Illawarra Hotels

Top reasons to visit Illawarra

• Stunning Beaches: Illawarra boasts picturesque beaches with golden sands and inviting waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
• Outdoor Adventures: Engage in thrilling activities like the treetop walk and explore scenic nature trails for an adrenaline rush.
• Vibrant Urban Parks: Enjoy leisurely strolls in lively parks, ideal for picnics and family outings amidst nature.
• Rich Local History: Visit the Illawarra Museum to delve into the region's fascinating heritage and cultural narratives.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Illawarra offers activities and attractions suitable for all ages, ensuring a memorable experience for families.

Find great hotels near Illawarra

Illawarra offers a diverse array of accommodation options, perfect for travellers seeking adventure, family-friendly experiences, or a relaxing beach getaway. From charming motels to well-appointed hotels, you’ll find a variety of choices tailored to your needs. Explore the best hotels in the area, read insightful reviews, and discover the perfect lodging for your stay at Lake Illawarra and beyond.

• Sage Hotel Wollongong: Nestled within a stone's throw of Illawarra, Sage Hotel Wollongong is a 4-star accommodation that caters to adventure seekers and business travellers alike. With a distinctive golf-themed experience, guests can indulge in a variety of recreational activities, including rock climbing and ziplining, ensuring an action-packed stay. The hotel's modern amenities complement its adventurous spirit, making it a perfect choice for those looking to combine work with play.
• Novotel Wollongong Northbeach: A luxurious 4.5-star hotel, Novotel Wollongong Northbeach is ideal for families and adventure enthusiasts. Located near Illawarra, this property offers an array of thrilling activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, and fishing. The hotel is well-equipped for families, providing amenities like highchairs and cribs for younger guests. With its stunning beachfront location and a variety of on-site dining options, this hotel promises an enjoyable stay for all ages, blending relaxation with adventure seamlessly.
• Harp Hotel: Just a short distance from Illawarra, Harp Hotel presents a more casual motel experience with a vibrant atmosphere. This property features a bar and lounge for guests to unwind after a day of exploration. With entertainment options like karaoke and smart TVs, it’s a great spot for socialising. Additionally, guests can partake in nearby golf activities or enjoy the lively entertainment district, offering a mix of relaxation and fun in a comfortable setting.

Where to stay near Illawarra

Illawarra, New South Wales, offers an enchanting blend of stunning beaches and vibrant city life. Explore the lively downtown Wollongong, perfect for a leisurely stroll, or unwind on the sandy shores for a quintessential beach vacation. This coastal destination is renowned for its friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for families and budget-conscious travellers alike. Experience the serene beauty and relaxed vibe that Illawarra has to offer, ensuring a memorable getaway.

• Wollongong: Nestled a mere 644m from Illawarra, Wollongong is a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches and breathtaking outdoor scenery. With a steady influx of visitors year-round, the peak seasons occur in September and December to January. Here, adventure-seekers can indulge in various activities, including a visit to the local water park or catching a performance at the theatre. Notable landmarks such as the picturesque family beach and the scenic bay offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment by the sea.
• Wollongong CBD: Located just 322m from Illawarra, Wollongong CBD is the bustling heart of the city, attracting travellers throughout the year. With peak arrivals in March and December to January, this vibrant neighbourhood is perfect for those seeking a mix of beach, outdoor activities, and scenic views. Visitors can explore the educational institutions, enjoy events at the arena entertainment facility, or unwind at the water park. The proximity to the beautiful beaches and family-friendly areas ensures a delightful experience for all.
• Gwynneville: Situated 1.4km from Illawarra, Gwynneville is a charming suburb that offers a unique blend of beach access and outdoor recreation. With visitor numbers peaking in March and December to January, this area provides a welcoming atmosphere for tourists throughout the year. Enjoy local amenities such as the recreation centre and shopping centre, or take a stroll to the nearby beaches. The modern college university enhances the suburb's educational appeal, making it an attractive spot for both leisure and learning.

Things to do near Illawarra

Illawarra offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for beach holidays. Visitors can enjoy thrilling activities like the tree top walk, explore the lively arena entertainment facility, and indulge in retail therapy at local shopping centres. This region is perfect for family outings, providing a variety of attractions and fun experiences that cater to all ages, ensuring a memorable getaway.

Shopping

Experience shopping in Illawarra at Wollongong Fish Market, a local gem just 1.3km away, offering fresh produce and unique souvenirs. For a larger selection, visit Westfield Miranda Shopping Centre, 46.7km away, featuring a mix of entertainment and shopping options, perfect for families.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at WIN Stadium, where you can enjoy various sports events. For a leisurely day outdoors, challenge yourself at Port Kembla Golf Club or Links Shell Cove Golf Course, surrounded by stunning landscapes and fresh air, perfect for relaxation and recreation.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at Jamberoo Action Park, a vibrant waterpark located 24.1km from Illawarra, perfect for families seeking adventure. Explore the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, situated 27.4km away, offering stunning outdoor views. For hiking enthusiasts, the Sublime Point Track Trailhead, 14.5km from Illawarra, promises breathtaking scenery.

Nightlife

In Illawarra, the vibrant nightlife features venues like the Wollongong Town Hall with its live performances and the iconic Waves Nightclub, known for its lively atmosphere. The region also boasts charming pubs and bars, perfect for enjoying local craft beers and mingling with friendly locals.

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 offers a stunning blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beach escapes, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Key attractions include beautiful beaches, vibrant urban parks, and entertainment arenas. Visitors can explore the Illawarra Museum for a glimpse into local history and enjoy the serene views at Lake Illawarra. Whether you're seeking relaxation or outdoor fun, Illawarra provides a delightful getaway experience.

• WIN Entertainment Centre: This vibrant arena is a hub of entertainment in Illawarra, offering a variety of shows and events. With a family-friendly atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to enjoy concerts, sports, and theatre performances, making it a must-visit for those seeking fun and excitement.
• Bulli Lookout: A stunning vantage point 12.9km away, Bulli Lookout is ideal for couples and adventure seekers alike. Embrace the breathtaking coastal views and lush surroundings, perfect for a romantic picnic or an energising hike.
• Wollongong City Beach: Located a mere 1.1km from Illawarra, this picturesque beach offers a relaxed vibe. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or beachside cafés while soaking in the scenic beauty of the coastline.

Best time to go to Illawarra

The best time to visit Illawarra can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Illawarra falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Illawarra falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	71.4°F (21.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	70.9°F (21.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
July	54.7°F (12.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
August	55.8°F (13.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
September	59.2°F (15.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	65.8°F (18.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	68.5°F (20.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Illawarra

When planning your visit to Illawarra, you can fly into two major airports. Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) is located approximately 59.5km from Illawarra, with excellent hotel options nearby such as the 5-star Shangri-La Sydney and Hyatt Regency Sydney, both within 9.7km, offering transport services to the airport. Alternatively, Shellharbour Airport (WOL) is around 17.7km away, with convenient accommodation like the 4-star Sage Hotel Wollongong and Shellharbour Village Motel, both close to the airport. This allows for easy access to Illawarra's attractions from either airport.