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Coledale — Image credit: Destination Wollongong

Natural Attractions

Coledale Beach

Coledale Beach offers a campers haven with a reserve right on the beach edge. There are fantastic views of the waves, and both ends of the beach are closed in with rock formations. Coledale Beach is located 18 kilometres north of the Wollongong central business district. This beach is only patrolled from the commencement of the NSW school holidays in September until the end of the NSW April school holidays. North Wollongong Beach is the only beach in the area that is patrolled all year round. Coledale Beach is not a dog friendly zone, however, Sharkey's Beach located to the south is an off-lead dog friendly beach.

Coledale NSW

0.1 km away

Austinmer Rock Pool

National Parks and Reserves

Austinmer Rock Pool

You’ll find these twin rock pools at the southern end of Austinmer Beach, overlooked by a historic pavilion. The southernmost pool is narrower and slightly longer than its northern neighbour, and both are popular year-round. If you’re not comfortable swimming in the ocean surf itself, this ocean water pool is a great testing ground as you swim laps up directly into the waves and back to shore with the waves flowing past you.

Austinmer NSW

1.6 km away

Wombarra Beach — Image credit: Chilby Photography

Natural Attractions

Wombarra Beach

Wombarra Beach, located in NSW, is a narrow 250m long beach fronting the slopes that lead up to the lovely small town. Wombarra is located 66km south of Sydney via the M1 Princes Motorway, exiting at Stanwell Tops to Lawrence Hargrave Drive. The Rural and residential suburb of Wombarra is 20 kilometres north of Wollongong and gets its name from an Aboriginal word meaning 'Black Duck'. Spurred by coalmines in the area, the village grew significantly in the 1880s. Today its major features include Wombarra Beach and Wombarra Ocean Pool. Wombarra is one of the many coastal towns you can visit along the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive.

Wombarra NSW

1.6 km away

Austinmer Beach

Natural Attractions

Austinmer Beach

Austinmer Beach is one of Wollongong's most popular beaches, located just 20 minutes north of the central business district. Austinmer is well set up to cater to large summer crowds being patrolled September to April. It is located off Lawrence Hargrave Drive, with shops lining the western side and a large car park and park between the beach and the Drive. The Surf Club and other amenities occupying the southern half of this 250 metre long beach. Two large rock pools lie on the southern rock platform. The relatively small beach is wedged between two low headlands and their extensive rock platforms. It receives waves averaging 1.4 metres, which result in two strong permanent rips against the rocks at each end. Austinmer Beach is not dog friendly. However, Little Austinmer Beach located directly to the north is an off lead dog friendly beach.

Austinmer NSW

1.9 km away

Sublime Point Lookout

Natural Attractions

Sublime Point Lookout

Sublime Point Lookout offers 180 degree views over the sea, the rainforest and the 17 beaches that span the coastline to Wollongong. The lookout offers some of the best views of the Illawarra escarpment, plain and coastline. Barbecues, picnic shelters, and toilets cater to visitors, but bring your own drinking water. Sublime Point Walking track is located just near the viewing platform. See National Parks and Wildlife website for more information.

Bulli Tops NSW

2.0 km away

Scarborough Beach

Natural Attractions

Scarborough Beach

Situated in the small northern coast town of Scarborough, this small beach offers fantastic views of the coastline and the cliffs that lie above. There are parklands close by for families to use for picnicking. Scarborough is located 21 kilometres north of Wollongong central business district. Scarborough Beach occupies an area of more moderate slope. Down the slope towards the beach are a few houses, a small picnic area, and the surf club. Car parking is limited. Scarborough Beach is an Orange Zone/Time Sharing Dog beach. Time sharing zones allow dog access on the beach on leash at certain times dependant on the season.

Scarborough NSW

2.2 km away

Thirroul Pool

National Parks and Reserves

Thirroul Pool

Thirroul Pool, nestled between the pristine Thirroul beach and the escapement, is a favourite location to cool off for both locals and visitors. This idyllic spot boasts a 50-metre salt water lap pool for serious swimmers, as well as a welcoming toddlers' pool for the little ones. The convenience of a beachfront kiosk and kids' playground nearby adds to this seaside haven. Thirroul Pool offers a refreshing escape for all.

