Sydney’s beaches often get all the attention. It’s easy to see why – they’re glamorous, hip and all over Instagram. Head an hour south out of Sydney, however, and you’ll find beaches that are just as beautiful, but without the crowds.
Austinmer Beach is one such beach. It’s one of Wollongong’s most popular beaches, located 25 minutes north of Wollongong’s CBD and under an hour south of Sydney. It’s an easy drive south, too. The beach is located off Lawrence Hargrave Drive, with a large, free carpark and cafes lining the road opposite.
Local families love Austinmer Beach, particularly the fenced in playground (sadly no shade cloth) that has plenty of activities for kids of a variety of ages. The rock pools are a major draw for this beach, too.
Located at the south end of the beach, they attract children and adults alike with their amazing ocean life. We spotted fish, a crab, sea snails, an anemone, and some freaky looking creatures that none of us could identify.
Also at the south end of the beach are two large ocean pools.
Where to eat:
Shell’s Diner
An old-school fish and chips shop that makes fab lentil burgers and delicious fish and chips at a reasonable price.
Shell’s Diner: 106 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Austinmer. Hours Mon-Thurs 7:30am-4pm Fri-Sun 7:30am-8pm
Austi Beach Cafe
A wide variety of breakfast and lunch options, plus gelato and afternoon tea. We highly enjoyed their fresh, warm scones.
Austi Beach Cafe: 104 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Austinmer. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm Sat-Sun 8am-4:30pm
Austinmer Beach
Austinmer NSW 2515
- Fenced playground
- Bathrooms
- Lifeguard (Sept-April)
- Rock pools
- Cafes
- Ocean Baths
Looking for more things to do in Wollongong? Click here for a great guide to the area.
Oh man, looking at your photos brings back so many memories!!! So many afternoons of my childhood, teenage years and young adulthood were spent at this beach, I just love it. We have been talking about having family dinner down at the beach one night in the next couple of weeks and I’m definitely going to suggest we head down their for a trip down memory lane and to introduce my girls to it’s beauty.
I spent a lot of my childhood there too! Memories!!
I have always wanted to swim in an ocean pool
It’s great! I prefer it to the waves.