Sun, salt and serious coastal vibes – welcome to Wollongong, home to some of the best beaches in NSW. From crystal-clear swimming spots and iconic surf breaks to laid-back, family-friendly shores, this coastal city has a beach for every kind of beachgoer.
In this guide to the best beaches in Wollongong for swimming, surfing and families, we’re sharing our top local picks to help you find your perfect patch of sand. Whether you’re chasing a refreshing swim, hunting down the best surf in Wollongong, or planning a stress-free beach day with the kids, consider this your go-to guide to Wollongong’s beaches.
BEST BEACHES FOR SWIMMING
If your idea of the perfect beach day starts with a refreshing dip in the ocean, you’re in the right place. Wollongong’s coastline is dotted with beaches known for their clean water, open stretches of sand and reliable conditions for swimming.
Whether you’re easing into the water for a casual float or clocking up a few laps between the flags, these swimming-friendly beaches offer the ideal balance of space, scenery and safety for a classic seaside swim.
North Wollongong Beach
Iconic, central and always buzzing, North Wollongong Beach is the heart of Wollongong’s beach scene and a favourite for swimmers year-round. As the only beach in Wollongong patrolled all year, it’s a go-to for a safe and stress-free swim no matter the season.
Beyond the water, this beach ticks every box for an easy day out. Think wide grassy areas, plenty of shade, picnic shelters and free barbecues, with a children’s playground just steps away in Stuart Park. Add in free parking, public amenities, nearby cafés and restaurants, and the historic North Beach Bathers Pavilion, and you’ve got one seriously well-equipped beach.
Located just a short stroll from Wollongong Harbour and set along the famous coastal walking and cycling track, North Wollongong Beach is perfect for pairing a refreshing swim with lunch, a picnic or a scenic wander. Busy, beautiful and undeniably Wollongong, this one’s a classic for good reason.
Bulli Beach
Stretching for around 900 metres and backed by sand dunes and expansive parkland, Bulli Beach is a picture-perfect spot for a relaxed swim with plenty of space to spread out. Sitting just south of the Bulli headland, this beach delivers that classic coastal feel with sweeping ocean views and a laid-back local vibe.
Bulli is very much an all-in-one kind of beach. Calm, uniform waves and a typically mellow morning swell make it ideal for swimming, while the patrolled area adds peace of mind. Onshore, you’ll find loads of grassy areas for picnics, a modern playground, bathrooms, nearby cafés and easy access to the adjacent tourist park and playing fields.
For a little extra wow factor, head up towards Sandon Point for elevated views over the coastline before or after your swim. With space, scenery and swim-friendly conditions all in one place, Bulli Beach makes beach days feel effortless.
Bellambi Beach
Set at the southern end of a sweeping two-kilometre stretch of coastline, Bellambi Beach offers a more laid-back swimming experience with plenty of room to breathe. Backed by a coastal reserve and framed by distant escarpment views, this gently curving beach feels open, calm and refreshingly unhurried.
The beach itself is long and inviting, while the surrounding grassy areas roll right down to the sand, making it ideal for picnics and lazy afternoons by the water. There’s a well-maintained ocean pool for calmer swims, a small playground for little beachgoers and plenty of space to settle in for the day.
Best of all, Bellambi still flies a little under the radar, meaning you’re far more likely to snag a parking spot – even when the temperature rises. Easygoing, scenic and quietly charming, it’s a great option for swimmers who like their beach days relaxed and uncrowded.
Thirroul Beach
Just a short stroll from the largest town centre in Wollongong’s north, Thirroul Beach blends beachside energy with everyday convenience. With a large, patrolled swimming zone and easy access to nearby cafés and shops, it’s a popular spot for a safe and social swim.
The beach has a fun, energetic vibe that makes it a standout along the Wollongong coastline. There’s a kiosk for easy snacks, a surf club watching over the water, a playground and plenty of grassy areas for relaxing between swims. Sitting alongside the iconic Olympic-sized saltwater pool, the whole precinct feels designed for long, laid-back beach days.
Whether you’re diving in for a swim, stretching out on the grass or refuelling at a nearby café, Thirroul Beach strikes the perfect balance between active and easy-going.
BEST BEACHES FOR SURFING
If chasing waves is your idea of a perfect day by the sea, Wollongong delivers in spades. With a coastline shaped by headlands, reefs and open stretches of sand, the region offers consistent swell and a mix of breaks suited to both seasoned surfers and confident beginners.
From long, cruisy rides to punchier peaks, these surf-friendly beaches showcase why Wollongong is a favourite spot for surfers looking to score quality waves without the crowds of the city.
Stanwell Park Beach
Set beneath dramatic escarpment cliffs and just off the iconic Grand Pacific Drive, Stanwell Park Beach is one of Wollongong’s most scenic surf spots – and one of its most reliable. As the city’s northernmost patrolled beach, it combines epic natural beauty with consistent conditions that draw surfers back time and time again.
This wide, sandy beach break serves up both left and right waves and handles south-east swells particularly well, with north-west offshore winds creating clean, workable faces. The surf here isn’t tide dependent, making it a solid option across the day, especially for intermediate surfers looking for quality rides.
With popularity comes crowds, especially when conditions line up, and surfers should be mindful of strong rips, rocky sections and local traffic in the water. When it’s firing, Stanwell Park delivers a surf session that’s as memorable as the views.
Sandon Point Beach
Sweeping between Bulli and Waniora points, Sandon Point Beach is one of the Illawarra’s most legendary surf locations. Hugely popular with experienced surfers, this beach has built a reputation over decades, hosting surfing competitions and earning serious respect along the coast.
