An artist’s impression of what Warrawong Parklands could look like. Photo: NSW Department of Planning.
An Olympic-standard skate park, wetland boardwalk and lakeside dining are all part of a plan to transform Warrawong Parklands into an ‘iconic outdoor destination’.
The draft plan was released by the NSW State Government and also includes 10 kilometres of new pedestrian and cycle paths, a water sports hub on the lake, lake steps and spaces for cultural events and outdoor performances.
The goal is to turn the 32 hectares of park into a major attraction with recreational and commercial opportunities for locals and visitors.
Native plants and trees will help restore the foreshore environment and improve wetland health.
The draft master plan marks the second phase of public consultation on the future of the parklands, and after feedback on the draft has been received the final plan is expected to be released later this year.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said it was high time the area got the attention and investment it deserved.
“The Minns Government has kept its commitment to keep this significant parcel of public space on the foreshore of Lake Illawarra in public hands and is now asking for feedback from the community on the vision for this re-imagined space,” he said.
“For too long this 32-hectare parkland has not had the interest or investment that it or the surrounding community deserved, and this is an opportunity to shape the future of this recreational space.
“This master plan has everything, from an Olympic-standard skate park, to new pedestrian and cycle paths and 320 metre wetland boardwalk.
“Lake Illawarra is a beautiful backdrop, and we want the community to have their say on this master plan.”
The parklands revamp is just one part of significant investment in Warrawong, which is projected to be a high-growth area over coming years.
Earlier in 2025 the NSW Government announced it would spend $5 million to restore a seawall at Warrawong Parklands on Lake Illawarra that has been impacted by coastal erosion, and improve landscaping in the area as part of the 2025-26 NSW Budget.
In February the State Government approved a request to rezone the seven hectare site of the current Warrawong Plaza shopping centre, which aims to provide 1300 new homes.
The new planning controls will allow the maximum building height on the site to increase from eight to about 22 storeys. Up to 12 towers are proposed for the site.
The development of the Warrawong Parklands Draft Master Plan has been overseen by a working group led by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces which included community representatives, Wollongong City Council and Destination Wollongong.
The draft plan is now on public exhibition until 15 October, with the NSW Government inviting the community to share their feedback and help shape the park’s future.
In addition to written submissions, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will hold drop-in sessions at local venues including Warrawong Plaza and Shellharbour Shopping Centre, and on-site at the parklands during the exhibition period.
Visit Warrawong Parklands | Planning for further details.
