Fast facts
- Former coalmining village with character and fabulous surf
- Coastal setting with the escarpment close to the west
- 70 km south of Sydney, population 5,600
Why go there
The wonderful beach is the most compelling reason to visit Thirroul, a sweep of golden sand backed by a large grassy park with a children’s play area, close to shops and cafes.
The town also has a lively arts community. The English writer DH Lawrence lived in Thirroul in 1922 and wrote much of his Australian novel "Kangaroo" here. Wyewurk, the home he lived in, is now privately owned, however a park at the end of Craig Street offers a glimpse of the views Lawrence enjoyed. The town maintains a proud cultural heritage.
History
Prior to European settlement, Aboriginal people of the area knew the region as Thurrural "the place or valley of cabbage tree palm".
Cedar loggers were the first Europeans to the area - logs were sawn along the escarpment at Bulli and taken by horse and dray to Parramatta. Whaling and boat building began in 1817 and land grants were issued in 1855.
Tourism to the area began in the 1880s and continued to grow when the Sydney to Kiama railway line was completed in 1888. Boarding houses and holiday cottages appeared along the coast as the seaside became more accessible for Sydneysiders.
Coal was discoved in the area in 1895. The Excelsior No1 coalmine opened in 1900 and the No2 in 1905. As mining began to boom, nearby Austinmere took on the mantle of idyllic seaside village. However in recent years, Thirroul has reclaimed the title.
Things to do
- Relax - a day of sand and sunshine doesn’t get any better than here.
- Surf the waves at Sandon Point.
- Pedal the Wollongong Cycleway, a purpose-built track parallel to the ocean that passes through Thirroul.
- Trawl through second-hand and antique stores in search of a bargain.
- Enjoy espresso in the sunshine at Oskar’s Wild Bookstore & Coffee Bar.
Events
- Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival in April features more than 1,000 artists and performers and showcases some amazing talents.
Don’t miss
- A perfect picnic at Thirroul Beach Reserve
- Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival, a great family day out
- A day in the surf at Thirroul Beach
- A stroll past Wyewurk, the house where DH Lawrence once lived
- Walk the coastal track from the end of Hamilton Road
