welcome!
Shellharbour is the ideal place to reconnect with your family and friends.Β
Perfectly positioned between the pristine waters of the Tasman Sea and the picturesque Illawarra Escarpment, Shellharbour is packed with hidden gems, calming countryside, crystal clear beaches, delicious food, a unique shopping and endless adventure to be experienced all year round, itβs a holiday destination that must be experienced.
Shellharbour is conveniently located on the iconic Grand Pacific Drive – just over an hourβs easy drive south of Sydney, and within two and a half hours from Canberra.
Shellharbour is waiting to welcome you. Start booking and planning your next visit today.Β
Our Time
Forest Time
Adventure Time
upcoming events
Shell Con Mania 2
22 August, 2026
Get ready for a fun-filled day of pop culture, creativity, and community as Shell Con Mania returns for its second […]
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Markets at the Marina
30 August, 2026
Browse the ever-evolving collaboration of artisan stalls, boutique retailers, local makers and emerging businesses at the region’s newest market held […]
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Albion Park Community Hub Market
6 September, 2026
The Albion Park Community Hub Market is a family-friendly event held on the first Sunday of every month. While its […]
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Eats and Beats | Oak Flats
19 September, 2026
Get ready, Oak Flats β Eats & Beats is back! Expect a magical mix of food, music, markets and family […]
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Shellharbour SUP Festival
30 October, 2026
The Shellharbour SUP Shellharbour will feature three days of exciting paddle boarding from flat water races to SUP surfing. There […]
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Shellharbour Wild Whale Watching Cruises at Shellharbour Marina
16 May - 16 Nov, 2026
Experience the exquisite wonder of the natural world that surrounds Shellharbour. Witness the migration of the awe-inspiring humpback whale. Australia […]
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The stunning blue water of Lake Illawarra beneath Windang Bridge ππ
πLake Illawarra, Windang Bridge
Windang Bridge is a great spot to take in the changing colours of the lake, especially when the water is sparkling under the sun.
Did you know Lake Illawarra covers around 35 square kilometres and has approximately 37 kilometres of shoreline? Itβs a popular spot for boating, fishing, kayaking, birdwatching and enjoying time by the water.
Next time youβre heading across Windang Bridge, take a moment to look out across the lake and enjoy the view. βοΈπ΄
πΈImages by @_b_u_z_z_e_r_
#visitshellharbour #feelNSW #shellharbour #LakeIllawarra #Windang #NSW #SouthCoastNSW #Illawarra
Aug 17
A little rainforest escape πΏπ¦
Looking for a beautiful walk that does not take up your whole day? The Cascades walking trail in Macquarie Pass National Park is a great little adventure for families, nature lovers and anyone wanting to slow down and enjoy the rainforest.
At around 2km return, the trail winds through lush rainforest towards the Cascades waterfall, with towering eucalyptus trees, ferns and plenty of birdsong along the way. Walk quietly and you might hear the distinctive call of a lyrebird, or if you are lucky, catch a glimpse of one scratching around the forest floor.
Keep an eye on the flowing water too. The elusive platypus has been spotted in the water around the area, although seeing one is definitely a lucky moment!
The walk is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Macquarie Pass without needing to commit to a long hike. Take your time, breathe in the fresh rainforest air, listen to the sounds of nature and enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by the bush.
And that is the best thing about places like this. You do not have to go far to feel a world away. πΏπ
πΈImage by @illawarra_through_my_lens
#visitshellharbour #feelNSW #shellharbour #MacquariePass #MacquariePassNationalPark #NSWNationalParks #RainforestWalk #WaterfallWalk #FamilyWalk #ExploreShellharbour
Aug 16
π Ready for a coastal escape with a little bit of everything?
π Shellharbour
Come and discover Shellharbour, where ocean adventures, treetop thrills, great food and spectacular coastal scenery are all waiting to be explored. π
π Get out on the water with @shellharbourwild and experience the excitement of whale watching as humpback whales journey along the coast. Keep your eyes peeled for the unforgettable sight of a whale breaching from the water!
πΏ Take your adventure into the treetops at @illawarrafly Treetop Adventures. Zip through the forest on the zipline, then wander along the treetop walk surrounded by stunning rainforest.
π¨ Take a drive around Shellharbour and discover colourful street art, hidden artworks and creative touches around the city.
π£ When itβs time to refuel, enjoy waterfront dining at @waterfrontprecinctshellcove with delicious seafood and sushi, or settle in for classic pub favourites at @waterfronttavernshellcove
π
For a slower pace, head to Killalea Regional Park and explore the coastal walks while taking in spectacular ocean views.
Whether youβre chasing adventure, looking for great food or simply want to breathe in some fresh coastal air, Shellharbour has plenty of ways to spend a day, a weekend or a little longer.
Come and discover your next adventure. Some things really are Better South. π
View ourπ BetterSouth Deals at https://www.visitshellharbour.com.au/some-things-are-better-south/
#visitshellharbour #feelNSW #shellharbour #BetterSouth
Aug 15
βοΈStep into a fascinating chapter of Australian aviation history at HARS Aviation Museum βοΈ
At the August Tarmac Day hear from aerospace engineer and Bush Search & Rescue Commander Glenn Horrocks as they explore the enduring mystery of missing Cessna VH-MDX, which vanished over the Barrington Tops more than 45 years ago and has never been found.
The weekend will also include a tribute to Vietnam veterans and the Battle of Long Tan, featuring HARS` iconic Huey helicopters and flying Caribou aircraft.
Visitors can also get a closer look at the incredible restoration progress on John Travolta`s Boeing 707, as this historic Qantas aircraft continues to take shape.
