welcome!
Shellharbour is the ideal place to reconnect with your family and friends.
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, it’s a holiday destination that must be experienced.
Shellharbour is conveniently located on the iconic Grand Pacific Drive – just over an hour’s 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.
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upcoming events
HARS Aviation Museum Tarmac Days
13 November, 2026
Beyond the Museum’s daily exhibits and tours, Tarmac Days bring aviation history to life by showcasing specific events and eras. […]
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Roo Theatre Company Present Alice in Wonderland
13 - 29 November, 2026
Step into a world of whimsy and wonder with the Roo Theatre Company’s enchanting theatrical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland. Prepare […]
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Markets at the Marina
29 November, 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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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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Carols by Candlelight at Croom Regional Sporting Complex
4 December, 2026
Santa’s first stop this holiday season is Shellharbour’s Carols By Candlelight! Join us at Croom Regional Sporting Complex, on Friday, […]
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NYE Skylights Shellharbour
31 December, 2026
A NEW YEARS EVE EVENT LIKE NO OTHER As the sun sets, experience the region’s first New Year’s Eve Drone […]
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Australia Day Breakfast By The Lake 2027
26 January, 2027
Join us at Reddall Reserve this Australia Day for a classic lakeside celebration filled with sunshine, smiles, and great vibes. […]
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🚶♀️ Step Back in Time 🕰️
Long before today`s waterfront, Shellharbour`s jetty and breakwater were familiar landmarks along our coastline. ⚓
The first jetty was built in 1859 by W Groat and extended in 1864 to allow larger vessels to dock. The breakwater was built in 1879, then extended and raised the following year.
These two photographs capture the jetty around 1950 and the breakwater in 1986, with the Ocean Beach Hotel in the background.
It`s amazing to look back and see how much has changed, yet the connection to the sea has always been part of Shellharbour`s story.
Do these old photos bring back any memories?
Learn more about the history of Shellharbour with a visit to the Shellharbour City Museum https://discover.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/
📷 Shellharbour City Museum
#visitshellharbour #feelNSW #shellharbour #shelharbourhistory
Nov 6
Looking for a little rainforest magic? 🌳✨
Tucked away in the beautiful Macquarie Pass National Park, the Cascades Walk is a gorgeous nature escape, winding through lush subtropical rainforest, towering eucalypts and fern-filled gullies, following a picturesque creek to the stunning Cascades waterfall and tranquil rock pool.
Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, including lyrebirds, goannas and an abundance of birdlife as you wander beneath the beautiful rainforest canopy. It`s the perfect spot to slow down, breathe in the fresh forest air and reconnect with nature.
🥾 2km return walk ⏱️ Allow 45 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes 🌿 Grade 3 walking track
📍 Macquarie Pass National Park, Illawarra Highway
Whether you`re chasing waterfalls, capturing beautiful nature photos or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this little rainforest gem is well worth exploring!
Add it to your next Illawarra adventure! 💚
📽️Video by https://www.tiktok.com/@ash.everingham
#VisitShellharbour #MacquariePass #CascadesWalk #IllawarraEscapes #NSWNationalParks #WaterfallChasing #ExploreNature #SouthCoastNSW
Nov 3
☀️ Summer is almost here, and Shellharbour is calling!
Dreaming of sunny days, refreshing swims and relaxing poolside? 🏡💦
Make Shellharbour your next summer getaway and enjoy everything this beautiful coastal destination has to offer.
From lazy days by the pool to exploring stunning beaches, waterfront dining and outdoor adventures, there`s no better time to plan a little escape.
Gather your family and friends, pack your swimmers and make this summer one to remember! 🥂🌴
This place is coming soon find out more at 📍 @shellharbour_accommodation
#visitshellharbour
#ShellharbourAccommodation #ComingSoon SummerGetaway HolidayByThePool StayCoastalStayShellharbour
Nov 2
🧖♀️ Steam, soak and switch off at Those Floating Saunas!** 🌊
Imagine relaxing in a steaming hot sauna, surrounded by sparkling ocean views, with the cool water just a step away. Sounds pretty good, right?
Those Floating Saunas offer the ultimate waterfront escape, where you can unwind, recharge and embrace a little blissful relaxation.
