Wollongong's Best Beaches And Swimming Spots

Wollongong is awash with places to swim, making it one of NSW’s greatest seaside cities.

From sun- drenched sea pools, to low-tide treasures and long, sandy beaches where you can surf or relax under a wide-open sky, here are 10 of the best beaches and swimming spots in and around Wollongong.

Coledale Beach

Coledale Beach is patrolled year-round and is a popular spot with families for frisbee and French cricket. There’s a campsite with limited availability that borders the North Gong beach, which is sandwiched between the crashing waves and crayon-green canopy of the Illawarra escarpment. The beach is a popular spot for surfers, as it offers fairly consistent right and left-hand breaks.

Thirroul

The wind-whipped one-kilometre-long beach of Thirroul picks up swell from most directions. It’s a popular spot for surfers and day-trippers from Sydney who set up camp near the sandy seafront and make the most of a day dipping in and out of the sea. Swimmers enjoy doing backstroke in the Art Deco Olympic Pool, built in the 1930s, while ogling the Illawarra Escarpment.

Austinmer and Little Austinmer

Austinmer is one of the most popular beaches in the region, wedged neatly between two headlands just 15km north of Wollongong’s CBD. There are plenty of cafes and takeaways close by, and two twin rock pools at the southernmost end. Austinmer’s sister beach, Little Austinmer, is fringed by the fragrant beach pines and a pleasant spot for a dip. Little Austinmer is dog friendly too, so your pooch can join in the fun.

Austinmer Beach twin pools — Soak away the day at the twin pools in the southernmost end of Austinmer Beach. (Image: @dawmatt via Flickr)

Windang Beach

Windang Beach is a gentle curve of sand located at the entrance to Lake Illawarra, some 15 kilometres south of Wollongong’s CBD. It’s a popular spot with families as there is a large foreshore park with a playground, barbecues, and covered picnic areas. The beach has great views over the famous Five Islands off the Wollongong coastline.

Stanwell Park Beach

Stanwell Tops is famed for hang-gliding and paragliding and its position provides a panoramic view of the Illawarra escarpment and coastline from the Lawrence Hargraves Lookout on the northern slope. Corkscrew down to the base of Stanwell Tops and you will get to Stanwell Park Beach , a secluded cove popular with families (due to the large reserve and barbecue facilities) and surfers (due to the shifting beach break that works best in an east or northeast swell).

Sandon Point

Sandon Point is an exposed point break that is known for clean, consistent waves, especially during winter. When the swell is on the small side, micro grommets are known to wade out at Sandon and get pushed onto waves by the instructors at Happy Days Surf School . The beach sweeps for 900 metres between Bulli and Waniora points, so there’s plenty of space for swimmers to spread out.

Wollongong City Beach

Wollongong City Beach is one of the city’s most popular beaches. The broad beach that fronts the city curls 3.1 kilometres from Flagstaff Point to the Port Kembla seawall and it’s backed by a foreshore reserve whiskered with coastal grasses. When it’s low tide, head to the northern end of the beach (in front of the historic Wollongong SLSC) to check the rock pools. The beach is popular with families as it’s adjacent to a park with a playground and picnic tables.

Woonona

It is said that the word Woonona comes from a Wodi Wodi Aboriginal word meaning ‘place of young wallabies’ or ‘run now’, a term our First Peoples used to describe an aspect of the nearby escarpment. Ride your bike along the Wollongong shared cycleway to the beachside suburb, where the ideal swell angle is from the northeast. The beach also has a 50m pool with diving blocks and a historic Art Deco pavilion.

Coalcliff Beach

Coalcliff Beach is another coveted spot for families. Whether you’re looking for a calm stretch of sand to build a castle or a protected place to swim, the small beach in the northern suburbs of Wollongong is surrounded by craggy cliffs and rock platforms, which make it a popular fishing spot. There is a beautiful ocean pool tucked under the cliffs where dense bushland spills down to the sea.

There is a beautiful ocean pool tucked under the cliffs.

Port Kembla Beach

Joggers who love to run barefoot will appreciate Port Kembla Beach , which stretches for about 6.6 kilometres and is only 11 kilometres from Wollongong’s CBD. We love this beach for its dinky dressing sheds, which were constructed in 1912, and its Olympic pool carved into the northern corner of the cliff face. All up, there are three pools: a toddler’s pool, paddling pool and slightly deeper kiddies pool.

Bulli Rock Pool

The word is starting to spread about just how good the lifestyle is in Wollongong. Kick off your day with a few laps at the Bulli Rock Pool where you are bound to meet smug sea-changers who reckon they haven’t looked back since shrugging off their big-city stresses. After a few lazy laps in this beautiful 50-metre pool (which dates back to the 1930s) you will want to join them.

Bellambi

Bellambi also has a rock pool set into the southern rock shelf of the two-kilometre-long beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, surfing and fishing off the boat ramp. Hire a bike and cycle along the shared pathway, which makes the beach accessible from Wollongong. A small creek runs along the back of the beach and there are a few cafes nearby. Come to the beach early when there is zero swell to see the sunrise and start the day with a refreshing dip.

Find more travel tips and itineraries in our Ultimate guide to Wollongong holidays.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

Revealed: Wollongong’s best beaches and swimming spots