Visit Lake Illawarra
Popular places to visit
North Wollongong Beach
Enjoy a day of fun with the family at this central beach with a broad sandy strip, rock pools, grassy foreshore areas and plenty of space to relax.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Symbio Wildlife Park
Why not see the exotic and native animals who call Symbio Wildlife Park home during your travels in Wollongong? While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.
Activities
Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama Blowhole, Beaches & Wildlife Small Group
Private Coast & Kangaroo Valley Wildlife Escape Tour From Sydney
Sydney Private Tour Inc The Royal National Park and Symbio Zoo
Erupting Blowholes and Ancient Rainforests SOUTH COAST OF SYDNEY PRIVATE TOUR
Our pick of the best Lake Illawarra Hotel Deals
Shellharbour Beach side. PET friendly. Beach, lake. Fish surf swim SUP dive
Lovely and clean Check in process very easyGreat communication
Reviewed on 30 Oct 2025
SEASIDE STUDIO Minutes' walk to Beach, Lake, Fishing in beautiful Shellharbour
It suited our purpose. Nice, clean, good enough location. We didnt bring cars with us .So street parking not a problem. GGooNoproblams
Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025
Sunny Shores Retreat –Private Pool & Pet friendly
Yes, we enjoyed our stay. It would have been perfect if there is an ensuite in the Master bedroom because at the moment there is only one bathroom in the house. Thought there is a second toilet in the laundry, it is not convenient to use at the night time.
Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
The staff was great. Hotel is in the perfect locations. There were kids Christmas activities which was amazing. The downside is the parking. Too narrow and too low in height. The car was scratched even while opening the boot which managed to hit the low roof.
Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Front desk staff went above and beyond with service. Rooms were clean and spacious, great choices for breakfast and good location. Loved the still and sparkling water on tap in the reception area.
Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025
Hotel TOTTO Wollongong
Nice hotel in the centre of town. Staff were very friendly and attentive. The building was very modern and clean. The rooms were clean and tidy, and although they were not overly spacious, they served our purpose over Christmas. The bed was very comfortable as were the pillows, great pillows. We'd ...
Reviewed on 27 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Lake Illawarra
Warilla
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Warilla and surrounding area, you can visit Warilla Beach and North Beach.
Windang
Visitors to Windang enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Perkins Beach is worth a stop.
Shellharbour
Shellharbour is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shellharbour South Beach and North Beach.
Shell Cove
Travellers like the golf courses in Shell Cove, and The Farm is a top attraction you might want to visit.
Port Kembla
You'll enjoy the beaches and monuments in Port Kembla. You might want to make time for a stop at Wollongong City Beach or Breakwater Battery.
Minnamurra
When in Minnamurra, you can plan a visit to Jones Beach and Cathedral Rocks, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
