Extending from Stanwell Park to Gerringong, the Illawarra Coast is the place that creates unforgettable memories. Enjoy lazy days on the beach, catching that perfect wave, windsurfing or canoeing on the lakes and bays, fishing from the rocks, exploring markets or rainforests, or some family fun at Jamberoo. Towns in this region include: Austinmer, Gerringong, Gerroa, Kiama, Lake Illawarra, Shellharbour and Wollongong. Stay in seaside hotels, caravan parks, motels or B&Bs, or perhaps a cottage or apartment for larger groups..

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New South Wales – Illawarra Coast

Austinmer information

Located 74km south of Sydney on the southern border of the Royal National Park, Austinmer is a town for fun and adventure. Previously established as a result of the discovery of coal at Coalcliff, Stanwell Park was the location of Lawrence Hargrave’s attempts at flight with his box kites.

Attractions and activities include hang gliding and paragliding, sailing surfing and swimming, fishing, bushwalking and horse riding at Otford.

Accommodation options for visitors include cottages, B&Bs and backpackers, tourist parks, holiday houses and tourist parks.

Gerringong information

Located 131km south of Sydney, Gerringong is a scenic coastal village with dairying, light industry and tourism contributing to the economy.

Attractions and activities include fishing, good surf and seclusion at Werri Beach and hiking, scenic views and Heritage Centre at Gerringong.

Accommodation options for visitors include B&Bs, motels, holiday parks and cabins.

Gerroa information

Located 134km south of Sydney, Gerroa is a scenic coastal village with dairying, light industry and tourism contributing to the economy.

Attractions and activities include fishing, good surf at Gerroa and hiking near Seven Mile Beach, scenic views and Heritage Centre at Gerringong.

Accommodation options for visitors include B&Bs, motels, holiday parks and cabins.

Kiama information

Located 122km south of Sydney, Kiama is renowned for its blowhole. Previously established for its abundance of cedar, Kiama is now a favourite coastal resort with an attractive harbour, sandy beaches and rocky coastline.

Attractions and activities include surfing, fishing and rockpool, bush walking, golf and tennis. Explore Minmurra Rainforest, Jamberoo Recreation Park and the Kiama Walking trail, Kiama Terrace, the blowhole, lighthouse and Pilot’s Cottage and Heritage Centre.

Accommodation options for visitors include holiday parks, cabins and motels, apartments, Bed & Breakfasts and cottages.

Lake Illawarra information

Located 101km south of Sydney, Lake Illawarra is a favourite holiday area for families. Previously established as grazing land, Lake Illawarra today engages in tourism.

Attractions and activities include canoeing, prawning and snorkelling, paddle boats, sailing and windsurfing on Lake Illawarra, fishing, surfing and rock pools.

Accommodation options for visitors include caravan parks, holiday houses and cottages, Bed and Breakfasts, apartments, motels and resorts.

Shell Harbour information

Located 115km south of Sydney, Shell Harbour is a favourite holiday area for families. Nearby towns include Windang, Lake Illawarra and Warilla. Previously established as grazing land, Shell Harbour today engages in tourism and basalt quarrying.

Attractions and activities include canoeing, prawning and snorkelling, paddle boats, sailing and windsurfing on Lake Illawarra, fishing, surfing and rock pools. Explore the Indigenous Cultural Walk at Bass Point Reserve and diving at Shell Harbour Marine Aquatic Reserve, Killalea State Park, Blackbutt Reserve and micro-light flights.

Accommodation options for visitors include caravan parks, holiday houses and cottages, Bed and Breakfasts, apartments, motels and resorts.

Wollongong information

Located 85km south of Sydney and backed by the Illawarra Escarpment, Wollongong is the third largest city in NSW. Nearby towns include Bulli, Corrimal. Fairy Meadow and Port Kembla. Previously established as grazing land and used for its timber and coal, Wollongong today is a city, which successfully combines industry and leisure.

Attractions and activities include Wollongong Harbour, Botanic Gardens and Wollongong Historic Lighthouse, Illawarra Motoring Museum, Science Centre and Planetarium, Nan Tien Buddist Temple, Port Kembla Industrial Centre and Wollongong City Art Gallery, fishing charters and foreshore walks and cycle ways, diving, beach sky diving and indoor rock climbing.

Accommodation options for visitors include hotels, motels and tourist parks, apartments, B&Bs, backpackers and holiday houses.

Contact the Visitor Information Centre at Kiama (02 4232 3322) for more information on the Illawarra Coast.