Port Kembla Beach is a popular and accessible spot. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
When the weather is warm and you’re craving a day on the water, there’s no shortage of choice in the Illawarra.
From gorgeous beaches, rivers, lagoons, lakes and surf spots to ocean or chlorinated public pools, the region has countless offerings to help you cool down these holidays.
With so many options it can be hard to know which is right for you, so Region Illawarra has collated a few picks to suit different needs to help you determine whether you should head straight to the sand that’s closest, or discover something new.
If you are swimming, staying between the flags is the safest way to enjoy the beach, with local lifesavers and lifeguards keeping a close eye on all those in the water.
If you are exploring an unpatrolled area or going out on a water vessel, assess the conditions and risk and take proper precautions such as wearing a lifejacket and informing others of your movements.
For surfers
The Farm or Killalea Beach is one of the most famous surfing spots in the region and is a recognised national surfing reserve which allows surfers to ride for hundreds of metres on open rolling waves in largely deep water. Just around the corner Mystics, or Minnamurra Beach, is the complete opposite, with a fast and tight surfing experience creating an adrenaline rush.
The Wedge at Kiama’s Surf Beach is a local favourite with fairly consistent conditions and even some little barrels, with the popular spot suitable for all levels. Ten minutes further down the road, Werri Beach is another well-known area for the region’s surfers, particularly those with some experience who are looking for a more advanced spot.
But right along the coastline of Kiama the proximity of surf spots and beaches ensures that regardless of wind or tide, something will be suitable.
The exposed long break of Port Kembla beach creates opportunities for people of all experience, while also giving them the space to have waves to themselves. Nearby, MM Beach is also an option for more skilled surfers.
Further north Sandon Point has hosted many surfing events and has a strong connection with the sport. It’s definitely not for beginners or those without experience with challenging conditions and potential hazards.
If you’re looking to learn, get in touch with a local surf school such as Pines Surfing Academy, Illawarra Surf Academy or Gerringong Surf School who can teach you the skills and which waves are right for you.
Little ones
If your little ones are looking to cool down and love to make a splash without the need for a proper swim, there are plenty of calm waterways perfect for supervised play, but if you’re looking to enter the water always look for the red and yellow flags.
The shallow edge of Belmore Basin or the Lagoon near Puckey’s in Wollongong are nice spots to wade around or bring a bucket and some toys to play in the water, with food and drink options and playgrounds suitable for smaller children also nearby in places like Stuart Park for a possible change of scenery.
A bit further south Little Lake at Elliot Park in Warilla and a number of options along Reddall Reserve are popular for smaller children, as is Kiama’s Munna Munnora Creek at the southern end of Easts Beach.
Many public pools have smaller toddler or child options including at Towradgi Rock Pool, Continental, Port Kembla, Warilla, Albion Park, the newly renovated Beverley Whitfield Pool in Shellharbour and Jamberoo Pool as well as indoor centres like Beaton Park for the days you want to get out of the sun or when it’s not shining.
A day at the pool could be the perfect way to cool off. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Full-day friendly fun
Austinmer and Thirroul Beaches are some of the most popular in the region for both local and visitors – but there’s good reason so many flock to the northern suburbs.
Austinmer Beach is a one-stop-shop and is less than a 10 minute walk from the train station, with parking options around the beach and in surrounding streets (although it does fill up quickly during the summer). There are different swimming options with two ocean pools on the southern side of the beach, as well as shaded areas, a playground, nearby cafes and toilet and changeroom facilities.
Thirroul Beach also includes a kiosk and is next to both an Olympic-sized saltwater pool and large green space with picnic tables, seating, BBQs and a playground.
Depending on the wind and the weather, North Wollongong Beach or City Beach can be great options for a whole-day, whole-family beach adventure. As well as each beach being much-loved in their own right, there is also a rock pool, harbour and ocean pool just a short scenic walk away, with multiple cafes, restaurants and even an ice-cream van often making an appearance nearby.
Port Kembla Beach gives plenty of room to spread out along its long stretch of sand, with the pool also a popular spot to jump between.
Reddall Reserve is a popular spot for a family day out with stand-up paddleboarding, calm waters, BBQ huts, playgrounds and even the occasional visit from Sammy the Seal (just remember to keep your distance). There are opportunities to embrace the sun on the sand or find some shade on the grass, with a kiosk and amenities also nearby.
Shellharbour North Beach is also ideal for tweens and teens and is patrolled and close to cafes and parking.