Best known for its powerful right-hand point break, Sandon Point delivers long, fast rides that can turn hollow on the right swell. Southerly swells light this wave up, making it a dream for intermediate to advanced surfers who know how to handle speed, power and a reef-bottom setup.
This is not a beginner-friendly break. Large swells, strong currents and the potential for long hold-downs mean conditions demand experience and awareness. With grassy picnic areas and facilities nearby, it’s also a great spot to watch the action unfold from the shore when the surf is pumping.
Woonona Beach
A favourite with locals and a bit of a quiet achiever for visitors, Woonona Beach is known as a reliable swell magnet along the Wollongong coastline. It regularly picks up a mix of groundswells and windswells, delivering consistent lefts and rights without the heavy crowds found at some other breaks.
This beach works particularly well with east to north-east swells and clean west winds, with summer often serving up the best surf conditions. The open beach breaks suit a range of surfing abilities, though local knowledge goes a long way, with occasional rocks and rips to be aware of.
Even when the swell is pumping, Woonona tends to stay relatively uncrowded, making it a great option for surfers chasing quality waves and a little more space in the lineup.
Sharkies Beach
Tucked away in Coledale, Sharkies Beach is a rugged, exposed reef break that appeals to surfers chasing consistency and fewer bodies in the water. It receives a mix of groundswells and windswells, with south-east swells and clean west winds delivering the best conditions. Summer can be quieter surf-wise, but when it’s on, this spot rewards those who know it well.
Sharkies offers both left and right reef breaks, working best around mid-tide. The northern reef, known locally as Sharkies, produces quality waves under low to moderate swell, while nearby Brickyard provides access to a much steeper right-hand reef break off the rock platform. That wave only comes alive when the swell pushes above 1.5 metres and is strictly for experienced surfers.
Unlike the other surf beaches in this guide, Sharkies Beach is unpatrolled, so conditions demand extra care and confidence. With relatively few surfers even on good days, it’s a raw and rewarding option for those comfortable with reef setups and challenging conditions.
BEST BEACHES FOR FAMILIES
Planning a beach day with kids in tow? Wollongong’s coastline has plenty of family-friendly beaches that make seaside adventures easy, safe and fun. Think gentle conditions, open spaces to run around, nearby amenities and plenty of room to settle in for the day.
These beaches are perfect for paddling, sandcastle-building and relaxed swims, offering all the ingredients for stress-free family beach days where everyone – from toddlers to teens – is happy.
Port Kembla Beach
Stretching along one of the longest sections of sand in Wollongong, Port Kembla Beach is a dream for families who like a little extra space to spread out. With fewer crowds and a wide shoreline, it’s easy to settle in for the day without feeling rushed or cramped.
The beach is patrolled and best suited to confident swimmers, with generally shallow water and a gentle gradient as you move into deeper sections. For calmer swims, the large ocean pool on the northern rocks is a standout, complete with an Olympic-sized pool and a dedicated toddler and baby pool area – perfect for families with younger kids.
Plenty of parking, open sand and the surf club perched on the hill overlooking the beach all add to its appeal. Peaceful, spacious and well-equipped, Port Kembla Beach offers a relaxed family beach experience with room for everyone.
Belmore Basin
Set beside Wollongong Harbour, Belmore Basin is a beautiful, enclosed spot that’s hard to beat for families with young children. Calm, shallow waters and a protected setting make it ideal for toddlers to splash and paddle, while parents can relax knowing conditions are gentle and predictable.
The basin is surrounded by picnic tables, grassy areas and Norfolk Island pines, with lighthouses adding to the postcard-worthy harbour views. Restaurants, cafés and amenities are all close by, along with the popular Wollongong Harbour playground just across the sand.
For families, the small beach at the northern end is the pick of the bunch. Sheltered and peaceful, it’s perfect for a slow, easy day by the water where little ones can play and explore at their own pace.
Austinmer Beach
One of Wollongong’s most loved beaches, Austinmer Beach is a standout for family-friendly beach days done right. With its relaxed holiday vibe, calm patrolled waters and postcard-worthy setting, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors.
Everything you need is right here in one easy spot. There’s a semi-protected stretch of patrolled beach for safe swimming, two rock pools at the southern end, plus a small natural tidal pool along the rock platform that kids love exploring. A heritage bathers pavilion, flat grassy reserve and plenty of space for a picnic rug make it easy to settle in for the day.
Families will also love the fully fenced playground nearby, along with local cafés and shops just a short stroll away. Easy, scenic and beautifully set up, Austinmer Beach is made for slow, sunshine-filled days by the sea.
Towradgi Beach
Relaxed, spacious and easy to enjoy, Towradgi Beach is a family favourite that keeps things simple. This open stretch of coastline feels calm and uncrowded, making it ideal for families who prefer wide spaces, gentle swims and a slower pace by the sea.
The beach is well set up for a full day out, with a 50-metre saltwater rock pool and toddler pool, picnic areas, barbecues and a playground all close by. Easy access from the coastal shared path and plenty of parking nearby make getting here stress-free, while the rock pool sits just to the north of the main beach.
With a beachside café, the Towradgi Bowls and Recreation Club and other nearby spots to grab a bite or drink, everything you need is within easy reach. Calm, convenient and popular year-round, Towradgi Beach is made for easy-going family beach days.
Whether you’re diving into calm waters, chasing your next wave or planning a laid-back day with the kids, Wollongong’s coastline truly has something for everyone. From iconic city beaches to relaxed local favourites, each stretch of sand offers its own vibe, views and reasons to stay a little longer.
No matter how you like to spend your time by the sea, these Wollongong beaches make it easy to build the perfect beach day – or a whole weekend of them!