Lake Illawarra Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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.
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.
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.
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
Jervis Bay Private Tour & Pick up & Drop off
South Coast Private Tour & Royal National Park Inc
Sydney Private Tour Inc The Royal National Park and Symbio Zoo
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
Sunny Shores Retreat –Private Pool & Pet friendly
Very good
Reviewed on 2 Feb 2026
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Generally, room service, well done!
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Clean and spacious room, great view, friendly staff, convenient on-site restaurant & bar with an extensive menu and daily Happy Hour(s).
Reviewed on 15 Feb 2026
Nova Kiama
Pleasant staff member at the front desk. Room very pleasant with a comfortable bed. Cute coffee van in the foyer. Pub next door had great food.
Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026
Lakeside Inn Illawarra
The staff were excellent. The room had some issues needing to be attended to. However this property was a good location for our stay and the restaurant ended up bonus for our convenience.
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
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.
Albion Park
While Albion Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Jamberoo Action Park and Minnamurra Rainforest Entrance.
