About the Illawarra


All information on this page is supplied by Illawarra Tourism Times. For further information please contact Colourworld Promotions on (044) 54 0160.

Click on the index below to jump to that section.

| Illawarra | Wollongong | Stanwell Park | Thirroul & Bulli | Corrimal | Shellharbour | Jamberoo | Kiama | Kangaroo Valley | Map of the Illawarra |

The Illawarra Region The Illawarra is located 80km south of Sydney and is surrounded by superb national parks all with magnificent natural features offering visitors both passive and active forms of recreation.

The Royal National Park is one of the region's most popular destinations and it is easy to see why. This 15,014 hectare park has many beautiful natural attractions, from rugged sea cliffs, swamps, heaths and woodlands to pockets of rainforest, quiet pools, waterfalls and inlets.

Illawarra Escarpment is an area comprising five different parcels of land from Bulli Pass in the north to Bong Bong Pass in the south. The total area of the escarpment is 1259 hectares and it gives Wollongong a unique and picturesque backdrop. The escarpment contains a wide variety of flora and fauna and is a haven for many forms of wildlife. There are many walking tracks and supurb views of the surrounding countryside.

Wollongong - The Seaside City



Wollongong is a city that has combined the beauty of a coastal city with the industrial and commercial heart vital to such an important commercial centre.

The entire region holds one surprise after another and the natural beauty of the district has something for everyone, from clean golden beaches to magnificent rainforest and rolling greeen pastures.

In and around Wollongong there are walking trails, top sporting and recreation facilities, art galleries, a science centre, acclaimed botanic gardens and more. Then, of course, there are the beautiful beaches that are perhaps the region's biggest attractions. Just a short stroll from the city centre these beaches unfold, adding both beauty and seaside atmosphere to the city.

Stanwell Park - The Jewel in the Crown of Leisure



Looking to do something different on weekends and holidays?
Just over an hours drive from Sydney, Liverpool and Nowra is Stanwell Park, jewel in the crown of the beautiful South Coast - "gateway" to the Leisure Coast. Where else can you horseride on the outskirts of National Park, hang glide from Bald Hill, land on the beach for a swim and be picked up by a Harley to ride the wind down the spectacular Cliff Road along one of the world's most scenic coastlines. Return for lunch to enticing cafes and restaurants and still have time to shop in the unique gift shops and antique wares before browsing through the excellent Art Gallery where you will discover renowned Australian and International paintings, sculpture and pottery.
What a day out at Stanwell Park!

Thirroul & Bulli - A Glimpse of Life As It Was
Before settlement, an Aboriginal tribe roamed an area known then as Thurrural, which translated as "The Valley of the Cabbage Tree Palms". The cabbage trees were highly prized for tribal uses and early settlers made good fence posts from them. The trees have long diminished with development but are still plentiful on either side of the Bulli Pass.

Early settlement began on the hilly side of the village in the late 1860's with the lower beach side swampy and prone to flood. Occupations consisted of farming , ceder cutting, some whaling and fruit growing and eventually mining when they opened at Bulli in 1859 and later in Austinmer.

In 1888 a rail link with Sydney was an added boost to tourism. The department of railways saught to have the township changed to the original "Thirroul", granted in 1891 by Government Gazette. Early construction workers on the railway caused a population increase, and the eastern side of the town progressed rapidly. The Railway Institute Hall where workers once studied has been classified as a "heritage" building.

The world famous author, D.H. Lawrence arrived in Thirroul in 1912 and finished the novel "Kangaroo" whilst there. Over looking the Pacific Ocean, his house "Wywurk" is the earliest Australian bungalow to show the influence of the Californian Mission style of architecture. Directly below the red brick residence are the rock edges where the "Amy" sunk in 1898 with all hands lost.

Bulli is a picturesque northern township steeped in history. The name "Bulli" comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "two mountains". The township was first settled by Cornelius O'Brien who operated a farm from 1823. Captain R. Westmacott bought O'Brien's land in 1837 and was the man who, among many other endevours, found the way down the mountain now known as Bulli Pass.

Captain Westmacott discovered coal on his land and so Bulli's long association with the "black diamond" was born. The Captain started construction on a coal mine after his discovery but his schemes were ruined in the 1840 economic depression.

The Bulli coal mine, however, was destined to operate from the same site and began so in 1862. Bulli then grew quickly as a mining village and today it offers the visitor a unique glimpse at the lifestyle of days gone by.

Bulli's oldest building is the Uniting Church, built in 1865. Opposite the church is an old slab dwelling, typical of the miners' cottages of the late 19th century.

