Novotel Wollongong Northbeach: a seaside stay with breezy charm

Beachfront bliss meets elevated comfort at this sleek coastal stay that balances location, views and refined dining in equal measure.

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is a modern coastal escape that practically dips its toes in the Pacific. Set opposite one of the Illawarra’s best stretches of sand, this contemporary hotel brings together breezy design, sweeping views and elevated dining. Whether you’re here for a relaxing weekend, a family getaway or a work trip, this laid-back yet luxurious spot invites you to slow down, take in the view and let the sea air do the rest.

From oceanfront suites and sunset cocktails to slow mornings and standout dining, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach delivers all the luxe coastal vibes.

The location

Panorama suite bath and bedroom at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — It doesn’t get much closer to the beach than this. (Image: Emily Murphy)

It doesn’t get much closer to the ocean than this. Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is perched directly across the road from North Wollongong Beach on Dharawal Country, with uninterrupted views over the Pacific. Just a short drive or 15-minute walk from Wollongong CBD, the hotel is well-placed for both seaside serenity and urban convenience. Directly opposite the sand, it’s also an easy base for beach walks, surfing or simply lazing by the shore.

Style and character

Palisade Kitchen and Bar at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — The hotel is a coastal classic. (Image: Emily Murphy)

While the Novotel is part of a global hotel group, this particular outpost feels like its own coastal classic. A multi-million-dollar refurbishment in 2021 has transformed it into a sleek, contemporary stay with soft seaside tones, plush furnishings and curated finishes that make the most of its beachside location. Large windows and balconies invite the ocean in, while subtle nods to coastal living, like timber panelling, nautical blues and sandy beiges, enhance the relaxed aesthetic. It’s polished without being pretentious and perfectly pitched for both leisure and business travellers.

Facilities

Adrift Pool Bar at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — Adrift Pool Bar is a summer hotspot. (Image: Emily Murphy)

The hotel is generously equipped with all the essentials and a few elevated extras. There’s a compact fitness centre, a swimming pool, an onsite convenience store and beach towels available at reception. With over a dozen event spaces including ballrooms, boardrooms and outdoor terraces, it’s also a popular wedding and conference destination. Parking is available onsite and reception is open 24/7.

Rooms

Panorama suite at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — The panorama suite is true to its name. (Image: Emily Murphy)

There are 209 rooms and suites at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, ranging from coastal-view standard rooms to sweeping top-floor suites. I stayed in the panorama suite (room 1002) on the 10th floor and can confirm it lives up to its name. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a wraparound balcony with panoramic views of the ocean, and a freestanding bathtub positioned by the bedroom window offers a luxuriously uninterrupted view of the coastline below.

Panorama suite bath at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — Relax in the freestanding tub. (Image: Emily Murphy)

While the bathroom is a little dated, the living area is roomy and comfortable with couches and a dining table, there’s a coffee pod machine and two non-smart TVs – but honestly, the real entertainment is the view.

Food and drink

North Bar food and cocktails at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — North Bar is the place for creative small plates and cocktails. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Dining is a highlight here, with five venues onsite. North Bar is the place for creative small plates and cocktails in a chic, coastal-inspired setting. I started with Sydney rock oysters, followed by prawn and lobster rolls and juicy pork and garlic chive dumplings.

For something more refined, Palisade Kitchen & Bar offers elevated modern Australian fare with a focus on fresh seafood and local produce. The charcuterie board set the tone, but the standout was the seared yellowfin tuna with white soy dashi, charred mandarin, nori paste and rice crackers – a dish that felt as artful as it was flavourful.

Palisade Kitchen and Bar barramundi at Novotel Wollongong Northbeach — The pan-fried Spring Creek barramundi is delicious. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Other highlights included grilled Spencer Gulf king prawns with miso garlic butter and yuzu sesame, and pan-fried Spring Creek barramundi with kipfler potatoes, beurre blanc and shaved fennel. I finished with a decadent Biscoff and ricotta New York-style baked cheesecake.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, there are accessible rooms available featuring roll-in showers, lowered amenities and wider doorways. The main areas of the hotel, including reception, lifts, restaurants and event spaces, are wheelchair accessible, with staff available to assist as needed. There are also accessible parking spaces near the entrance.

Family-friendly?

Absolutely. The hotel offers family rooms and interconnecting rooms, and there’s a kids’ menu available at both North Bar and Palisade. The beachfront location makes it easy for little ones to play by the sea, and the staff are welcoming to guests of all ages.

Details

Best for: Couples, weekenders and anyone who wants ocean views with elevated dining.

Address: 2-14 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong, NSW

Cost: From around $270 per night for a standard room.

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.