steep incline from the train station to the bridge; the walk will take approximately 15 minutes from station to bridge. Bus stops are located on either side of the Sea Cliff Bridge. Premier Illawarra Bus Number 2 provides services Monday to Saturday (not available on public holidays, please check timetables prior to travelling). For train and bus timetables please refer to Sydney trains and Premier Illawarra Buses.

Coalcliff NSW

4.1 km away

Garawarra State Conservation Area

National Parks and Reserves

Garawarra State Conservation Area

It's not often you get to retreat to the bush, so close to the city. Garawarra State Conservation Area borders the Helensburgh end of Royal National Park between Sydney and Wollongong. It's a haven of scribbly gum and red bloodwood, with patches of subtropical rainforest, making the area perfect for bushwalking and hiking. Take a walk or ride your mountain bike along Cawleys Road trail. It's a great place for birdwatching, and you could easily spot satin bowerbirds, honeyeaters and perhaps even a lyrebird. Horse riding is also popular in Garawarra, and there are scenic bridle trails located in the reserve to the west of Helensburgh. Enjoy a picnic at Kellys Falls picnic area, with breathtaking views of its waterfalls below.

Helensburgh NSW

4.1 km away

Coalcliff Beach NSW — Image credit: Destination Wollongong

Natural Attractions

Coalcliff Beach

Coalcliff is located 24 kilometres north of the Wollongong's city centre. This is a small beach in the northern suburbs, surrounded by rocks and cliffs which is a popular fishing spot. There is a salt water rock pool at the southern end of the beach. Explore the rocks for ocean life from this quite secluded beach. This beach is only patrolled from the commencement of the NSW school holidays in September until the end of April school holidays. Coalcliff Beach is a on-lead dog friendly beach during certain times. Time sharing zone allowing access on the beach on leash, please check Wollongong City Council website them for specific times.

Coalcliff NSW

4.4 km away

Palm Jungle Loop Track — Image credit: Photo: OEH

Natural Attractions

Palm Jungle Loop Track

This challenging track offers the best of all worlds in the southern reaches of Royal National Park. Near Otford, Palm Jungle loop track meanders through coastal rainforest, beaches and cliff tops offering spectacular ocean views and swimming. It’s perfect for bushwalkers who love to pack an adventure into a day trip. From Garawarra Farm, the track leads through towering forests of gums and graceful angophoras. Descending the steep Burgh Ridge, stop and absorb the brilliant panoramic views along the dramatic coastline. Joining The Coast track, veer right past historic beach shacks to Burning Palms beach. It’s a great spot for a refreshing dip and a scenic picnic lunch. The track winds through a jungle of lush palms to Werrong lookout; a rocky outcrop with magnificent views. At the track junction, take a right through shady woodlands back to your car or turn left towards Otford.

Lilyvale NSW

4.8 km away

North Era Beach

Natural Attractions

North Era Beach

Starting from Garie Beach car park, it takes about 1.5 hours to walk to North Era Beach (3 hours return). There is no vehicle access. There is no lifeguard service here. The beach has dangerous rip currents, sudden drop-offs and unexpected large waves. The ocean may look idyllic, but conditions can change rapidly. The safest place to swim is between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach. The closest patrolled beaches are South Era Beach and Burning Palms Beach. However, these beaches are only patrolled part-time in summer peak periods. Visit the Beachsafe website for more information. North Era campground closed in 2023. Its remote location created challenges for emergency access and visitor safety, and made it difficult for staff to maintain and service the site. It was often damp due to its south-east-facing location, which could make camping uncomfortable. As a result, the campground was decommissioned. You can book The Coast Track as an overnight walk, staying at Garie Beach.

Lilyvale NSW

6.1 km away

Clifton School of Arts, viewed from behind above, looking east.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Clifton School of Arts

Clifton School of Arts is a unique Victorian landmark with spectacular ocean views. Clifton School of Arts is a historic building, superbly positioned just south of the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge in Clifton New South Wales. This much-loved institution has served the local community as a cultural and events facility for over 110 years. With its high ceilings and sun-filled rooms, Clifton School of Arts is the perfect venue for exhibitions, art and craft workshops and all kinds of community events. Clifton School of Arts is easily accessible by train on the New South Wales, South Coast Line with the nearest station in Scarborough. There is also a bus stop right out the front. Walk on the famous Sea Cliff Bridge or explore one of many walking tracks around the Illawarra Escarpment. Dine at the refurbished Imperial Hotel at Clifton, located across the street.

