Wollongong’s best beaches, surf spots & ocean pools

Q: What are the safest beaches in Wollongong for kids?

Many of Wollongong’s beaches offer areas safe for wading and splashing with lifeguards patrolling during the warmer months. For family-friendly beaches that kids will love, head to: North Wollongong Beach Bulli Beach Windang Beach.

Q: Where can I surf as a beginner in Wollongong?

For gentle waves and ample space to practice, beginner surfers will enjoy: North Wollongong Beach East Corrimal Beach Thirroul Beach Seven Mile Beach Bulli Beach.

Q: What are the best places to watch the sunrise over the water in Wollongong?

For amazing views of the sunrise in Wollongong head to: North Wollongong Beach Port Kembla Beach Sea Cliff Bridge Mount Keira Lookout Belmore Basin Bald Hill Lookout

Known for its spectacular coastline, spend a weekend in Wollongong surfing, swimming in ocean pools, fishing, snorkelling, whale watching and finding your new favourite beach.

Destination NSW

Jul 2025 - 2 min read

Best surfing spots for pro’s

Surfers won’t have to go far to find waves, with Wollongong’s City Beach an all-round star for swimming and surfing. Bombo Beach near Kiama has gentle waves for beginners and beautiful Werri Beach in Gerringong has the best of both worlds, with consistent breaks at both headlands for more advanced surfers and a fatter wave close to shore for longboard riders. Intermediate to advanced surfers will love Sandon Point Beach at Bulli, The Farm (Killalea Beach), Mystics (Minnamurra Beach) and Boneyard (near Bombo Beach in Kiama).

Thirroul Beach, Wollongong

Surfing lessons

Book a private or group lesson to learn the art of surfing or to hone your skills. Pines Surf Academy and Illawarra Surf Academy run regular lessons for children and adults of all skill levels. Lessons include wetsuit and board hire as well as expert tutelage.

Women learning how to surf with Illawarra Surf Academy on Corrimal Beach near Wollongong

Illawarra Surf Academy, Wollongong

Family-friendly beaches and swim spots 

With rock pools to explore, areas for wading safely and a nearby playground, North Wollongong Beach is popular with families year round. Austinmer Beach neighbours cafes and playgrounds, with twin ocean pools for splashing in, while Port Kembla Beach and Corrimal Beach both have toddler pools. For a secluded spot with a creek for kids to play in, head to Stanwell Park Beach.

Coledale Beach, Wollongong

Fishing, whale watching and snorkelling

Join Aquilla Fishing Charters for an unforgettable day on the water catching snappers and flathead, or jump on board one of their whale-watching cruises.

Aquilla Fishing Charter, Wollongong

To get closer to the underwater wildlife, snorkel with tropical fish in the crystal-clear waters of Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve in Shellharbour or Boneyard near Kiama. Check out our guide to day trips from Wollongong to discover even more outdoor adventures.

Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve, Shellharbour

Ocean pools 

Known for their amazing views, choosing which of the Illawarra’s many ocean pools to take a dip in will be the hardest decision you make during your trip to Wollongong. To swim laps, head to the 50-metre-long Bulli Rock Pool, Woonona Rock Pool or Towradgi Rock Pool. For easy access to amenities opt for Austinmer Ocean Pools. No trip would be complete without taking a sunset dip at Coalcliff Rock Pool.