Plus, don`t miss the excitement of the arrival of Qantas-gifted Fokker F100 jet VH-NPU, scheduled to land at Shellharbour Airport on the 17 of August.
π HARS Aviation Museum, Albion Park Rail
π
14 - 16 August 2026
π9.30am to 3.30pm
βKeynote presentation from 11am
ποΈ Included with museum admission
β CafΓ© Connie is open daily
π For visitor information, visit www.hars.org.au
Images by @harsaviationmuseum
#VisitShellharbour #HARSAviationMuseum #AviationHistory #ShellharbourAirport #AustralianAviation #FamilyFun #Illawarra
Aug 13
Looking for a reason to escape south this winter? We have some pretty good ones!
Dine, explore, stay and save with some of these Better South Deals
π½οΈ Dine at @jsonthedeck in Shellharbour Village
π‘ Stay at Shellharbour Resort for a weekend or midweek getaway
π Head out on the water with @shellharbourwild for an unforgettable whale watching experience
β Grab a coffee and wrap at @lousplacecafe in Shellharbour Village
π Stay midweek at @barrackpointholidays
πΏ Explore the great outdoors with @natureengagementtours
π Enjoy an Indian at @rehalsdivine Indian restaurant
ποΈ Pick up some Shellharbour merchandise and take home a little momento of your stay
Whether you are planning a weekend escape, a midweek break or simply looking for something different to do, there are plenty of great deals waiting for you in Shellharbour.
π Discover these deals and more at www.visitshellharbour.com.au/some-things-are-better-south/ (linkin bio)
Some things really are Better South. π
#visitshellharbour #feelNSW #shellharbour #BetterSouth #SomeThingsAreBetterSouth #SouthCoastNSW #NSWGetaway #WeekendEscape #MidweekEscape #ExploreShellharbour #VisitNSW
Aug 13
πβ¨ Experience whale watching through a whole new lens with Shellharbour Wild`s Aboriginal Cultural Whale Cruise.
Join Dr Jodie Edwards (University of Wollongong) and Richard Campbell from Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience for an unforgettable journey that brings together Aboriginal cultural knowledge, ancestral Whale Songlines, storytelling, music and marine science.
As humpback whales migrate along the NSW coast, discover the deep connections First Nations peoples have shared with these magnificent ocean travellers for countless generations. Gain insights into whale behaviour and migration, hear cultural stories passed down through generations, and, where conditions allow, experience the powerful sounds of a traditional didgeridoo performance shared with the whales.
π Whale watching aboard Cat Balou
π Live commentary from Dr Jodie Edwards
π€ Aboriginal cultural storytelling and interpretation
πΆ Traditional didgeridoo performance (conditions permitting)
π Insights into humpback whale migration and behaviour
π
Upcoming cruises:
β’ Thursday 13 August, 10am
β’ Saturday 26 September, 10am
β’ Thursday 8 October, 10am
β’ Wednesday 21 October, 10am
Departs from Shellharbour Marina, Shell Cove NSW
This is a rare opportunity to connect with Country, culture and the incredible humpback whale migration.
ποΈ Book now: https://f.mtr.cool/igdllbacve
#DestinationShellharbour #ShellharbourWild #WhaleWatching #AboriginalCulture #WhaleSonglines #VisitShellharbour #NSWWhales #GumaraaAboriginalExperience #MarineScience #HumpbackWhales #ShellharbourNSW #NatureAndCulture #DiscoverNSW #FeelNSW
Aug 12
π From coastal adventures to family friendly fun, Shellharbour has everything you need for a day out or a weekend away that everyone will enjoy. π
Pack a picnic and enjoy the coastline, or hop on the shared pathways for a scenic family bike ride. Bike hire is also available if you donβt have your own wheels! π²
Make a pit stop at the amazing Red Lamp Playspace and Ninja Playground at Reddall Reserve, where the kids can burn off some energy while you soak up the lakeside views.
When itβs time to refuel, head to The Precinct at @theshellharborclub for a family friendly meal while the kids enjoy the indoor play space.
Then make your way to @thelinksshellcove for a mini golf challenge the whole family will love. β³ From there, head to @waterfrontprecinctshellcove for a relaxing stroll along the boardwalk. π Little ones can splash around in the kids beach while you enjoy the marina views and soak up the afternoon. Thereβs plenty to see, do and explore!
Looking for more things to do? Check out our Whatβs On calendar for amazing events and activities, including the upcoming Eats and Beats Oak Flats on 19 September. πΆπ
From morning adventures to afternoon fun, Shellharbour is the perfect place to make memories together.
Some things really are Better South. π
πTake a peek at our Somethings are Better South Deals https://www.visitshellharbour.com.au/some-things-are-better-south/
#visitshellharbour #shellharbour #feelnsw #southcoastnsw #familyfun #familyweekend
Aug 10
βοΈπ All aboard for a family adventure this Sunday! π βοΈ
Step back in time and experience the charm of the Illawarra Light Railway Museum at Albion Park.
Explore the fascinating collection of heritage locomotives, enjoy a ride on the miniature railway and the main line, and discover the stories that helped shape our region`s rail history.
Whether you`re a train enthusiast, looking for a fun family day out, or simply keen to try something different, the Illawarra Light Railway Museum is the perfect weekend outing.
π
Sunday 9 August
π 48A Tongarra Road, Albion Park Rail
β°10am - 2pm
π Train rides available
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ Family-friendly attraction
π Find out more @illawarralightrailway
πΈImages by @illawarralightrailway @visitshellharbour
#VisitShellharbour #feelnsw #visitnsw #IllawarraLightRailwayMuseum #FamilyFun #DaysOutNSW #TrainLovers #HeritageRailway #MiniatureRailway #ExploreNSW
Aug 8
