Lake Illawarra
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.
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.
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.
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
Jervis Bay Highlights Tour – Small Group Experience Scenic Coast
Jervis Bay Full Day Tour Dolphin Cruise and Kiama Blowhole
Sydney Private Tour Inc The Royal National Park and Symbio Zoo
South Coast Private Tour & Royal National Park Inc
Top hotels in Lake Illawarra
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Great quality hotel with a very clean and comfortable room. The reception staff were extremely helpful and welcoming from check-in. The room was spotless, amenities were good quality, and everything felt well maintained. Breakfast was enjoyable with good food and, most importantly, great coffee. ...
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Clean Quiet nice breakfasts and dinner friendly reception people
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
Nova Kiama
Room facilities, helpful staff.
Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026
Lakeside Inn Illawarra
The room was spacious, spotless and new modern bathroom a winner. Staff pleasant and helpful
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026
Hotel TOTTO Wollongong
Staff are great, room is small but clean and comfortable. However, the so-called "high speed WiFi" is just not up to spec. This is my second stay at this hotel, but I'm inclined to pay just a little extra to stay elsewhere - where the WiFi works properly, so I don't need to hotspot from my ...
Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026
Park Ridge Retreat
Clean room, comfy bed and great location. All staff very friendly Recommend.
Reviewed on 31 Jan 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 Shellharbour South 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.
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 Breakwater Battery.
Albion Park
While Albion Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Jamberoo Action Park and Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk.
