Illawarra Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more with this comprehensive travel guide to Illawarra, Australia. Plan your trip today!


Illawarra, located in New South Wales, Australia, is a coastal region famous for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and outdoor adventures. This guide will take you on a journey through the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to expect when you visit Illawarra.

Introduction to Illawarra

Illawarra is a coastal region that stretches from the southern suburbs of Sydney to the Shoalhaven River in New South Wales, Australia. The region is known for its stunning beaches, mountain ranges, and dense forests. Illawarra comprises some of the most popular tourist destinations, including Wollongong and Kiama, and offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

List of Places to Visit in Illawarra

Illawarra is home to several cultural and natural attractions that cater to every taste. Here are some must-visit places in Illawarra:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Illawarra region has a rich history that dates back to pre-colonial times. A few must-visit destinations include:

  • Nan Tien Temple: One of the largest Buddhist temples in the southern hemisphere located in Berkeley, Wollongong.
  • Illawarra Light Railway Museum: A museum dedicated to preserving the region’s railway heritage located in Albion Park Rail.
  • Black Diamond Heritage Centre: A museum featuring exhibits on the Coal Mining Industry located in Bulli.

Natural Attractions of Illawarra: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Illawarra boasts a variety of natural attractions that offer breathtaking views and exciting outdoor activities. Some popular destinations include:

  • Sea Cliff Bridge: A stunning coastal bridge that connects Coalcliff and Clifton.
  • Sublime Point Lookout: A popular destination for hikers and bikers, located in Bulli Tops.
  • Kiama Blowhole: A natural rock formation that is famous for its water spouts and picturesque views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Illawarra

Illawarra offers several hiking and biking trails that cater to every level of fitness and experience. Some popular trails include:

  • Mount Keira Summit Track: A challenging hike starting from the UOW Northfields Avenue Campus in Keiraville, Wollongong.
  • Illawarra Escarpment Trail: A beautiful trail starting from the Mount Kembla Lookout in Mount Kembla.
  • Kiama Coastal Walk: An easy walk along the coast starting from Minnamurra, Kiama.

Best Things to Do in Illawarra: Activities and Tours

Illawarra offers visitors a range of activities and tours that provide a unique experience. Here are some must-try activities:

  • Adventure sports: Skydiving, hang gliding, and paragliding
  • Surfing at some of the world-class beaches in the region.
  • Whale watching tours, which are available during the migration season from May to November.

Week-Long Itinerary for Illawarra

If you have a week to explore Illawarra, here’s an itinerary you might consider:

Day Destination
1 Visit Nan Tien Temple and Wollongong Botanic Garden
2 Explore the beaches and cliffs along the Grand Pacific Drive
3 Visit Jamberoo Action Park or Illawarra Fly
4 Hike the Illawarra Escarpment Trail and enjoy scenic views
5 Spend the day exploring Kiama, including the Kiama Blowhole and Kiama Lighthouse
6 Go whale watching and explore the coastal towns of Thirroul and Austinmer
7 Visit the Illawarra Light Railway Museum and the Black Diamond Heritage Centre

Food and Drink Scene of Illawarra

Illawarra offers a diverse food and drink scene that caters to every taste. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood Platter: Try fresh seafood from The Shellharbour Club or Diggies
  • Classic Pie: Visit The Heritage Bakery in Bulli for a classic meat pie.
  • Acai Bowl: Have breakfast at Barefoot Caf in Thirroul.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: Try Illawarra Brewing Company, HopDog BeerWorks, or Five Barrel Brewing.
  • Wine: Try Coolangatta Estate Winery in Shoalhaven for a luxurious wine tasting experience.

Where to Stay in Illawarra: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Illawarra offers a range of accommodations that cater to every budget and preference. Here are some options:

  • Novotel Wollongong Northbeach: A four-star hotel with scenic views.
  • Coledale Beach Camping Reserve: A beachfront reserve with caravan and camping spots.
  • The Belmore All-Suite Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel in Wollongong.

What to Buy in Illawarra: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Illawarra offers visitors plenty of souvenirs and local products to bring home. Here are some ideas:

  • Fresh Seafood: Purchase fresh seafood from local markets or fishmongers.
  • Craft Beer: Grab some craft beer from Illawarra Brewing Company to share with friends.
  • Locally-Made Soaps and Candles: Visit local stores like Maple & Salt or Bare Body Beauty Co.

Local Culture and Customs of Illawarra

The primary culture of Illawarra is influenced by the west coast surfing culture and the region’s rich indigenous history. Here are some local customs and practices to keep in mind:

  • Respect the indigenous culture: Many of the region’s places have significant cultural importance to the indigenous community.
  • Swim between the flags: The region is known for its strong rip currents and undertow, which means it’s important to swim between the red and yellow flags where lifesavers are on duty.

Best Time to Visit Illawarra

The best time to visit Illawarra is during the autumn (March - May) and the spring (September - November) seasons. During these periods, the temperatures are mild, and the crowds are not too overwhelming. However, if you’re looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the beaches, summer (December - February) is the best time to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Illawarra

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Illawarra:

Do:

  • Embrace the outdoors: Illawarra is renowned for its natural beauty, including stunning beaches and walking trails.
  • Respect the wildlife: Many of the forests and beaches in the region are home to native wildlife.
  • Network: Illawarra is recognized by surfers and outdoor enthusiasts, so take the time to converse with locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter: The region relies on its natural beauty to appeal to tourists, so make sure you do not litter.
  • Drink and drive: Take a taxi or use public transport if you’re planning a night out.
  • Go out to the beach alone: Some of the beaches in Illawarra, especially the surf beaches, can be dangerous. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.

Safety and Health

Illawarra is generally a safe place to visit. However, like with any destination, it’s important to take necessary precautions to stay safe and healthy.

Safety in Illawarra

  • Stay alert: Petty theft and gang-related violence can happen, particularly around the beaches, so be careful.
  • Swim between the flags: As mentioned earlier, the swim beaches are known for their strong and unpredictable currents.

Health in Illawarra

  • Sun protection: Wear a hat and sunscreen when you’re out in the sun.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water when you are hiking or engaging in outdoor activities to stay hydrated.

Getting to Illawarra: Transportation Options and Logistics

Illawarra is accessible by road and air. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Illawarra

  • Wollongong Airport
  • Sydney airport

Bus Stations Near Illawarra

  • Wollongong Bus Station
  • Kiama Station

Other Options

  • Taxi services and car hire options are available at the airports.

How to Get Around in Illawarra

Public transportation is available and provides a convenient way to travel to most destinations in Illawarra. Alternatively, you could hire a car or bicycle to explore the region.

Where to Go Next from Illawarra: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore the region, here are some nearby destinations to consider:

  • Shoalhaven
  • Sydney

Conclusion

Illawarra is a fantastic destination that offers something for everyone. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and exciting activities, you’ll be sure to have a memorable stay. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip and made your experience in Illawarra an unforgettable one.

Stanwell Tops Stanwell Tops Palm tree in Bulli (a northern suburb of Wollongong) Palm tree in Bulli (a northern suburb of Wollongong)


    Kiama
    Stanwell Park