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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

1.2 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

1.3 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

1.3 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

1.4 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

1.7 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

1.9 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

2.0 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

2.0 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

2.1 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

2.6 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

2.6 km away

The Vale Golf Course

Sports and Recreation Facilities

The Vale Golf Course

The Russell Vale Golf Club, affectionately known as The Vale, is the friendliest club on the coast. Situated between the magnificent Northern Illawarra Escarpment and the beautiful Pacific Ocean, the picturesque course combines a mixture of Par 3’s, four Par 4’s and a challenging Par 5. The course is relatively short and provides memorable holes requiring skills from golfers at all levels. So, after your enjoyable three-and-a-half hours, visit the clubhouse for your favourite drop and post-game banter. Tee off in one of the weekly competitions, where members will be happy to show you how to navigate your way across the beautiful escarpment with stunning views of the ocean.

Russell Vale NSW

3.1 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

3.5 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

3.8 km away

Bellambi Rock Pool

National Parks and Reserves

Bellambi Rock Pool

Bellambi Rock Pool has lovely calm vibes and is popular with families. The 50-metre pool runs parallel to the ocean and has wide, sun-warmed steps to sit on. A little toddler’s pool sits at the southern end, which is actually quite deep for a ‘wading’ pool, so keep an eye on non-swimmer littlies. A wide ramp runs down from the footpath to the pool, no stairs here, though it can sometimes get slippery. At high tide, the waves wash into the pool, so the water can get super choppy.

Bellambi NSW

4.1 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

4.1 km away

Bellambi Beach

Natural Attractions

Bellambi Beach

Bellambi Beach is at the southern end of a two kilometre stretch of beach and is backed by a reserve with distant mountain views. The beach is extremely popular for fishing with the boat ramp and small harbour near by and its accessible via the Wollongong shared Cycle Way. Bellambi is located seven kilometres north of the Wollongong central business district. Bellambi Beach continues south to the creek mouth and point, with a rock pool on the southern rocks. The Bellambi Surf Club is located behind the creek, and linked to the beach by a walkway. Bellambi Beach is an on-leash dog friendly beach during certain times. Time sharing zone allowing access on the beach on leash at certain times dependant on season.

Bellambi NSW

4.4 km away

Inviting and comfortable spaces perfect for reading, working or catching up with friends. — Image credit: Wollongong City Libraries

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Corrimal Library

Your library, your place. Situated within the Corrimal District Community Centre, Corrimal Library is a spacious, light-filled and much-loved space in the heart of the town centre, adjacent to local shops and the Corrimal Heated Swimming Pool. An inclusive and safe space for everyone, the Library is home to a large 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. Free parking is available on site. Corrimal Library is a proud member of Corrimal's Autism Friendly Communities network.

Corrimal NSW

5.1 km away

Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

National Parks and Reserves

Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Millions of years in the making, the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area features dramatic sandstone cliffs and a medley of different forest types, from sub-tropical rainforest to olive-green eucalypts and towering cedars. Throw in two accessible mountains, an abundance of colonial and Aboriginal heritage, and a stunning variety of birdlife, and you have a unique place with attractions to suit any taste. Come for a serious bushwalk or a casual jog, visit a lookout in the winter for whale watching off the coast, or break out the binoculars for birdwatching. There are plenty of spots to cool off in summer by retreating to a rainforest track. The area is also popular with families taking advantage of the picnic spot by firing up barbecues on Sundays. Mountain bike enthusiasts will enjoy a few hours cruising the trails on Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network which offers sustainable mountain biking for riders of all ages and skill levels. And while the Conservation Area is just a stone's throw away from Wollongong, once you're surrounded by its natural beauty, you'll feel entirely removed from the hustle and bustle of city living.

Tarrawanna NSW

5.3 km away

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

5.5 km away

Corrimal Beach — Image credit: Destination Wollongong

Natural Attractions

Corrimal Beach

Corrimal Beach is 1.4 kilometres long and backed by sand dunes, grassy reserves and Corrimal Beach Tourist Park. Holiday makers and local's alike enjoy this beach. A small lagoon proves popular with children for shallow paddling. Corrimal is located six kilometres north of Wollongong's central business district. Corrimal Beach is only patrolled from the commencement of the NSW school holidays in September to the end of the NSW April school holidays. North Wollongong Beach is the only beach in the area that is patrolled all year round. East Corrimal Beach, located to the north, is an off lead dog friendly beach. Once past the lagoon on Corrimal Beach this dog friendly area begins.

East Corrimal NSW

5.5 km away

Epic Surf Lessons

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Illawarra Surf Academy

Illawarra Surf Academy was founded in 2013 by Professional Surfer Nic Squiers. Nic is Wollongong born and bred and has been surfing in the Illawarra area for over 20 years. Illawarra Surf Academy's Learn to Surf Programs are run by Nic and his experienced and enthusiastic team that are all Surfing Australia Level 1 Qualified; hold current first aid certificates; surf rescue certificates; and Working with Children's checks. They provide safe and stable soft-top surfboards as well as Quiksilver Steamers to provide warmth and protection from the elements. Private Lessons are tailored to the individual, and group lessons are designed to outline a broader range of topics to gain maximum knowledge. All lessons and programs have a major focus on safety as well as surf awareness so you walk away closer to becoming a true surfer! Lessons are available from Thirroul, Corrimal and Warilla beaches. Whatever your age and ability, Nic and the team guarantee you will have an amazing surfing experience with them!

Towradgi NSW

5.6 km away

Towradgi Rock Pool

National Parks and Reserves

Towradgi Rock Pool

Swim in the saltwater 50-metre pool, or toddlers’ pool, with sweeping views to the north and south over two popular patrolled beaches. This pool was built by local volunteers in the 60s and has been a local favourite ever since. Getting into the pool you have the options of the slipway/ramp at the shallower end or vertical steps at the midway point.

Towradgi NSW

6.0 km away

Towradgi Beach NSW — Image credit: Destination Wollongong

Natural Attractions

Towradgi Beach

Towradgi Beach is located approximately five kilometres north of the Wollongong city centre. Towradgi Beach extends three kilometres from Towradgi Creek in the north, to a southern estuary formed by the following streams of Cabbage Tree Creek and Fairy Creek (or Para Creek, as some people call it). With a salt water rock pool, playground, and the Towradgi Bowling and Recreation club nearby, Towradgi Beach is popular all year round. Beach fishing is one of the many activities one can take part in or explore the many rock formations during low tide. There is plenty of parking and barbecues are available. Towradgi Beach is a time share dog beach. Time sharing zone allows access on the beach on leash in summer at select times.

Towradgi NSW

6.2 km away

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