Lake Illawarra

Framing Wollongong, the Illawarra Escarpment is a dramatic 30 million-years-old formation, offering scenic lookouts, hiking, walking, birding, and picnic spots. Millions of years in the making, the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area features dramatic sandstone cliffs and a medley of different forest types, from sub-tropical rainforest to olive-green eucalypts and towering cedars. Throw in two accessible mountains, an abundance of colonial and Aboriginal heritage, and a stunning variety of birdlife, and you have a unique place with attractions to suit any taste. Come for a serious bushwalk or a casual jog, visit a lookout in the winter for whale watching off the coast, or break out the binoculars for birdwatching. There are cycling opportunities on fire trails and plenty of chances to cool off in summer by retreating to a rainforest track. The area is also popular with families taking advantage of the picnic spot by firing up barbecues on Sundays. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/wollongong/attractions/illawarra-escarpment-state-conservation-area

Ideal for families, North Wollongong Beach has rock pools, wading areas, and good surf. There is plenty of grass, shade, and picnic booths. A children's playground is close by, and shops, cafes and amenities are provided. North Wollongong Beach is the only beach that's patrolled all year round making it the perfect place for a barbecue with full facilities provided. It is conveniently located along the shared cycle way. North Wollongong Beach hosts the NSW leg of the Beach Netball Festival and a round of the Ocean Six Series in annually and its the perfect spot to watch the New Year's Eve Fireworks. This Beach is not a dog friendly beach, however simply cross the lagoon to the north to find the off lead dog area. Dogs are permitted on the walkways and cycle tracks. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/wollongong/attractions/north-wollongong-beach

In 1968 the search for a suitable site revealed a quiet valley, 229 to 274 metres above sea level at Mt. Pleasant under the north eastern summit of Mt. Keira. This land was owned by Australian Iron and Steel and then General Manager Mr A.A Parrish backed the scheme and a (peppercorn) lease over six hectares (14 acres) was granted to a Society set up to develop and manage the gardens. The Illawarra Rhododendron Gardens are located at Mt. Pleasant under the north eastern summit of Mt Keira and cover an area of 13 hectares. It's the perfect place for a picnic lunch or even a wedding. The garden contains thousands of azaleas and hundreds of rhododendrons in company with many rare companion plants including camellias. A section of rich rainforest is featured in the top section with walking trails. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/wollongong/attractions/illawarra-rhododendron-gardens

Visit or stay at Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere. Nan Tien is very different from most tourist attractions because there is so much on offer. The visual delights of grandeur architecture, art and culture including unique exhibitions and festivals, Buddhist festivals, vegetarian culinary delights, educational and healthy lifestyle classes and retreats, accommodation, top class conference and auditorium facilities. There is also the spiritual and religious experience that is unforgettable, and even life changing for some. Pilgrim Lodge, Wollongong's most unique accommodation setting is a 100 room facility, which is open all year round and located in the grounds of the Temple. The lodge overlooks the lotus pond, the peaceful Temple, splendid gardens, the beautiful rolling hills, and famous escarpment of the Illawarra. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/wollongong/attractions/nan-tien-temple

Coalcliff is located 24 kilometres north of the Wollongong city centre. This is a small beach in the northern suburbs, surrounded by rocks and cliffs. It is also a popular fishing spot. There is a saltwater rock pool at the southern end of the beach. Explore the rocks for ocean life from this quite secluded beach. This beach is only patrolled from the commencement of the NSW school holidays in September until the end of April school holidays. Coalcliff beach is an on-lead dog-friendly beach during certain times. Time-sharing zone allowing access on the beach on leash in summer before 9 am and after 6 pm and in winter before 9 am and after 4 pm. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/stanwell-park/attractions/coalcliff-beach

Windang Beach is located at the entrance to Lake Illawarra, 15 kilometres south of Wollongong's city centre. It offers spectacular views of the famous Five Islands off the Wollongong coastline. The beach is very popular with families and there is accommodation nearby at the local caravan park, which has views of the lake and the ocean. There is a large park at Windang Beach with barbecues, sheltered picnic areas, a playground, and a cycle path. Windang Beach and Lake Illawarra are good fishing areas. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/wollongong/attractions/windang-beach

Wombarra Beach is a narrow 250 m beach fronting the slopes that lead up to the small town of the same name. The sand and cobble beach is located immediately south of the southern Scarborough rocks, with rocks and boulders backing the beach. It is fronted by rock platforms, leaving only a narrow break to provide direct access to the sea. A road provides access to the southern beach with a small car park and picnic area, however, this is more for the southern rock pool, than for the beach. https://beachsafe.org.au/beach/nsw/wollongong/wombarra/wombarra

Corrimal Beach is 1.4 kilometres long and backed by fenced sand dunes, grassy reserves and Corrimal Beach Tourist Park. Holiday makers and local's alike enjoy this beach as it is long and private. A small lagoon proves popular with children for shallow paddling. Corrimal is located six kilometres north of Wollongong's central business district. Corrimal Beach is only patrolled from the commencement of the NSW school holidays in September to the end of the NSW April school holidays. North Wollongong Beach is the only beach in the area that is patrolled all year round. East Corrimal Beach, located to the north, is an off lead dog friendly beach. Once past the lagoon on Corrimal Beach this dog friendly area begins. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/wollongong/attractions/corrimal-beach

Thirroul Beach is one kilometre in length and faces east, so it picks up swell from most directions. There's little wind protection at either end, although big southerly swells or southerly winds get slowed up somewhat by the Sandon Point headland. Thirroul Beach is patrolled September to April and there is a saltwater pool that's great for a swim. Thirroul Beach is a timeshare dog zone. Time-sharing zone allows access on the beach on leash at certain times dependant on the season. However, McCauley's Beach is located directly to the south and an off-leash dog-friendly beach. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/thirroul/attractions/thirroul-beach

Wollongong Harbour's Breakwater lighthouse has been inactive since 1974 (a decorative light is displayed on special occasions). It stands 12 metres (40 feet) high and has a tapered round wrought iron tower with lantern, painted white. The lighthouse was seriously deteriorated before a restoration in 1978 and 1979 stabilised its condition. https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/south-coast/wollongong-and-surrounds/wollongong/attractions/wollongong-and-harbour-lighthouse