Top reasons to visit Illawarra
- Stunning Beaches: Illawarra features breathtaking beaches perfect for relaxation and water activities.
- Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy scenic hiking trails and thrilling water rides, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Family-Friendly Activities: The region offers playgrounds and games rooms, ensuring fun for all ages.
- Cultural Attractions: Explore local temples and the Illawarra Museum, rich in history and culture.
- Charming Neighbourhoods: Wander through vibrant areas with welcoming locals and picturesque scenery.
Find great hotels near Illawarra
Discover a range of delightful accommodations in the beautiful Illawarra region, perfect for every traveller's adventure. From family-friendly motels to charming inns, each lodging option offers access to stunning beaches and a memorable holiday experience. Whether you're seeking a hotel near Lake Illawarra or a select hotel for a peaceful retreat, you'll find the ideal base to explore this enchanting area of New South Wales.
- Sage Hotel Wollongong: A 4-star hotel with a guest rating of 8.4 out of 10, Sage Hotel Wollongong is an inviting choice for travellers seeking a golf-themed getaway. Nestled 966m from Illawarra, this hotel caters to business visitors and golf enthusiasts alike. Guests can enjoy a variety of golf experiences and facilities, making it ideal for those looking to combine work with leisure. The property boasts modern amenities and a comfortable atmosphere, ensuring a pleasant stay.
- Novotel Wollongong Northbeach: With a 4.5-star rating and a guest score of 8.6 out of 10, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is a family-friendly retreat located 1km from Illawarra. This hotel offers direct access to the beach, making it a fantastic choice for families seeking sun and sand. The property features a range of amenities for children, including complimentary cribs and highchairs, ensuring that younger guests are well catered for. Its serene beachfront location enhances the overall family vacation experience.
- Boat Harbour Motel: A 3-star accommodation with a guest rating of 8.2 out of 10, Boat Harbour Motel is situated 966m from Illawarra and is perfect for adventurous souls. This motel offers direct beach access and a variety of recreational activities, such as skydiving, snorkelling, and sailing nearby. Ideal for those in search of excitement, the Boat Harbour Motel provides a comfortable base for exploring adventure sports while enjoying the coastal charm of the area.
Where to stay near Illawarra
Illawarra, nestled in New South Wales, offers a delightful escape with its stunning beaches and vibrant scenery. Wollongong, the region's heart, boasts a lively atmosphere, perfect for family-friendly adventures and relaxing getaways. Explore its charming neighbourhoods, where friendly locals welcome you to experience a blend of culture and nature. From breathtaking coastal views to budget-friendly venues, Illawarra promises an unforgettable travel experience for all types of visitors.
- Wollongong: Nestled a mere 644m from Illawarra, Wollongong is a vibrant city renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and outdoor experiences. Visitors flock to its picturesque beaches, where the allure of sun and surf meets an array of recreational activities. Highlights include a popular water park and several golf courses that cater to enthusiasts of all skill levels. The city's beautiful bays and family-friendly beaches create a welcoming atmosphere for travellers, making Wollongong an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.
- Wollongong CBD: Located just 322m from Illawarra, Wollongong CBD is the bustling heart of the city, offering a wealth of experiences for tourists. This vibrant neighbourhood boasts a lively atmosphere, particularly during peak travel periods in March and the festive season from December to January. Visitors can indulge in the striking scenery while enjoying access to various entertainment venues, including an arena that hosts exciting events. With its proximity to beautiful beaches and family-friendly areas, Wollongong CBD is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in both urban and coastal activities.
- Gwynneville: Situated 1km from Illawarra, Gwynneville is a charming suburb that offers a delightful escape for families and outdoor enthusiasts. This neighbourhood is known for its inviting parks, hiking trails, and educational institutions, including a modern college university. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from water parks to leisurely strolls along the beach. Gwynneville's family-oriented atmosphere and close-knit community make it a lovely spot for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging experience during their holiday.
Things to do near Illawarra
Shopping
In Illawarra, visit Westfield Wollongong, a vibrant shopping centre offering a variety of shops, from fashion to electronics. The Shellharbour Square is another option, featuring a mix of retail outlets and dining. Don't miss the local markets for unique gifts and handmade souvenirs.
Recreation
At the Gerringong Wellness Centre, indulge in holistic therapies including massage and yoga classes set amidst tranquil surroundings. Nearby, the Kiama Coastal Walk offers breathtaking views and opportunities for mindfulness, allowing you to connect with nature while enjoying the fresh sea breeze and scenic landscapes.
Adventure
At Corse R Concepts Motorcycle School, located 19km from Illawarra, immerse yourself in the thrill of motor racing. Experience the adrenaline rush of speed while enhancing your riding skills in a vibrant, adventure-focused environment that caters to motor enthusiasts.
Nightlife
Visit the Illawarra Brewery for a lively atmosphere and a selection of local ales. For a more laid-back vibe, head to the Thirroul Beach Hotel, where you can enjoy great food and stunning ocean views while soaking in the local music scene.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Illawarra
To save money during your visit to Illawarra, consider travelling in May or July to August when accommodation prices are lower, avoiding the higher rates of April and December to January. Tuesday is the cheapest day to book a stay, while Saturday tends to be the priciest. Use Expedia to filter hotels by price and eco-certification for budget-friendly and sustainable options. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to significant savings. Look out for special deals and ensure you compare rates for the best offers.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Illawarra are May and July to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Illawarra is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Illawarra is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search feature enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, ensuring that the most affordable hotels are shown first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified hotels filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Illawarra hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Illawarra
Illawarra, New South Wales, is perfect for a beach and outdoor getaway, offering scenic views and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore attractions such as the stunning beaches, urban parks, and local temples. Notable points of interest include the Illawarra Museum and Wollongong Hospital, catering to various interests and ensuring a memorable holiday for all types of travellers.
- Bulli Lookout: Perched 13km from Illawarra, Bulli Lookout offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and lush hinterland. Ideal for outdoor lovers, it presents a romantic setting for couples to enjoy sunset vistas or embark on adventurous hikes in the surrounding area.
- North Wollongong Beach: Located just 1km away, North Wollongong Beach boasts soft sands and gentle waves, making it an inviting spot for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. The beach vibe is lively, with opportunities for swimming, surfing, and leisurely strolls along the shore.
- Wollongong Golf Club: Situated a mere 805m from Illawarra, Wollongong Golf Club is renowned for its stunning scenery and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Golfers can enjoy a round on its well-maintained greens while soaking in views of the surrounding landscape, making it a delightful retreat.
Best time to go to Illawarra
The best time to visit Illawarra is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Illawarra
Accessing Illawarra, New South Wales, is convenient via its major airports. SYDney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) is located 60km away, with luxury hotels nearby such as Shangri-La Sydney and Four Seasons Hotel, both 10km from the airport, offering transfer services. Shellharbour Airport (WOL) is 18km away, with options like Sage Hotel Wollongong, located 18km from Shellharbour. Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) is 61km distant, and the Mercure Sydney Liverpool, 14km away, provides quality accommodation. Each airport is well-connected, making travel to Illawarra straightforward for visitors.