Kiama’s main beach is Surf Beach which is just a short distance from the cafes and facilities of the town centre. It is surrounded by a grassy park and children’s play equipment and boasts car parking, barbecue facilities, picnic tables, changing sheds and public toilets. A slightly quieter option can be Kendalls Beach which has shallow waters perfect for younger or less confident swimmers and picnic and BBQ facilities just metres from the sand.
There are plenty of pools right across the region if you’re looking to avoid the waves but still have a fun day out, with different price points and features at each. School holiday vouchers for free entry to Dapto and Corrimal are available again this summer.
Most accessible
Beach wheelchairs and beach mats as well as accessible facilities help keep our beaches and waterways inclusive to help everyone enjoy the coastline.
Wollongong Council has free beach wheelchairs available to be booked and matting available during patrol hours at Austinmer, Thirroul, North Wollongong and Port Kembla beaches. Accessible toilets and showers are available at all those locations with Austinmer and Port Kembla also having adult change tables and hoists.
Corrimal, Dapto, Helensburgh and Western Suburbs pools all have both access platforms and accessible amenities, with Beaton Park and Berkeley also listed as having access platforms, and Port Kembla and Continental pools as having accessible amenities.
Shellharbour Council offers beach wheelchairs at Shellharbour North Beach and Warilla Beach during patrol hours. Bookings aren’t required but a combination code must be used and can be accessed from on-duty lifeguards or council’s customer service.
A major accessibility upgrade at Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool includes a new permanent ramp and staircase on the western side of the pool, at Oak Flats pool portable stairs are available for people requiring assistance to access the 25 m outdoor heated pool and an all-abilities water playground is available at Albion Park Pool.
In Kiama, beach wheelchairs are available at Surf Beach through Kiama Surf Life Saving Club, Jones Beach through Kiama Downs SLSC and at Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park in Gerroa.
There is an adult change table available in the public toilets at the Kiama Boat Ramp.
The outdoor Continental Pool at Black Beach Reserve has ramp access and accessible parking, while indoors at Kiama Leisure Centre there is year-round hoist access.
Pets can make a beach day even better – but they’re not welcome everywhere. Photo: Keeli Dyson.
Dog friendly
If you’re looking to take your furry friend along with you, it’s important to know where you can and can’t go, with each council having different rules and requirements for on and off-leash beaches.
Green-zone beaches in Wollongong LGA where dogs are allowed off-leash at anytime include part of Stanwell Park Beach, Sharkeys, Little Austinmer, McCauley’s, part of Bellambi Beach, East Corrimal, part of Fairy Meadow Beach, part of Puckeys, Coniston, MM Beach and Perkins. These areas are signed with more details and pets must always stay on a leash going to or from these spaces.
In Shellharbour there is a designated off-leash area on Bass Point Tourist Road between The Shallows coastal reserve and the gravel loader.
Kiama has dog-friendly beach spaces from sunrise to sunset in parts of Werri Beach, Jones Beach and Bombo Beach which include nearby bins and dog poo bag dispensers. Specific entry requirements and conditions to these spaces is available on the Kiama Council website.
Many dog friendly parks or agility areas are located on headlands or other parts of the region for alternative options to play and exercise with your pet away from the water.
Water activities
If surfing isn’t your style but you want to do more than wade through water or float around, the Illawarra has spots for water sports and activities to keep you entertained all day long.
Belmore Basin, Lake Illawarra and Minnamurra River are all popular spots for stand up paddleboarding, with local businesses offering both lessons and experiences to enjoy the surface at every time of day.
These are often also utilised for canoeing, kayaking and boaters with options to stick to serene flat waterways or venture further into the open sea. Jet-ski tours are now also available on Lake Illawarra.
If you own your own watercraft, all boats, jet-skis, kayaks, canoes and SUPs are welcome in the state-of-the-art Shellharbour Marina on the public jetty, but there is a two-hour time limit to ensure access is shared between all visitors.
To have a peek under the surface, Bass Point is the place to be for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Bass Point Reserve is known for weedy sea dragons, eastern blue devils, blue gropers, bull stingrays, cuttlefish and even grey nurse sharks, with Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve at the eastern end providing a haven for sea life.
You can explore at your own pace or find the best spots by diving or snorkelling with businesses such as Shellharbour Scuba and Photography Centre.
The Gutter, Blue Devil Cave, The Gravel Loader and The Arch and the Hole in Wall are other dive sites around the point.
For more information on the region’s beaches, pools and waterways, visit Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council and Kiama Council.
