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.
Sea Cliff Bridge
You can learn about the history of Wollongong with a trip to Sea Cliff Bridge. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Things to do
Jervis Bay Highlights Tour – Small Group Experience Scenic Coast
Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama Blowhole, Beaches & Wildlife Small Group
South Coast Private Tour & Royal National Park Inc
Sydney Private Tour Inc The Royal National Park and Symbio Zoo
Top hotels in Lake Illawarra
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Good twin room. Clean and spacious. Window view of beach and golf course. Lucked out with car park space outside the hotel for free. Hotel does its own for $25 or in the WIN Stadium car park. You can also park on the side streets before and after 7 for free.
Reviewed on 23 Mar 2026
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
I found it very expensive for what it was. Contacting the site was difficult and not even a bottle of fresh water to drink on arrival.
Reviewed on 29 Mar 2026
Hotel TOTTO Wollongong
Everything was amazing
Reviewed on 19 Mar 2026
Five Islands Hotel
Clean, cheap room and shared bathrooms. But sound insulation was a bit lacking.
Reviewed on 28 Mar 2026
Nova Kiama
Very clean room. Friendly helpful staff. Good location. Rooms small but comfortable. No hairdryer or iron was our only negative.
Reviewed on 22 Mar 2026
Lakeside Inn Illawarra
Needed a place to stay for the night. Our room was clean and had good facilities. The staff were friendly. The restaurant on site was also very convenient.
Reviewed on 27 Mar 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 Stocklands Shellharbour.
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 Links Shell Cove Golf Course 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 Breakwater Battery.