Discover the best beaches of the Illawarra

Living at Calderwood Valley, you’ll have the best of both worlds at your fingertips, from the majestic greenery of the Illawarra Escarpment to the sandy shores of the South Coast’s best beaches. 

With a range of popular beaches dotted along the coastline, you can take your pick – or experience them all. Whether you’re an avid surfer or swimmer, or if lounging in the sun is more your style, you’re sure to find a local beach you’ll love, right at your doorstep. 

Simply pack a picnic lunch and load up the car, and you’ll well on your way to enjoying endless days of sand, surf and family-friendly fun. 

Discover some of our team’s favourite beaches: 

Coledale Beach

Hit the surf during the day, then retreat to the comfort of a gorgeous campsite with scenic sunset views. What could be better? 

Located 18km north of Wollongong’s CBD, Coledale Beach is a favourite among campers, with a nature reserve and campground perched right on the beach’s edge. 

The beach is patrolled throughout spring and summer and bordered by rocky outcrops that create a protected stretch of beach – not to mention serving as a prime fishing spot. Make use of facilities like beachside barbeques and picnic tables, or take a dip in the nearby ocean pool, open all year round.

Thirroul Beach

Thirroul Beach is the perfect destination for a day at the beach with family or friends. Backing onto a leafy park with a playground, picnic and barbeque area, you’ll have everything you need close at hand, and you can choose from several beachfront dining options including the Thirroul Beach Pavilion and the Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club. 

Plus, you’re only a short walk from Thirroul’s boutique shops and cafes – if you can pull yourself away from the enticing swell that can be found throughout this 1-kilometre stretch of beach!

Wollongong City Beach

Wollongong City Beach runs from Flagstaff Point to Port Kembla and offers a three-kilometre expanse of pristine beach. Add a stunning green backdrop provided by Wollongong Golf Course, and plenty of surrounding amenity including a surf club, parks, playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment. It’s no wonder this is one of Wollongong’s most popular and convenient swimming spots!

Our tip: Plan your visit at low tide to explore the natural rock pools at the northern end of the beach.

Coalcliff Beach

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, Coalcliff Beach is the answer. This small, secluded beach is located 24 kilometres north of Wollongong’s CBD and is surrounded by rocks and cliffs, making it feel peaceful and protected. Explore the saltwater rock pool at the beach’s southern end for signs of ocean life, and you can even bring your dog for an on-leash stroll at specified times of day!

Port Kembla Beach

One of Wollongong’s best-loved beaches, Port Kembla Beach truly has something for everyone. It stretches more than 6 kilometres south to Windang, making it the perfect spot for a long beach walk, and there’s an Olympic-sized saltwater pool for those looking to get in some laps. Kids’ pools, parks and playgrounds will keep little ones entertained, and the Olympic Boulevard Eatery is a convenient café and kiosk with panoramic views. 

Crystal clear waters complete the picture and make this stunning beach a must-visit. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a pod of dolphins, regularly seen cruising the water.

With so many incredible and diverse beaches in easy reach of Calderwood Valley, residents can enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle, closely connected to nature. And the beaches are just the beginning – there’s so much more to discover, from national parks and bushwalks to the outdoor amenity within the community itself. 

Find out more about Calderwood Valley’s unique location here