Explore the lake, enjoy a health retreat or find activities for the whole family on a visit to Berkeley, a multicultural suburb with a fascinating history on the edge of bustling Wollongong.

Berkeley is a former farming estate that was first settled by Europeans around 200 years ago. However, it already had a long history with the Aboriginal peoples of the south because there was always plenty of fish to be found here on the northern shores of Lake Illawarra. It is now a popular suburb for families, who use the lake for recreation.

The local Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple (“Southern Heaven Temple”) is an unusual sight for Australia. This lofty Buddhist complex sits along the Princess Motorway and has a Health & Wellbeing Market on the first Saturday of every month. You can also come here for a one-day or weekend health retreat or visit its museum.

The jetty of Holborn Park to the south juts out far into Tuggerah Bay, the northern section of Lake Illawarra. There are flat walking, running and cycling tracks and outdoor gym equipment to use. The kids will love the skate plaza, with its state-of-the-art ramps. Picnic tables, toilets and parking spaces are provided to make it perfect for families.

There are also numerous other playground and sports fields elsewhere in Berkeley and the local swimming pool is open year round. Other recreational attractions near Berkeley include the Kembla Grange Racecourse and the Grange Golf Club.

To see more of the lake, drive to the Observation Platform of Hooka Point. The point was named after King Hooka, an Aboriginal leader, who is believed to have died during a tribal battle at the nearby creek. From the lookout you can see Hooka Island and Gooseberry Island. Ride a bike or jog around the tracks that follow the lake from this point and connect up with Holborn Park.

Berkeley is part of Wollongong in New South Wales and is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of Sydney. The Escarpment is just to the west and the Tasman Sea is just beyond Port Kembla to the east.