Sea and beach

Illawarra

Towns: Wollongong, Port Kembla, Kiama, Shell Habour, Coledale

Attractions: Blowhole at Kiama, Sandy Beaches, Fishing, Gourmet Dining

Illawarra

There are only a few places in Australia where a steep, rocky escarpment gives way to a narrow coastal plain that blends to a near continuous stretch of surf beaches. The Illawarra Region is one of those places. In a near perfect setting, there are towns and villages all offering their own piece of "Illawarra magic".Begin your adventure at Wollongong, where there are many ways to "get the adrenaline pumping". Of course you can swim, surf or sail, or the more adventurous could try hang gliding, abseiling or paragliding. "The Gong" is known to be the only place where you can sky dive right onto the beach. The air currents rising from the sea to the top of the escarpment at Stanwell Park make the perfect conditions for hang gliding. Only a few kilometres inland, stretching up 468m above sea level, is Mt Keira - without doubt the best view of this coastline. Known for a cosmopolitan atmosphere and quickly gaining a well deserved reputation for fine dining, Wollongong is the perfect base to explore this unique area.Discover the wonder of a world underwater at Shellharbour. Bushranger Bay Aquatic Reserve offers some of the most alluring shore diving and snorkelling on the South Coast. Once again, the magical coastal scenery will delight, as will the waterside cafes and restaurants. With golf courses, cycleways and coastal reserves, Shellharbour remains a firm favourite for a "getaway" destination.The natural wonder of the coast continues with the Blowhole at Kiama. Formed by the compression of the wave surge upwards in an underground cavity, the Blowhole explodes when the waves are forced through a narrow erosion of the rock. As the strength of the tides increase, so does the height of the "volcano" and the accompanying "oomph" sound. A definite "crowd pleaser".The enchantment continues at the beautiful Gerrigong, "where the mountains meet the sea" and at Jamberoo, where "you control the action", The Jamberoo Action Park is NSW's largest theme park, fun for the whole family. Or the alluring Seven Mile Beach National Park at Gerroa renowned as a "birdwatchers paradise".So, no matter what your fascination is, be captivated by the Illawarra Region. And at the end of each magical day, your fine Bed and Breakfast Accommodation will be waiting.

Links:
Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk - Knights Hill
Kayaking -Thirroul
Dolphin Watch Cruise - Huskisson
Cricket Museum - Bowral
Restaurant - Wollongong
Restaurant/Café - Kiama