Thirroul NSW

3.3 km away

Bondfire Sauna

Spas and Retreats

Bondfire Sauna

Bondfire Sauna is the Northern Illawarra's wood-fired communal sauna experience. Located in the heart of Thirroul, NSW, Bondfire offers intimate 50-minute sessions for up to 8 people in a traditional cedar sauna, led by a certified Aufguss master. The experience combines deep heat, cold contrast, and genuine human connection - a ritual designed to restore body and mind. Whether you're a seasoned sauna enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Bondfire offers a unique wellness experience rooted in community, warmth, and the natural beauty of the NSW coast.

Thirroul NSW

3.5 km away

Thirroul Library's modern, spacious and light filled interiors. — Image credit: Wollongong City Libraries

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Thirroul Library

Your Library, your place. The largest library in Wollongong's northern suburbs, the spacious and light-filled Thirroul Library is located with the Thirroul District Community Centre and adjacent to local shops and cafes. An inclusive and safe space for everyone, the Library is home to an extensive collection of books, films, music and magazines, with free technology and internet access, and friendly expert staff on hand. The Library hosts regular events and programs for all ages, from fun preschool literacy to creative and technology workshops for adults. The Library is a short walk from Thirroul Train Station, with free parking available on site.

Thirroul NSW

3.8 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

4.1 km away

Thirroul Beach NSW — Image credit: Destination Wollongong

Natural Attractions

Thirroul Beach

Thirroul Beach is one kilometre in length and faces east, so it picks up swell from most directions. There's little wind protection at either end, although big southerly swells or southerly winds get slowed up somewhat by the Sandon Point headland. Thirroul Beach is patrolled September to April and there is a saltwater pool that's great for a swim. Thirroul Beach is a time share dog zone. Time sharing zone allows access on the beach on leash at certain times dependent on the season. However McCauley's Beach is located directly to the south and an off leash dog friendly beach.

Thirroul NSW

4.2 km away

Wollongong Visitor Centre Souvenir and Gift Shop

Shopping and Markets

Wollongong Visitor Centre Souvenir and Gift Shop

The Wollongong Visitor Centre Souvenir and Gift Shop offers a curated selection of locally made products and unique gifts that highlight the beauty of Wollongong and celebrates Indigenous Aboriginal Culture. Visitors can explore a variety of items, including a wide range of souvenirs, artwork, clothing, and local gourmet treats. The shop features products sourced from regional artists and makers, ensuring each item reflects the character and spirit of the area. Whether looking for a memento to remember a visit or a special gift for someone back home, the Wollongong Visitor Centre Souvenir and Gift Shop has unique gift ideas for many occasions! With its focus on supporting local creators, offering a range of high-quality, one-of-a-kind products, and situated next to panoramic views of the Illawarra, the shop stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Wollongong.

Maddens Plains NSW

4.4 km away

Dharawal Country Experience

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Dharawal Country Experience

Destination Wollongong and the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation (IAC) have initiated a tourism Attraction that promotes and informs visitors of the people, places and stories of the Dharawal Country. The principal element of the Dharawal Country Experience is Dharawal Country, a multi-video screen array that will display bespoke videos, telling the history, culture and significance of Dharawal Country. The videos include the videos from the previous Jumbulla Aboriginal Interpretive Centre and specially commissioned videos of Dharawal Elders telling stories of Dharawal Country – commissioned by Wollongong City Council. The stunning panoramic photo overlooking Wollongong is revitalized with Aboriginal place and attraction names and is accompanied by two interpretive signs that tell the stories of the significant Aboriginal locations, that acknowledge our First Peoples and their culture and lifestyle. Dharawal Country - Learning Hub, on each of the three round 'tables' can take you on a journey through various fun facts of Dharawal Country, including learning to say Hello and Goodbye in Dharawal. Dharawal Country - Stories Hub, two large original local Aboriginal works installed in the Southern Gateway Centre Foyer. The two works were finalists in the Wollongong City Libraries – Dharawal Country Student Art Competition. They tell of young people's affection for Dharawal Country.

