South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation

Shellharbour

With an abundance of clean sandy beaches, shopping, cafes and award winning restaurants, multitude of accommodation, activities and adventures…Shellharbour is that perfect holiday destination.

Stretching from the crystal clear waters of the Tasman Sea, through to the lush green pastures of Albion Park and Illawarra's picturesque escarpment to the west, and nestled between Lake Illawarra to the north and Minnamurra River to the south, Shellharbour is perfectly positioned on the South Coast of New South Wales.

Our five golden clean sandy beaches stretching from Lake Illawarra down to Mystics at Minnamurra, are certainly an attraction in themselves, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, a dip in the crystal clear waters, relax and soak up the sun or watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean.

With such a vast coastline, surfing is a popular pastime… you too can catch a wave at "The Farm" at Killalea State Park, one of the most popular surf beaches on the South Coast and now one of only four National Surfing Reserves in New South Wales. If you have never tried surfing and you would like to learn how, then lessons are available for you. The park is also popular for other activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing and is an ideal place for family picnics with BBQ facilities, children's playground and amenities. campsites are also available allowing you to stay in the natural surroundings of Killalea.

Bring your flippers and dive or snorkel into the mystical marine aquatic reserve at Bass Point and discover the vast marine life at Bushranger's Bay, one of the most popular dive spots on the New South Wales Coast. Need lessons or equipment? No problem, the local dive shops have everything you need. If you would like a more relaxed pace try some fishing along our coastline, it's exceptional, so drop in a line… the fish are waiting to bite along the beaches, wharves, jetties, rock platforms, lakes and off shore in the blue sparkling ocean. Oh… don't forget the prawns in Lake Illawarra, they are definitely worth the effort.

Lake Illawarra is also a perfect spot for a family picnic, children play in safety and there are plenty of picnic and barbecue facilities as well as children's playgrounds, kiosk and amenities. The lake is also ideal for many water activities such as sailing, water skiing, jet skiing and rowing with the most popular being fishing and prawning. If you prefer dry land then cycle or walk around the 24 km of cycleways or wander over to Windang Island and enjoy the views.

Come and relax at Blackbutt Forest Reserve, this unique reserve contains a diversity of vegetation and wildlife and is the last remaining viable remnant of coastal plain forest within the Illawarra. This 250 hectare reserve contains many walking trails, extensive picnic and barbecue facilities as well as children's playgrounds and amenities. All year round it's one of the areas most popular family gathering places.

Macquarie Pass National Park preserves a section of the Illawarra escarpment. It consists of steep, densely timbered ridges and rainforest gullies, topped by a rim of superb cliffs.

Two walking tracks are provided for great bush walking, the Cascades Rainforest Walk is two kilometres return and starts at the picnic area at the foot of Macquarie Pass. At the end of the 1 kilometre track you will come to the ‘Cascades' where the water falls from a height of 20 metres. The Glenview Track is open to walkers but closed to vehicles. The track crosses a creek which flows 400 metres downstream and plunges over the Cascades. It has several branch tracks through tall open forest providing the walker with the opportunity to explore other parts of the forest.

Take in the history of Shellharbour with a heritage walk around Albion Park or Shellharbour Village where plaques provide you with information on significant historical sites. A glimpse of Shellharbour's history can also be seen at Tongarra Museum with cultural items, images and sketches, as well as changing exhibitions of Aboriginal and European culture on display.

Don't miss the train, jump aboard the diesel and steam trains at Illawarra Light Railway Museum, a fully authentic operational museum right down to the ticket box and railway station… the kids and train buffs will definitely enjoy the ride. From trains to planes the history continues at the HARS Aviation Museum where you can see Australia's aviation history at its best. Step back in time and view the fully restored operational aircraft on display such as the world famous "Connie" Lockheed Super Constellation, the airline of the 1950s.

There is no better way to see the magnificent Illawarra region than from the air, the beautiful coastline, escarpment backdrop and Seacliff Bridge are breathtaking, a microlight flight scenic or helicopter flight are definitely recommended. If that's not enough to get the adrenaline pumping try skydiving or taking the controls and learn to fly.

Come back down to earth and feel the wind in your hair and enjoy the magical vista of Shellharbour as you take a ride on the back of a Harley Davidson, an experience that won't be forgotten.

The action doesn't stop there with two major golf courses in Shellharbour you can enjoy the backdrop of the Illawarra escarpment at Calderwood Valley or take the challenge at The Links Shell Cove. Ask the golf pro for some tips… lessons are available for all ages

Another ideal way to explore your surrounds is by bicycle, the extensive cycleways make it easy to get around. For that competitive streak try your luck at a game of tenpin bowling, putt putt or a game of lawn bowls at the regions only indoor bowling green.

When the sun goes down enjoy a theatrical evening at the Roo Theatre where the local talent is remarkable or catch a movie at the eight screen Greater Union cinema complex. The entertainment doesn't stop there, see a live band or show at one of many clubs, pubs or entertainment venues around our city.

Shellharbour Village is an historic precinct incorporating the foreshore and harbour. The coastal village boasts award winning restaurants, alfresco café's, great fish and chips, boutique shopping and a range of health, well-being and beauty services.

The highlight of any holiday destination is the dining experience and Shellharbour has so many choices… Ocean views, mountain vista, alfresco dining and many award winning restaurants. The variety of cuisine is endless to tantalize those taste buds.

If you like the ambiance of a fine dining experience or a more relaxed atmosphere of a club, pub, bistro, café or take away… we have it all.

Experience a variety of great shopping, whether its boutiques or shopping centres you are after you're sure to find that perfect something.

Enjoy Shellharbour with a stay in a resort, a hotel or motel, or unwind at an intimate bed & breakfast. Take in the great views of the coastline in a holiday cabin, or park your van or pitch a tent at one of the many seaside holiday parks. You can also enjoy the facilities of a holiday house or unit with plenty of room for two or a family of few.

With so much to see and do you can't just stay for the day… take a weekend break or short stay.

Visit Shellharbour's Visitor Information Centre.