There is a miners memorial in a tiny park adjoining the bridge. This monument was erected in 1888 to commemorate the 81 men and boys who died in the Bulli mining disaster of 1887.

Corrimal - A Vibrant Town With a Colourful Past
Corrimal is an area of much historical significance in the Illawarra. The name Corrimal is derived from the coastal range above. Originally this bluff was known as Mount Corrimal.

In the years before any settlement took place, the mountain bore its aboriginal name of Corrimal, before becoming known as Broker's Nose. This was named after a financier James Brooker, who owned land on which the "Brooker's Nose Colliery" was founded. However, a departmental office spelled his name incorrectly as "Broker" and the mine and mountain have been known as Broker's Nose ever since.

Australian poet Henry Kendall lived in Corrimal for many years. Corrimal was also the birthplace of Streets Ice Cream and was the site of Australia's first coke works, built in 1958.

The large mounds of exposed charcoal and shells to be found on some of the local beaches are also full of history as they are aboriginal midden sites.

The Corrimal of today is a vibrant township that retains its sense of history. Memorial Park is an oasis of green which borders onto both Railway St and the Princess HWY. The ANZAC memorial is located here. Chess can be played in Memorial Park as two chess boards are located on the picnic tables.

Only a short time in Corrimal will reveal that the settlement has much to offer the visitor, not least some excellent shopping opportunities and is often dubbed the "shopping hub of the north".

Lake Illawarra & Shellharbour - The Heart of the Illawarra



Shellharbour is located right at the heart of the Illawarra, a short comfortable drive South of Wollongong. The region offers all the best things in life - rural tranquility and magnificent beaches combined with great nightlife, modern shopping and plenty to see and do.

The Shellharbour region contains many features of natural beauty and is bordered by some of the coasts most spectacular landmarks - the Illawarra Escarpment, Minnamurra River, Lake Illawarra and the Tasman Sea.

Lovers of bushwalking and "getting away" will also find plenty of opportunities to enjoy Shellharbour's natural splendour. Fabulous surfing and sandy beaches are located at Warilla and Shellharbour and excellent family facilites are available at these beaches, including picnic areas, BBQs and kiosks. Lake Illawara offers a variety of water sports - sailing, prawning, fishing, water skiing, cruises, and canoeing - just to name a few! Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Shellharbour, as it is recognised as one of the best locations in the state.

Take the time to discover Shellharbour - you will discover a holiday paradise!
Jamberoo - Butter, Dragons & Rainforest

The Jamberoo valley was settled in the 1820's. Graziers soon discovered this fertile, green valley and some ten years later had turned Jamberoo into a thriving, bustling village. Today, Jamberoo's heritage is evident after only a short walk around the village.

Jamberoo is the home of Australia's first butter factory which opened on June 18 1884.

Enjoy a day of total relaxation at the Minnamurra Rainforest. There are raised boardwalks and paved tracks with access suitable to visitors of all ages and abilities. Take in the spectacular views of the rainforest canopy and of the canyon carved by the Minnamurra River.

Kiama - A Town with a View



The drive to Kiama from either direction boasts views that rate as some of the best on the coast. In fact the entire Kiama region, stretching north from the Minnamurra River to Gerringong and Gerroa in the South, offers a wealth of breath-taking scenery.

From unspoilt beaches stretching into the distance, to natural rainforest and the magnificent peaks of the Jamberoo Mountain Escarpment. Natural attractions like the Blowhole, Black Beach, Cathedral Rocks and miles of magnificent beaches attract visitors from far and wide.

When the sight-seeing is done, Kiama's shops will keep browsers happy for hours, stocking everything the holiday maker could possibly need. Lovers of arts and crafts will delight in the region's many art galleries and places selling hand-made crafts, many by talented local artists.

Kangaroo Valley - The Valley of Character

Between the Cambewarra and Berrengarry Mountains the traveller will discover a delightful rural village. Kangaroo Valley has retained its charming village character, from it's famous sandstone Hampden Bridge to the old farmhouses and cottages and lush green pastures surrounding the settlement.

The drive to the valley is a delight in itself. Ferns, creepers, palms, and trees crowd either side of the road, competing with views over the green pastures below.

Not only is Kangaroo Valley one of Shoalhaven's most beautiful locations, it also boasts some of the regions best visitor attractions. The Kangaroo River, spanned by the impressive Hampden Bridge, is popular for both swimming and exhilarating canoe rides. It is a quaint country village with just the right blend of tradition, tranqulity and things to do.

BACK