Thirroul

Beaches and ocean pools

The golden sand of Thirroul Beach stretches for one kilometre. Neighbouring a park with a children's play area, it is also close to shops and cafés. Surf the waves with Illawarra Surf Academy or opt for a relaxing dip in the ocean pool at the northern end of the beach. Just north is pretty Austinmer Beach, flanked by Norfolk pines and home to two large rock pools.

There’s a camping reserve at Coledale Beach, while Scarborough Beach is ideal for swimming, picnicking and surfing. Many of Thirroul’s beaches are dog friendly. Little Austinmer, McCauley’s and Sharkies beaches are open for dogs 24 hours a day, while others operate on a time-share basis.

Austinmer Beach, Austinmer

Things to do outdoors

Sublime Point walking track is a must for bush walkers. Ascend through the rainforest of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area to Sublime Point lookout, where you’ll enjoy panoramic coastal views. The lookout is also accessible from the Old Princes Highway by car. Swap your hiking shoes for a bike to cycle the 15km Wollongong to Thirroul bike track.

Austinmer Beach, Austinmer

Arts & culture

Thirroul has a lively arts history and is where famed English writer D.H. Lawrence wrote much of his novel Kangaroo in 1922. A passion for creativity continues in the community today. Anita’s Theatre is a great live music and comedy venue, found in the restored King's Theatre that was originally a cinema in the 1920s. Head to Clifton School of Arts for craft workshops and community events. Check out Thirroul's events calendar for festivals and shows.

Anita's Theatre, Thirroul - Credit: Anita's Theatre

Eat & drink

There’s lots of great restaurants and cafés in the area, as well as boutique shops, giving travellers many options away from the beach. Visit the Scarborough Hotel for a relaxed meal with ocean views and whale watching between May and November. For beachfront dining, head to Thirroul Beach Pavilion, or for some casual but delicious seafood, opt for South Sailor. 

The Scarborough Hotel, Scarborough

A 20-minute drive inland will take you to Darkes Glenbernie Orchard, home of Darkes Cider. Enjoy lunch and a pint of cider at Darkes Café, pick your own fruit from November to April, or buy fruits, cider and honey to take home.

Darkes Glenbernie Orchard - Credit: Oliver Risi | Darkes Glenbernie Orchard

Getting there

Thirroul is 80 minutes drive south of Sydney via the spectacular Grand Pacific Drive. You can also catch the train, with the journey taking around 90 minutes. There’s lots of accommodation in Thirroul to suit various budgets, from campgrounds to serviced apartments and luxury holiday houses. For ocean views, book a serviced apartment at Headlands Austinmer Beach.