Plan your visit to Shellharbour, Wollongong
Enjoy the laid-back pace of this pretty New South Wales coastal town. Explore its varied coastline, scenic harbour, local markets and nearby native bushland reserve.
With two beaches, a natural harbour and gorgeous Lake Illawarra nearby, Shellharbour is a fantastic place to enjoy beautiful ocean views or have an exciting adventure. Whether you’re boating, fishing, surfing, diving, swimming or simply indulging in the region’s fine seafood, you’ll find many ways to enjoy Shellharbour’s waters.
Shellharbour North Beach stretches from the town toward Barrack Point and Shellharbour South Beach runs from the harbour headland to Bass Point. Swim or surf on the beach breaks and wander to the rocky platforms at each end of the beach to explore rock pools with the kids. Dive or snorkel at Bass Point to observe the coast’s fascinating marine life. Lifeguards patrol these main beaches between Christmas and Easter.
Drop a fishing line or launch a boat from Shellharbour’s small recreational harbour. The harbourside park has a fun playground, picnic shelters and a saltwater swimming pool. A local market is held here on the fourth Sunday of each month. Pick up fresh produce or local souvenirs before heading to Shellharbour’s traditional pub and enjoying a drink while overlooking the harbour.
Shellharbour’s main strip, Addison Street, begins at the harbour. Wander along the street and check out the town’s shops, cafés and historical buildings. Follow the Shellharbour Village Heritage Trail using a map from the Shellharbour Visitor Information Centre. Sit at a café with outdoor seating and enjoy some of the town’s famous local seafood. See what’s showing at the Roo Theatre Company or catch a local cricket or football match at the town’s cricket oval.
In nearby Blackbutt Forest Reserve, explore the largest natural bushland reserve in the Illawarra with a mountain bike or on foot. Head to Lake Illawarra for scenic boating, canoeing and fishing adventures.
Reach Shellharbour within a 2-hour drive from Sydney or catch the coastal train to Oak Flats station and connect with local buses.
Wollongong City Beach - Immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere or find your own secluded patch of sand on this vast beach that stretches for miles along the city’s gorgeous coastline.
Symbio Wildlife Park - Why not meet the animals who call Symbio Wildlife Park home during your travels in Wollongong? While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.
Wollongong Harbor - Wander to the edge of the scenic breakwater or take in the views of Wollongong’s two lighthouses from a waterfront café at this historic destination.
Sea Cliff Bridge - You can learn about the history of Wollongong when you stop by Sea Cliff Bridge. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Nan Tien Temple - With a name that translates to “Paradise of the South” in Chinese, this Buddhist temple complex is a modern architectural treasure with cultural exhibitions, a lodge and workshops.
Crown Street Mall - Wollongong’s pedestrianized main street is a shopping, dining and entertainment hub where you can join community events and festivities, or shop for a new look.
Bulli Lookout - You can find out about the history of Wollongong with a visit to Bulli Lookout. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Bald Hill Lookout - This observation deck in the Illawarra Range of southern New South Wales is a great spot to watch hang gliders and paragliders take off.
Small Group All Inclusive Sydney- Kiama Coast, Beaches, BBQ & Bushwalks Day Tour - For those who think they have seen everything Sydney has to offer, escape the city and discover these hidden gem locations. The South Coast tour is a one of a kind that includes the coastline, remote beaches, dairy countryside and bush trails.
Hang gliding with HangglideOz - Hang gliding is an experience of a lifetime. Step outside your comfort zone and take that leap of faith. Enjoy spectacular views from Bald Hill, Stanwell Park just 1 hour south of Sydney and Hill 60, Wollongong. Feel the freedom!
Panorama House Luncheon Trike Tour - Explore the Royal National Park, Bald Hill (Stanwell Tops Lookout) and the Sea Cliff Bridge as we make our way down the South Coast then up Bulli Pass to the Panorama House where you will seated at your reserved window table overlooking the beautiful South Coast and you can purchase lunch from their A La Carte menu.
South Coast Private Charter - Spend your day-your-way away from the crowds on a South Coast Private Tour along Sydney’s unspoilt South Coast. From Royal National Park, to the Sea Cliff Bridge, and the Kangaroo Valley our experienced guides can show you the hidden gems of the South Coast.
Erupting Blowholes and Ancient Rainforests SOUTH COAST OF SYDNEY PRIVATE TOUR - Be enchanted by the otherworldly moonscape on a private tour of the South Coast of NSW. If you're after dynamic landscapes and incredible coastal and forest scenery than this tour is a must. Explore magical black shaped shorelines more akin to ruined columns and obelisks of an historic Roman city.
Wollongong Scavenger Hunt: Wollongong’s Storied History - Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences.
Wollongong Tandem Skydiving - Skydive directly over North Wollongong Beach with a professional tandem master, jumping from an altitude of up to 15,000 feet. Experience the ultimate thrill of a one-minute free fall, then soak up coastal views of Wollongong and the Southern Sydney beaches while you drift down for a few more minutes under the parachute canopy.
Blue Mountains Deluxe Small-Group Eco Wildlife Tour from Sydney - Head for the hills and experience the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains on this small group day trip from Sydney. Travel on a complete loop of the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains and see many hidden locations away from all other tourists.