Bulli Tops NSW

4.4 km away

Sandon Point Beach — Image credit: Chilby Photography

Natural Attractions

Sandon Point Beach

Sandon Point Beach is extremely popular for surfing and many surfing tournaments have been held at this beach. There is plenty of parking and open reserve for picnics and gatherings. Sandon Point Beach is located at Bulli, 11 kilometres north of the Wollongong central business district. This pristine location is ideal for families, with a large reserve for picnicking located right on the beach. Surrounded by bushland, this proves popular for barbecues, and for Sydneysiders on day trips. Sandon Point Beach is a Dog Friendly beach during certain times of day. Time sharing zone allows access on the beach on leash at certain times dependent on the season.

Bulli NSW

4.8 km away

Bulli ocean rock pool — Image credit: Destination Wollongong

Landmarks and Buildings

Bulli Rock Pool

Bulli Rock Pool and toddlers' pool are overlooked by a stunning headland, with popular beachside cafes nearby. It's also just a short walk from Bulli Tourist Park. The rockpool dates back to the 1930s and sits against the cliff on the headland with sandy beaches to either side. Waves breaking against the wall of this 50-metre seawater pool make it feel like you're doing laps at the edge of the world. After a dip, explore the gorgeous seaside town of Bulli.

Bulli NSW

5.5 km away

Bulli Beach

Natural Attractions

Bulli Beach

This picturesque beach is 900 metres long, backed by sand dunes and a large parkland area ideal for family picnics and gatherings. This beach proves to be popular as the nearby caravan park houses many visitors all year round. Bulli is located 11 kilometres north of the Wollongong central business district and is accessible via the Wollongong shared Cycle Way. The Surf Club is located just to the south of the northern rocks. A small creek crosses south of the club house and backs the northern half of the beach. The southern half is more accessible from Woonona. Bulli Beach is an on-lead dog friendly beach during certain times. Time sharing zone allowing access on the beach on leash at certain times dependent on season.

Bulli NSW

5.8 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

5.9 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

6.3 km away

Maddens Falls

Natural Attractions

Maddens Falls

Take the easy Maddens Falls walk to the lookout for a view of the waterfall dropping from Maddens Creek to the pools below. The short and easy walking track is a great one for walking with children. It's also ideal for birdwatchers so don't forget your binoculars - look for local residents like honeyeaters, red wattlebirds and golden whistlers. Tree frogs, brown froglets and banjo frogs are often heard too, walk quietly to increase your chances of spotting wildlife. When you reach the falls, admire picturesque vegetation at the falls' base. Colourful with acacias, native river roses and lush, sprawling ferns, it's a pretty place to visit during spring when the flowers are out or in April when the falls will be at their fullest. See if you can spot the rare fern-leaf grevillea with its red toothbrush-like' flowers. When you're done gazing at the falls, head back along the track to the picnic table for a tasty lunch or afternoon tea. Take a virtual tour of Maddens Falls captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Darkes Forest NSW

6.5 km away

Woonona Rock Pool

Natural Attractions

Woonona Rock Pool

Set on Collins Point, Woonona Rock Pool has a 50-metre saltwater pool with diving blocks and a historic pavilion with a viewing platform. Even at high tide, this pool is usually a great spot for a swim. The wide paved area around the pavilion is warmed by the sun and at low tide, the rock platform that surrounds the pool makes for some good sea-life exploration.

Woonona NSW

6.7 km away

Woonona Beach

Natural Attractions

Woonona Beach

Located between the Wollongong suburbs of Woonona and Bellambi, Woonona Beach stretches out to the northern part of the beach whilst Bellambi Beach is located in the southern part. Woonona Beach features an elevated rock platform, upon which is perched a large rock pool -perfect for admiring the scenic views. Bellambi Beach has a small lagoon and reserve whereas the area behind Woonona features holiday apartments, cafes, a grassy oval and the Woonona Surf Lifesaving Club. Despite being located around 20 minutes from the centre of Wollongong, Woonona Beach remains a popular destination for both locals and those from outside Wollongong. For the safety of visitors, the beach is patrolled during the seven-month lifeguard session Woonona Beach has plenty of amenities such as outdoor showers, a children's playground, and outdoor fitness equipment all accessible to the public. The northern end of the beach in particular provides good surfing conditions with waves averaging 1-1.5 metres.

Woonona NSW

6.8 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

7.0 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

7.8 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

7.9 km away

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