Shellharbour

Wollongong

Enjoy the laid-back pace of this pretty New South Wales coastal town. Explore its varied coastline, scenic harbour, local markets and nearby native bushland reserve.

With two beaches, a natural harbour and gorgeous Lake Illawarra nearby, Shellharbour is a fantastic place to enjoy beautiful ocean views or have an exciting adventure. Whether you’re boating, fishing, surfing, diving, swimming or simply indulging in the region’s fine seafood, you’ll find many ways to enjoy Shellharbour’s waters.

Shellharbour North Beach stretches from the town toward Barrack Point and Shellharbour South Beach runs from the harbour headland to Bass Point. Swim or surf on the beach breaks and wander to the rocky platforms at each end of the beach to explore rock pools with the kids. Dive or snorkel at Bass Point to observe the coast’s fascinating marine life. Lifeguards patrol these main beaches between Christmas and Easter.

Drop a fishing line or launch a boat from Shellharbour’s small recreational harbour. The harbourside park has a fun playground, picnic shelters and a saltwater swimming pool. A local market is held here on the fourth Sunday of each month. Pick up fresh produce or local souvenirs before heading to Shellharbour’s traditional pub and enjoying a drink while overlooking the harbour.

Shellharbour’s main strip, Addison Street, begins at the harbour. Wander along the street and check out the town’s shops, cafés and historical buildings. Follow the Shellharbour Village Heritage Trail using a map from the Shellharbour Visitor Information Centre. Sit at a café with outdoor seating and enjoy some of the town’s famous local seafood. See what’s showing at the Roo Theatre Company or catch a local cricket or football match at the town’s cricket oval.

In nearby Blackbutt Forest Reserve, explore the largest natural bushland reserve in the Illawarra with a mountain bike or on foot. Head to Lake Illawarra for scenic boating, canoeing and fishing adventures.

Reach Shellharbour within a 2-hour drive from Sydney or catch the coastal train to Oak Flats station and connect with local buses.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Shellharbour Hotel Deals

Shellharbour Resort
Shellharbour Resort
3.5 out of 5
400 Shellharbour Road, Shellharbour, NSW
$89 nightly
The price is $99 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$99 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (385 reviews)
"Nice stay ( 1 nite ). Room was great sith only small problems - basin tap wS too small and filli g kettle was best thru the shower. Water pressure made some terrible niises at times and road was used as a race track by hoons up until about 10 pm. Other than yhose minir grumbles the stay was great ..."

Reviewed on May 17, 2025

Shellharbour Resort
Shellharbour Village Motel
Shellharbour Village Motel
4 out of 5
28 Mary Street, Shellharbour, NSW
$125 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
$137 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star golf motel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (280 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Shellharbour Village Motel
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
4.5 out of 5
2-14 Cliff Road, North Wollongong, NSW
$131 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$144 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy a beach locale, 4 bars/lounges, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"We had a great stay, the staff were lovely and the beds super comfy."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
Sage Hotel Wollongong
Sage Hotel Wollongong
4 out of 5
60/62 Harbour Street, Wollongong, NSW
$234 nightly
The price is $258 total per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
$258 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Great stay.
"Great stay in a clean room. Excellent shower. Perfect location."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Sage Hotel Wollongong
Nova Kiama
Nova Kiama
3.5 out of 5
31 Bong Bong St, Kiama, NSW
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$89 nightly
The price is $98 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$98 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Kiama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (593 reviews)
"I love this place"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Nova Kiama
Mantra Wollongong
Mantra Wollongong
4.5 out of 5
6-10 Gladstone Ave, Wollongong, NSW
$79 nightly
The price is $87 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$87 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Wollongong. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and onsite car rentals. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,553 reviews)
"The reception staff was excellent. In premises car parking was available for an additional charge of extra $15. The room was clean however 0100 when i went to toilet there were two large cockroaches running around."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Mantra Wollongong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Shellharbour

Beautiful South Coast beach in Australia 🌊

Shell Cove

Travelers like the golf courses in Shell Cove, and The Farm is a top attraction you might want to visit.

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Warilla

While Warilla might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Warilla Beach and Shellharbour South Beach.

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Windang

Visitors to Windang enjoy its beaches, and if you want to do some exploring, Perkins Beach is worth a stop.

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Just past Cathedral Rocks, on the awesome walk from Minnamurra to Kiama, there is a little detour from the walk along a rocky beach.

Kiama Downs

While visiting Kiama Downs, you might make a stop by sights like Jones Beach and Cathedral Rocks.

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Albion Park

When in Albion Park, you can plan a visit to Croom Regional Sporting Complex and Jamberoo Action Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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Dapto

The coffeehouses and lake views are a few reasons travelers visit Dapto. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Nan Tien Temple and Port Kembla Golf Club, a few notable attractions nearby.

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Shellharbour

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