Lake Illawarra Travel Guide
Wollongong
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.
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.
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.
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.
Things to do
Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama Blowhole, Beaches & Wildlife Small Group
From Sydney: Day Tour to Jervis Bay with Beaches and Koalas
Jervis Bay, Kiama & Kangaroo Valley Day Trip From Sydney-PVT
Wollongong and Kiama South Coast NSW Tours
Top hotels in Lake Illawarra
Sage Hotel Wollongong
"Jalen at the front desk was absolutely outstanding in welcoming us and ensuring we had everything we needed to have a comfortable stay. A credit to the hotel. All staff were very friendly and the room was so spacious, fresh and comfortable. Highly recommend"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
"Always a fantastic stay"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Nova Kiama
"It was very clean and affordable, probably because we had cheaper room, didn't have slipper, pajama, and teeth brush though, for changing date as well, staff was very helpful and kind. When I go back to Kiama, I will Absolutely stay here again!!"
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Lakeside Inn Illawarra
"all great"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
Hotel TOTTO Wollongong
"Enjoyed my 2 nights at Totto. Buffet breakfast was yummy. Staff were great and friendly. It’s a cute little hotel. Great location too."
Reviewed on 13 May 2026
Five Islands Hotel
"Clean neat and tidy. Needs a better parking facility"
Reviewed on 11 May 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.
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 Port Kembla Golf Club and Stocklands Shellharbour, a few notable attractions nearby.
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 Australia's Industry World.
