Illawarra, South Coast
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Positives
- Good reef and pointbreaks
- Multiple beachbreak options
- National park
- Easy coast road checks
Negatives
- City crowds
- Limited wind protection
- Localised reefs
- Pollution issues
Illawarra, South Coast surf travel guide
The Illawarra coastal region encompasses many landscapes from pristine bushland, lakes and rivers to the stark industrial views over Port Kembla steel-works. The towering escarpment of the Illawarra Range squeezes the narrow coastal strip into the sea, creating interesting geology and a high concentration of reefs and points, interspersed with long strands and shorter pocket beaches, offering waves in most conditions. Being an hour's drive from Sydney doesn't help with crowd control, but there are some quiet spots between the banner waves.
Surf spots in Illawarra, South Coast
Research the 26 surf breaks in Illawarra, South Coast and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 26 breaks in Illawarra, South Coast.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Illawarra, South Coast
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 7,544,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.27 AUD AUD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Get to Sydney and drive south. Some flights to Wollongong.
Getting Around
City breaks are accessible by bus and train up to Stanwell. Get a car and cruise the scenic Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
Accommodation
Wollongong City Beach Hotel, Wollongong Surf Leisure Resort or Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach from AU$180/n/dbl. Camping and caravan parks are often good value for families and groups. Many holiday parks in Kiama and the council-run Corrimal Beach and Bulli from $30/n/p.
Activities
The Royal National Park is prime Aussie bush - do the epic coast track 26km one way and stay at Era campground.
Hazards & hassles
Shark worries are real and only Coledale, Austinmer, Thirroul, North and South Wollongong are netted. Wollongong locals have an aggressive reputation at hotspots like Sandon. Water and air pollution blight the ‘Gong. Summer NE winds bring stinging bluebottle jellyfish and urchins abound.
Handy Hints
Check out legendary Byrne Surfboards in Thirroul.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.