5 Must see and do things in Illawarra NSW

1. Walk, ride or marvel at the Sea Cliff Bridge

If you’ve ever seen one of those iconic shots of a winding bridge clinging to a cliff over the sea, odds are it was the Sea Cliff Bridge.

This 665-metre stretch of engineering brilliance curves gracefully around the edge of the escarpment between Clifton and Coalcliff, suspended above crashing waves and rugged rock platforms. It’s part of the Grand Pacific Drive, but the real magic happens when you ditch the car and take it on foot.

There’s a pedestrian walkway separated from the road, which means you can stroll safely while soaking in uninterrupted ocean views. Look out for migrating whales between May and November and keep your camera handy — it’s one of the most photographed spots in the state for good reason. If you’re into cycling, the ride across here is pure bliss, especially in the early morning when the sea mist hangs low and the traffic’s light.

2. Step into the lush Minnamurra Rainforest

When you’re ready to trade salt spray for something a little greener, head inland to the Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park. It’s like stepping into another world — dense with towering tree ferns, strangler figs, lichen-covered boulders and birdsong echoing through the canopy. The air is thick with the earthy scent of moss and damp leaf litter. It’s cool, quiet, and completely refreshing.

The rainforest walk is well laid out, with elevated walkways and bridges that take you through the heart of the forest and across Minnamurra Creek. For those with a bit more energy, continue to the Upper Minnamurra Falls — a lovely two-tiered cascade that’s best seen after a bit of rain. It’s a gentle hike but there’s a fair bit of incline, so take your time and wear decent shoes.

You’ll often spot lyrebirds scratching around in the undergrowth, and if you’re lucky, you might even hear one mimicking camera clicks or chainsaws. Yep, they’re that good.

3. Soak up the sunshine at North Wollongong Beach

No Illawarra visit would be complete without a beach day, and North Wollongong Beach is as good as they come. This patrolled, family-friendly beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, paddling or simply lying on the sand and watching the world drift by. There’s a coastal cycle path that runs along the shoreline and connects to other beaches and lagoons, making it easy to explore further if you’re feeling active.

There’s a grassy park just behind the beach with BBQs, shaded picnic areas and a great playground for the little ones. Cafés line the foreshore too, so you can grab a flat white or fish and chips and enjoy them with an ocean breeze. If you’re an early riser, the sunrise here is a stunner.

The Nan Tien Temple

4. Find peace at the Nan Tien Temple

For a change of pace and a touch of tranquility, the Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley is a hidden gem that many people skip — their loss. It’s the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere and sits quietly in the foothills, surrounded by landscaped gardens, lotus ponds, and calming spaces that invite you to slow down and take a breath.

Visitors are welcome to wander the grounds, admire the ornate shrines and statues, and even join in on meditation sessions or mindfulness retreats if the timing’s right. The architecture is a beautiful fusion of traditional Chinese design and Aussie openness. There’s also a vegetarian café on site serving surprisingly good food (the laksa is a winner), and a gift shop stocked with handmade crafts and teas.

5. Walk among the treetops at Illawarra Fly

Want to get a bird’s-eye view of the region without chartering a chopper? The Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk in Knights Hill has you covered. This elevated walkway stretches 500 metres through the forest canopy and sits about 20–30 metres above the ground, offering sweeping views out over the rolling hills and down to the coast on a clear day.

It’s fully accessible and a great family activity, though the best part is the spiral tower at the end — climb to the top and you’ll feel like you’re in the clouds. For those chasing more adrenaline, there’s a zipline tour that zips you from tree to tree with a bit of guided commentary thrown in.

The verdict

The Illawarra’s got the best of both worlds — mountains and sea, culture and coast, action and peace. You can be climbing a treetop tower one minute and meditating beside a lotus pond the next. For Sydneysiders it’s the perfect weekend escape, and for everyone else, it’s a destination that’ll surprise you in the best way possible. My tip? Stay a night or two — there’s more to this place than meets the eye.

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (Sep–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) offer the best weather. Summer is great for the beach but can be humid inland.
• How to Get There: About 90 minutes’ drive south of Sydney via the M1 or Grand Pacific Drive. Trains also run regularly to Wollongong.
• Transport: A car gives you the most flexibility, especially for places like Minnamurra and Knights Hill.
• Safety Tips: Stick to marked trails, watch for waves at the Sea Cliff Bridge, and only swim at patrolled beaches.
• Dress Code: Comfy clothes and walking shoes are a must; pack layers as weather can change quickly.