Shellharbour Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
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.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Shellharbour Hotel Deals

Shellharbour Resort
Shellharbour Resort
3.5 out of 5
400 Shellharbour Road, Shellharbour, NSW
The price is NZ$174 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
NZ$174
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
7.4/10 Good! (323 reviews)
"Ver clean"

Reviewed on 16 Mar. 2024

Shellharbour Resort
Shellharbour Village Motel
Shellharbour Village Motel
4 out of 5
28 Mary Street, Shellharbour, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$209 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
NZ$209
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star golf motel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (236 reviews)
"Great location, property and price"

Reviewed on 25 Feb. 2024

Shellharbour Village Motel
NRMA Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park
NRMA Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park
3 out of 5
1 John Street, Shellharbour, NSW
The price is NZ$177 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
NZ$177
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Wollongong. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Shellharbour South Beach and North ...
9/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
"Was in a great position"

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2024

NRMA Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park
Shellharbour - 4 bedroom house with large pool, walk to beach & Village Cafes
Shellharbour - 4 bedroom house with large pool, walk to beach & Village Cafes
Shellharbour
Stay at this vacation home in Wollongong. Enjoy private pools, WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Shellharbour South Beach and North Beach are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
Nice holiday house
"Very nice property for family holiday near water and shops."

Reviewed on 14 Nov. 2023

Shellharbour - 4 bedroom house with large pool, walk to beach & Village Cafes
Nova Kiama
Nova Kiama
3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St, Kiama, NSW
The price is NZ$191 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
NZ$191
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Kiama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (327 reviews)
"I travelled to Kiama by train. It was literally a 2 minutes walk from the Kiama train station to the hotel. All of the main facilities in the town and a walkable distance."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Nova Kiama
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, NSW
The price is NZ$255 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
NZ$255
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy a beach locale, 4 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2024

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Shellharbour

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Shell Cove

Travellers like the golf courses in Shell Cove, and The Farm is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Shell Cove
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Warilla

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Warilla and surrounding area, you can visit Warilla Beach and Shellharbour South Beach.

Warilla
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Lake Illawarra

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lake Illawarra and surrounding area, you can visit Warilla Beach and Port Kembla Golf Club.

Lake Illawarra
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Windang

You'll appreciate the beaches during your time in Windang and you might want to plan a stop by Port Kembla Golf Club and Warilla Beach while you're in the area.

Windang
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Kiama Downs

If you're spending some time in Kiama Downs, Jones Beach and Cathedral Rocks are top sights worth seeing.

Kiama Downs
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Dapto

The coffee shops and lake views are a few reasons travellers visit Dapto. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit Nan Tien Temple and Port Kembla Golf Club, a few notable attractions nearby.

Dapto

Shellharbour Travel Guide

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