Clifton NSW

6.2 km away

Governor Game lookout

Natural Attractions

Governor Game lookout

If you'd love a coastal experience without all the sand then this scenic lookout has all the bases covered. Governor Game lookout is a great spot for a break on a car tour of Royal National Park. It offers brilliant coastal views and lovely heathlands, is an ideal spot for birdwatching, and a great place for whale watching during the migratory season. Inhale the fresh ocean breezes as you step out onto this landmark. The surrounding heathland erupts with a dazzling display of colour in spring; it's impossible to ignore the heady scent of boronia and hakea. Look for gymea lillies with its striking single red flower, whilst crimson rosellas, lorikeets, and yellow-tailed cockatoos are often seen flitting through the bush. It's a great spot to get your bearings or have a quick bite. However, if you're keen to get amongst it, head down to nearby Garie Beach picnic area for swimming and a barbecue. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch or whale watch.

Lilyvale NSW

6.4 km away

Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong, NSW — Image credit: Kramer Photography

Natural Attractions

Grand Pacific Drive - Sydney to Wollongong and Beyond

Experience Wollongong's spectacular coastal drive - the Grand Pacific Drive, between Sydney to Wollongong and beyond. Grand Pacific Drive is a 140 kilometre award winning coastal drive beginning 45 minutes south of Sydney's International Airport in the Royal National Park. Follow the directional signage. The Grand Pacific Drive signage creates a more interesting and meaningful experience guiding you through the significance of each region along the drive. The reassurance signs provide a list of key locations and distances along the drive ensuring drivers don't miss the iconic spots along the way. Wollongong is also a great place to stay with a huge mix of options from international hotel brands to quaint and unique bed and breakfasts to backpacker accommodation - Wollongong has something to offer any traveller. The drive then takes you through to the beautiful coastal towns of Shellharbour and Kiama and ends in the spectacular Shoalhaven region.

Coalcliff NSW

6.8 km away

Upper Causeway picnic area

Natural Attractions

Upper Causeway picnic area

Upper Causeway picnic area is a great spot for a quick bite to eat before setting out on a walk along the delightful Forest path. It's also a great place to enjoy the lush forests of the hinterland of Australia's oldest park. You'll find Upper Causeway picnic area at the junction of McKell Avenue and Lake Wakehurst Drive in the southern precinct of Royal National Park, near Waterfall. Unpack the picnic hamper amid the lush rainforest and towering Sydney redgums that fringe this scenic picnic spot. If you're into road cycling, it's a great pit stop for a bite to eat and a bit of road-side bicycle maintenance before jumping on the saddle and exploring the park with pedal power. Upper Causeway picnic area is also a great spot for a quick bite to eat before setting out on a walk along the delightful Couranga walking track, Forest path or Lady Carrington drive. It's also a great place to enjoy the lush forests of the hinterland of Australia's oldest park. Continue on towards the coast to Garie Beach picnic area for a swim or check out the views at Governor Game lookout.

Lilyvale NSW

6.9 km away

Gunjulla Flat picnic area — Image credit: OEH

Natural Attractions

Gunjulla Flat picnic area

This is a beautiful spot for a quick bite to eat or a stretch of the legs before exploring Australia's oldest national park, near Waterfall. Gunjulla Flat picnic area, on the western edge of Royal National Park, is a quick and easy pit stop on a day trip or car tour of the park. Pull up and lay out a picnic spread on one of the tables and enjoy a rustic bush setting. It's an ideal spot for a breather while road cycling around the park, or a great place if prepping your gear for a day exploring the hinterland. It's only a short drive along McKell Avenue to Couranga walking track or Forest path. The surrounding heath attracts birds such as fantail cuckoos, pigeons and quails. In the spring, when the heath erupts with wildflowers, you might see honey eaters and wattlebirds feeding on the banksias. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.

Waterfall NSW

6.9 km away

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