Wollongong & The Illawarra

Hang Gliding GoPro HD Wide Angle -- Stanwell Tops, Australia, 2011

Hang gliding above the cliffs at Stanwell Tops, NSW, Australia in the Airborne Fun 190. Doesn't get much better than this! Check out the glider spinning at 1min35s and the sea eagle shooting past at 1min55s. Thanks to Tony and Big Fred for a bit of w...

Sydney to Wollongong

Leaving the city limits behind and travelling the Scenic Route through the Royal National Park via Audley or Waterfall on the Grand Pacific Drives provides awesome displays of natural flora and wonderful landscapes to be captivated by.

An abundance of melaleuca’s, acacia’s and tall gums prevail amongst the sandstone landscapes along Sir Bertram Stevens Drive while a canopy of sub-tropical cabbage palms beckon the wild calls of the native Lyre Bird along the shores of the Hacking River on Lady Wakehurst Drive from Waterfall to Otford. This is definitely a place to go slow and enjoy the surrounds. You might even want to stop and picnic at Red Cedar Flat along the way.

Click here to view some of the best Illawarra villages

Grand Pacific Drive

Travelling the Grand Pacific Drive provides spectacular coastal views rivalling those anywhere on any continent. Along the way you can try some famous apple pie from the Otford Pantry at Otford. While there take a walk across the road and check the view or maybe walk to Bulgo beach below and spend some time there on one of the remotest beaches between these two cities.

This stretch of road is especially desirable to drive with the roof down on a sunny day but if you don’t happen to have a convertible don’t worry because the drive and scenery are just as enjoyable with a roof over your head. ;)

Its possible to discover this magnificent stretch of coast on a day train trip also, Cityrail trains run down this lovely stretch of the New South Wales Southcoast through Wollongong, Shellharour and Kiama and on to the sleepy hamlets of Gerringong and Nowra (Bomaderry).

The region is full of wonderful Australian holiday destinations, Wollongong is the major city but villages like Shellharbour and Kiama are also a top place to head for if you're thinking of getting away. A typical visit can mean relaxing around the pool or boat harbour with any sort of tasty seafood morsels to indulge on. A trip to Kiama might have you gasping as you watch the ocean spouting up to 40meters into the sky from the natural rock blowhole that has become synonemous with this seaside town. There are boutique shops ideally located around town and the local markets are well worth a visit to view all sorts of arts and crafts while being entertained with pleasantly enjoyable live entertainment.

The Illawarra region provides ample antique and gift shops as well as many cafes, galleries, eateries and fine places to dine. Some villages have their own festivals annually which make for a fun day out and there are opportunities for bush walking, playing golf or just kicking back and relaxing around the some of the fine parks and beaches. There are even some unique features that you can explore if you want to delve a little deeper in the area.

Illawarra Accommodation

The Illawarra boast some of the country's best accommodation with everything from private lodgings to international hotels. You can find BnB's in almost every village between Stanwell Park and Gerroa and there's a great randge of motels for the travelers also.

If you are wanting to find suitable accommodation for a weekend away or just an overnight stay be sure to view our accommodation page to check what's available to suit your needs.

Relaxing in the privacy of a guest house might be a terrific way to ease away the duldrums or spend a romantic weekend getaway or holidaying at any one of the city's beachside caravan and camping grounds might be just what the kids need to burn off that excess energy. Be assured that there is plenty to see and do where ever you may choose to stay.

It’s reassuring to know you can easy find an array of clean, comfortable and affordable places to stay throughout this region regardless of whether you want to stay a short time or long time.

Popular Holiday Destinations

Austinmer is one of the Illawarra's northern suburbs that has been popular with day trippers for nearly a century now. From a once grand train journey to a modern trip in the family car on the Grand Pacific Drive these days but the beauty remains the same. Visit Austinmer



Albion Park photo – john cowper this where the rural countryside meets the lake. One of the finer suburbs of the district with some rich heritage to learn from. Home to the areas regional airport and local museums is worth a visit or a stay anytime. Visit Albion Park



Gerringong is a popular seaside village that sees its fair share of family vacationers come the nsw school holidays. Step back in time and discover a place where people like to stop and chat and where you can still be greeted as you walk on the street. Visit Gerringong



Gerroa, less than 2hrs from Sydney at the moth of Crooked River is gateway to Seven Mile Beach National Park, the South Coast and some incredible wineries of the Shoalhaven District. This village is a top place for a weekend getaway. Visit Gerroa



Jamberoo Valley conjures up images of sunday drives amongst rolling green hills where cattle graze lazily in the fields while the town itself exudes the typical country atmosphere with historic buildings, shops, pub and markets. Visit Jamberoo



Kiama is a popular Sydney getaways destination reached either by car or train. The picturesque blowhole is the main drawcard but the fresh seafood at the harbour along with boutique shops, cafes and souvenirs run a close second. Visit Kiama



Lake Illawarra photo – miro59 The lake is the positioned with many adjoining villages and residences. It is a favourite spot for fishing, swimming, sailboarding and sailing as well as prawning in the summer. Visit Lake Illawarra




Minnamurra, discover the renown Falls of the Minnamurra Rainforest amongst Budderoo National Park, unspoilt empty beaches and the serenity of fishing or kayaking on the river in this NSW coastal hamlet. Visit Minnamurra




Shellharbour is located 20mins drive south from Wollongong and 10mins north of Kiama and is a growing and bustling City centre but the seaside village is still quiet and sporting the relaxed and friendly atmosphere its always had although with a few modern shops. Visit Shellharbour



Stanwell Tops is bursting with one of Australia’s best and most popular coastal panoramas, easily recognised when visiting from car commercials and TV advertising but there is another side to this delightful village one should learn of. Visit Stanwell Tops



Thirroul is quite the weekend destination by car or train with numerous cafes and a patrolled swimming beach, the town has a rich mining heritage and modest down to earth town folk making it an enjoyable place to stop over or visit on a day trip. Visit Thirroul



Windang with the picturesque Lake Illawarra on one side and the azure blue ocean on the other side makes it one of the Illawarra’s most popular holiday destinations all year round. A top place to dig the heels in and stay a while. There’s also great shopping close by. Visit Windang



Wollongong is located only 80kilomters from Sydney CBD and yet it’s another world away. This vibrant city offer lots from exciting night life to fine restaurants and plenty of attractions including some of the best lookouts around. Visit Wollongong

Here's a picutre of the beachfront caravan park in Shellharbour Village
















And here's a photo of the lovely sub-tropical rainforest on the Illawarra Escarpment

Things to See and Do

Attractions such as the many look outs perched on top of the escarpment are popular as are beautiful sandy beaches like Austinmer, North Wollongong and Port Kembla. If beaches are not your thing there's always visiting studios, galleries or maybe a museum? Lake Illawarra is a holiday central for families and romantics as well those who love to sail, fish and go prawning and there’s kilometres of bike path to ride or any number of walking trails to enjoy

A small secret is exploring local vineyards and tasting great wines that come from Coolangatta and Jasper’s Brush. The adventureous can try hang gliding, sky diving, water skiing or kayaking. There are a few different tours that can be had if you want to learn and discover more.

As you can see there is a lot to see and do so get a out there and explore discover enjoy what is commonly known as the Leisure Coast,

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