Shellharbour

Wine and dine by the harbour

Dining with a view of the water is almost guaranteed in Shellharbour. For fresh seafood and pub classics head to the iconic Ocean Beach Hotel, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. For harbour views head to The Waterfront Shell Cove, which is home to cafes, an ice creamery, a Japanese restaurant, fish and chips, and more. Located next to the marina, the Waterfront Tavern offers delicious meals alongside live music and weekly events. The Shellharbour Club, known fondly as 'Shellys' by the locals, also has a range of eateries to choose from, including street-style food, cafes and dessert spots.

Waterfront Tavern Shell Cove, Shellharbour - Credit: Eddie Hu Captured | Tourism Shellharbour

Explore the local's favourite beaches and waterways

The Shellharbour region includes six patrolled beaches as well as the Beverley Whitfield Ocean Pool, with Shellharbour North Beach, Shellharbour South Beach and Warilla Beach consistently ranking as local favourites.

A designated National Surfing Reserve, Killalea Regional Park is famous for its rolling, open waves at Killalea Beach (‘The Farm’) and intense barrelling wedges at Minnamurra Beach (‘Mystics’). Hone your skills during a lesson with local surf schools such as Pines Surfing Academy.

Killalea Regional Park, South Coast

Between May and November, join a cruise with Shellharbour Wild to spot whales blowing or breaching as they migrate along the coast, dolphins racing alongside your boat, and fur seals sun bathing on rocks. Sail along beautiful Bushrangers Bay and its turquoise calm waters before cruising between the Five Islands.

Take your bike or hire one to cycle along the spectacular Shellharbour coastline or around the foreshore of Lake Illawarra. The lake is popular for stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and for the three km Lake Illawarra Art Trail.

Stand-up paddleboarding, Lake Illawarra

There is also plenty to see under the water, with scuba divers and snorkellers sure to love Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve in Bass Point Reserve. The marine life under the old Gravel Loader jetty is magnificent. Bass Point is an important archaeological site with Aboriginal people regularly camping here 17,000 years before the pyramids were built in Egypt. Learn about this significant site on the self-guided Aboriginal Indigenous Cultural Walk.

Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve, Shellharbour

Enjoy the great outdoors

Get back in touch with nature at Macquarie Pass National Park, where you can hike through rainforest and towering eucalypts, picnic with stunning views, and even take a plunge under a majestic waterfall. Cascades and Clover Hill trails are popular options.

Hiking, Macquarie Pass National Park

Swap your hiking gear for golf clubs at the picturesque Links Shell Cove Golf Course. Known for its stunning views, this links-style championship course offers four tee options to choose from and has been voted one of Australia’s top 50 courses to play for under $50. After golf, grab lunch at the Tavern in the clubhouse or challenge your family to another game, this time on the mini version of the full-size golf course.

Links Shell Cove Golf Course - Credit: Scott Campbell

Where to stay

There is a great assortment of places to stay that cater for families, couples, groups or solo travellers. Keep it simple at a beachside holiday park or campground. Opt for more comfort with a resort or even a luxurious holiday house. Groups are well catered for at Ravensthorpe Estate, a luxury 19th-century property with three acres of stunning gardens, complete with a tennis court, pool and wood fired pizza oven.

Ravensthorpe Estate, Albion Park - Credit: Ravensthorpe Estate

Getting there 

Shellharbour is a two-hour drive from Sydney. You can also catch a train direct from Sydney to Shellharbour Junction Station. It is a scenic trip and takes about two hours. Or you can fly from Brisbane and Melbourne into Shellharbour Airport at Albion Park.