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What we love about Shellharbour

The Shellharbour region bridges lush hinterland with the dramatic southern coastline of New South Wales. World-class surf breaks and magnificent national park lands draw families to this holiday spot all year round. 

Family headed to the beach at Killalea State Park, “The Farm”. Photo: Destination NSW

Beaches

In summer, the beaches are buzzing with surfers, stand up paddle boarders, sunbathers and swimmers. Shellharbour North Beach is the most popular spot in the region for a swim. Patrolled during the summer months, the conditions are usually great for swimming and boogey-boarding.

Bushranger Bay Shellharbour.
Bushranger Bay, Shellharbour. Picture: Destination NSW

Food

Shellharbour Village boasts an ocean-front strip of outdoor cafes, restaurants and bars. There are no shortage of family-friendly places to grab a bite to eat or an afternoon ice-cream on a hot day.

Aerial view of Shellharbour city, Illawarra
Shellharbour from above. Photo: Dee Kramer Photography

You’ll also catch plenty of weekend markets where you can snap up some fresh South Coast produce. Keep an eye out for locally produced wine and small goods like chutneys, jams and preserves.

Hikes

During the cooler months, outdoorsy types hit the trails in Killalea, Bass Point Reserve and Albion Park. Visit Macquarie Pass National Park to take on the Cascades rainforest walk. The 2km waterfall trail is an easy walk for little legs but older kids might enjoy the more challenging Clover Hill trail. The 6km return walk to Rainbow Falls winds through lush open fields and thick forested areas.

Shellharbour
Families will find plenty of greenery in Shellharbour. Photo: Visit Shellharbour

Throw down a blanket at Cascades picnic area and refuel after exploring the rainforest. After lunch, head to nearby Albion Park to discover the train and aviation museums. Ride the old steam train, climb aboard military aircraft or take a scenic flight over the South Coast region.

READ MORE

Awesome things to do in Shellharbour for every age

How to plan an epic Shellharbour holiday

Camping and glamping on the South Coast

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