Illawarra

Hang gliding over the Illawarra coastline.
Hang gliding over the Illawarra coastline.

The Illawarra - which stretches from Jervis Bay to the edges of the Royal National Park south of Sydney - was the first part of New South Wales ever seen by Europeans. As he sailed up the coast in 1770, Captain James Cook carefully recorded his impressions in his journal. It was on this stretch of coastline that Cook became the first European to see a kangaroo. He also observed dozens of attractive tiny bays and rocky headlands where, with regularity, local Aborigines (whom he called 'Indians') stood watching the British ships sail by.
The Illawarra is an area of extraordinary beauty.

Average summer day temperature: 
25.5°C
Average winter day temperature: 
16.9°C
Average annual rainfall: 
1388.5mm
Average clear days: 
98.6

Bowral

Average summer day temperature: 26.6°C
Average winter day temperature: 11.9°C
Average annual rainfall: 945.8mm

Bowral is 129km south west of Sydney, just off the Hume Highway. Australia's famous cricketer, Sir Donald Bradman, hails from Bowral.

The surrounding areas provide attractive scenery of gorges and waterfalls, such as Fitzroy and Bellmore Falls.

Bradman oval, Junior cricket clinic & Cricket Museum.
Bradman oval, Junior cricket clinic & Cricket Museum.

Kiama

Average summer day temperature: 25.0°C
Average winter day temperature: 16.9°C
Average annual rainfall: 1261.0mm
Average clear days: 79.7

Kiama is located on the South Coast of NSW about two hours drive south of Sydney, and not far from Wollongong.

The famous Kiama blowhole is situated on the headland that shelters the harbour and local fishing fleet.

Kiama is noted for its relaxed lifestyle, its attractiveness and its heritage listed buildings

The Kiama blow-hole can throw a plume of spray up to 60 metres into the air.
The Kiama blow-hole can throw a plume of spray up to 60 metres into the air.

Nowra

Average annual rainfall: 1153.0mm

Nowra is located on the Shoalhaven River about 13km inland from the mouth. HMAS Albatross, the Navy's fleet air arm, is located near Nowra. Being only 153km south of Sydney, picturesque Nowra and its surrounding areas are frequently visited by tourists.

Shellharbour

A focal point of Shellharbour City is Shell Cove, the ultimate in seaside living. With an emphasis on lifestyle that makes the most of the area's natural assets, Shell Cove is one of the largest tourist/residential developments ever initiated by a local government authority in Australia.

A great lifestyle on the doorstep for visitors and residents alike.
A great lifestyle on the doorstep for visitors and residents alike.

Ulladulla

If you enjoy fishing, then take the time to visit Ulladulla.

Ulladulla Beach.
Ulladulla Beach.

Wollongong

Average summer day temperature: 25.5°C
Average winter day temperature: 16.9°C

Wollongong is the centrepiece of the Illawara region. It is situated 81 kilometres south of Sydney (less than an hour's drive) and is nestled below an escarpment which offers some of the best coastal views in Australia.



Wollongong offers sophisticated shopping, excellent beaches, spectacular scenery, sites of great natural beauty and some ideal fishing spots.

Wollongong Harbour.
Wollongong Harbour.