Wollongong’s famous for its natural beauty; located between the iconic Illawarra Escarpment and the Pacific Ocean the area offers the best of both worlds when it comes to nature’s gifts.
Offering up no shortage of picturesque swimming spots – Wollongong Council patrols 17 beaches and nine public pools – the epic coastline is also dotted with a further nine renowned ocean rock pools.
While visitors and locals alike are drawn each summer to well-known spots such as City Beach, North Gong, Thirroul and Austinmer beaches, there are plenty of other worthy spots located off the beaten track. These include some more secluded patrolled beaches, as well as ocean pools, where swimmers can escape the crowds and enjoy some hidden gems.
At the southern end of Coalcliff Beach you will find the Wollongong region’s northernmost ocean pool, including an accompanying kids’ pool. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Coalcliff Beach and Ocean Pool
Boasting amazing coastal views, Coalcliff Beach is well worth a visit. A half-hour drive from Wollongong CBD, the beach nestled under the escarpment is the perfect cooling off point after enjoying a stroll or ride along the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge just a kilometre north.
At the southern end you will find the Wollongong region’s northernmost ocean pool, including an accompanying kids’ pool.
The beach is patrolled through swim season (September-April) between 10 am and 5 pm, with free street parking available off Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
Wombarra Rock Pool is nestled among Norfolk Island Pines. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Scarborough Beach and Wombarra Ocean Pool
Just a short stroll south from Coalcliff you will find another hidden gem in Scarborough Beach. With nearby parklands and picnic areas, it’s the perfect location for a family escape, with the beach patrolled 10 am – 5 pm daily.
Saltwater pool enthusiasts may want to mosey a little further south to Wombarra Rock Pool. Nestled among Norfolk Island pines, a dip here may offer a bonus view of passing whales.
If you’re keen for a ‘beach crawl’, Coledale Beach – also patrolled 10 am – 5 pm daily – lies just 1.4 kilometres south and features its own rock pool at the southern end.
The 50m Woonona Rock Pool boasts original diving blocks and a bathing pavilion. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Woonona Beach and Rock Pool
A long stretch of golden sand links Woonona Beach in the north and Bellambi Beach to the south.
Both beaches also boast ocean pools, with Woonona Rock Pool handy if you want to get a few laps in. The 50m pool boasts the original diving blocks and a bathing pavilion.
Woonona is patrolled 9 am – 6 pm and Bellambi Beach 10 am – 5 pm daily, with parking at Woonona available via Kurraba and Park roads. Free parking at Bellambi Beach is available via Robert Cram Drive.
Port Kembla is synonymous with the steel works but also boasts one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Port Kembla Beach
Most people north of Wollongong are familiar with its spectacular northern suburbs and city beaches, but a stone’s throw south of the CBD offers its own slice of paradise.
Synonymous with the steel works that literally forged Wollongong’s identity as the ‘steel city’, Port Kembla also boasts one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.
Located at the northern end of a 6.6-kilometre stretch of sand, the appeal of Port Kembla Beach continues to grow, with the 50m pool one of three saltwater pools in Wollongong patrolled 6 am – 7 pm daily.
As one of the regions more frequented locations, the main carpark off Olympic Boulevarde offers free timed parking (four hours maximum), while there’s additional car parking further south at Port Kembla Surf Club, also off Cowper Street.
Sightseers may also like to head slightly north to the new viewing platform at Hill 60, which offers truly breathtaking ocean views.
Port Kembla Beach is one of four accessible beaches in the Wollongong local government area – the others being Thirroul, North Gong and Austinmer – where free beach wheelchairs are available.
Located just north of the entrance to Lake Illawarra, Windang Beach may well be the best of the lot. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Windang Beach
While the northern suburbs are peppered with picturesque beaches and swimming spots, Wollongong’s southernmost spot, Windang Beach, may well be the best of the lot.
Lying just north of the entrance to Lake Illawarra, Windang Beach offers spectacular views of the famous Five Islands synonymous with our southern suburbs.
Windang Beach also features a large foreshore park with barbecues, picnic areas and playground, making it the perfect day out just 15 kilometres south of Wollongong CBD.
Windang Beach is patrolled 10 am – 5 pm daily and is accessible via Fern Street, with free parking available at Windang Boat Ramp and Windang Surf Club.
Remember, wherever you lay down a towel, stay safe and swim at patrolled beaches and pools, stay between the red and yellow flags and follow the direction of lifeguards and lifesavers. For the weaker swimmers, six of the nine patrolled public swimming pools are free to enter; check out council’s website for specific details.
For more information, opening hours and tips on beach safety and pool safety visit Wollongong City Council.
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