Wollongong Beaches: 10 of the Best for Fun in the Sun

When we're feeling a bit restless, one of our favourite family outings is to hop in the car for an adventure up to Wollongong and relish in the abundance of natural beauty on offer at Wollongong beaches.

Situated just over an hour outside of Sydney, Wollongong has the kind of laid-back, beachy lifestyle that's perfect for families. Here are our top picks of Wollongong beaches to hit up this summer.

Wollongong Beaches: 10 of the Best for Fun in the Sun

1. North Wollongong Beach

Summer beach days don't come much better than at North Wollongong Beach.

For families, it's got it all. Plenty of grass, shade and picnic benches, plus rock pools, areas that are perfect for wading, cafes and amenities (got you covered on the coffee front, parents), plus a nearby playground in Stuart Park for when the kids need a break from the sand and surf. And thanks to full barbecue facilities, it's an ideal beach for a full day out!

Location: Cliff Rd, North Wollongong

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2. Bulli Beach

One of the best Wollongong beaches for families, Bulli Beach is a great pick for picnics and gatherings, backed by sand dunes and lots of parklands and open space.

Bulli Rock Pool is a glorious choice for an ocean swim at low tide—and there are surfing and fishing options at Bulli depending on tide levels. The soft sand and clear waters make it one of the best beaches for summer splashing. 

Location: Eastern end of Farrell Rd, Bulli

3. Windang Beach

Boasting stunning views out to the infamous Five Islands, Windang Beach is a sparkling jewel of the Wollongong Coastline and a hot contender for the top five Wollongong beaches.

It's yet another popular pick with families (are you sensing a theme here?), as it's equipped with sheltered picnic areas, barbecues and a playground. It's also a great spot for fishing—so you can try your hand at a new activity while you're there!

Location: Windang Rd, Windang

4. Wollongong City Beach

A whopping three kilometres long and boasting excellent swimming and surfing opportunities, Wollongong City Beach is one of the city's most visited, and for good reason.

There's plenty of wide open space for games and activities, plus a bike path, a playground, outdoor exercise equipment and picnic tables. It's also one of the most popular Wollongong beaches for surfers, with waves averaging 1.5 metres in height. 

Location: 1 Marine Drive, Wollongong

5. Sandon Point Beach

A popular pick among surfers and host to many a surfing tournament, Sandon Beach is a picturesque spot that draws locals and visitors alike.

There's plenty of open space for picnics, activities and gatherings, plus it's a dog-friendly beach in Wollongong at certain times of the day - bonus! A definite crowd-pleaser that's perfect for a Wollongong beaches trip this summer!

Location: Point St, Bulli

6. Thirroul Beach

Home to an Olympic-sized ocean saltwater pool, Thirroul Beach is a beautiful spot to soak up the beauty of Wollongong's coastline.

There's a cafe inside Thirroul Beach Pavillion that's perfect for grabbing a morning coffee before you take a stroll along the beach with the family!

Location: Thirroul Beach, Thirroul

7. Austinmer Beach

Austinmer Beach is another one of the top Wollongong beaches thanks to its proximity to shops and useful amenities, not to mention there's a surf club, rock pools, ocean pool and more right on site! 

Austinmer Beach gets pretty busy in the summer months, and there's a nearby play area that provides another opportunity to wear the kids out before bedtime!

Location: Austinmer Beach, Austinmer

8. Towradgi Beach

A bustling Wollongong beach that proves popular all year round, Towradgi is a great spot to dabble in some beach fishing or rock pooling, with plenty of interesting formations to please even the smallest of beach buffs!

There's a playground nearby and plenty of barbecues for you to enjoy a day at the beach with your family. If you're sticking around the long haul, pull up a table at the super-popular and always fun Towradgi Beach Hotel.

Location: Marine Parade, Towradgi 

9. Port Kembla Beach

An icon of the Wollongong beaches scene, Port Kembla is renowned for its sweeping sands, sparkling water and picturesque surroundings.

Along with the stunning waters, Port Kembla Beach draws crowds thanks to its many amenities. It's home to an Olympic-sized saltwater pool, a kids' pool, a kiosk selling coffee and ice creams (check and check—very important credentials for a beach in our book), and great surfing conditions - what more could you want?

Location: Olympic Boulevard, Port Kembla

10. Stanwell Park Beach

Stanwell Park Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in Australia, thanks to its stunning location underneath the escarpment of the legendary Grand Pacific Drive. Plus, its proximity to the Royal National Park means there's double the opportunity for outdoor adventures with the fam bam!

There is plenty of space to run around, build sandcastles, and paddle with the little ones at Stanwell Park Beach, and the nearby barbecue facilities make it a perfect spot for a picnic!

Location: Stanwell Avenue Stanwell Park 

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