Whether you`re catching up with friends or treating yourself to some well deserved downtime, this is one experience worth adding to your Shellharbour getaway.
Your excuse to slow down and soak it all in! 🧡
Video by @thosefloatingsaunas
#visitshellharbour #feelNSW #shellharbour
Oct 31
🚗 The ultimate NSW Road trip
Starting at Western Sydney Airport, hit the road for an unforgettable South Coast adventure
Day 1:
📍 CAMPBELLTOWN @visitcampbelltown
🌼 Australia’s largest botanic garden @botanicsydney
💐 Flower picking at @fat_goose_farm
Stay: @rydgescampbelltown
Day 2:
📍 CAMDEN @visitcamdennsw
🍷 Wine & history @gledswood
🐄 Farmers and clothes markets at Camden Town Farm
Stay: Dinner and stay at @camdenvalleyinn
Day 3:
📍 WOLLONDILLY @visitwollondilly
🏎️ Go Karting at @pictonkartingtrack
🚂 Lunch at @picton.social then drive to…
📍 THIRLMERE
🚂 Vintage steam train ride with @nswrailmuseum book in advance
Day 4 & 5:
📍 SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS @visitsouthernhighlands
Berrima & Bundanoon
Stay: Aruna Estate (beautiful farm) @arunaestate_penrose
🧚 Hike Fairy Bower Falls
🥂 Tasting at @peppergreenestate and lunch at @eschalot.restaurant
💦 Fitzroy Falls (keep your eyes peeled for lyrebirds)
🏡 Explore the cute towns and shops/bakeries
Stay:
☕ Book a stay or meal at the luxury @osbornhouse_
Day 5 - 7:
📍 SHOALHAVEN @visitshoalhaven
📍 KANGAROO VALLEY
🦘 Kayaking and platypus watching with @kangaroovalleyadventureco
🌳Visit Hampden Bridge and explore town
Stay: @wildesboutiquehotel
Days 7 - 9:
📍 JERVIS BAY
🐂 Highland cows at Abergail Farm, then doughnuts in Berry
🐋 Swim with the whales in Jervis Bay with Woebegone Dive @woebegone_dive
🪃 Aboriginal cultural experience with Bernie McLeod at Booderee @djungga_kultural_tours
Stay: 🧖 Eucalypt spa, sauna and cold plunge at Bay and Bush @bay_and_bush
Day 9 - 11:
📍 KIAMA @kiamansw
🌊 Brekkie by the blowhole at @diggieskiama
🏺 Try pottery at @soul_clay_studios and explore Gerringong
🥐 Scrolls and lunch at @thehillbarandkitchengerringong
🌳 Zip lining through the treetops at @illawarrafly
Stay: ⛺ Glamping at @cicadaluxcamping
Days 11 - 13:
📍 SHELLHARBOUR + WOLLONGONG @visitshellharbour @visitwollongong
🔥 Floating sauna at @thosefloatingsaunas and lunch at @waterfronttavernshellcove
👨🍳 Private chef night in with @oui_ouichef
🚵 Mountain biking Mt Kembla, then lunch at The Imperial Clifton
Which stop are you doing first? 👇
Video by @salt.and.charcoal
#nswroadtrip #southcoastnsw #westernsydneyairport #visitshellharbour
Oct 30
🐾🌊 A pawsome weekend away awaits in Shellharbour! 🐶🏄♀️
Planning a getaway with your four-legged best friend? Make it a weekend to remember with our 2-day pet-friendly itinerary, combining coastal adventures with all the fun of the Shellharbour SUP Festival this weekend. ☀️
🐾 Day 1: Explore the Coast ☕ Enjoy breakfast at a pet-friendly café in Shellharbour Village 🌊 Let your pup splash, sniff and play at The Shallows Coastal Reserve 🚶♀️ Stroll the scenic promenade around Shellharbour Marina 🍽️ Relax with waterfront dining at The Waterfront, Shell Cove 🏕️ Stay awhile at one of Shellharbour’s dog-friendly accommodation options
🏄♀️ Day 2: Dive Into the SUP Festival 🌅 Start the day with Sunrise SUP or a relaxing SUP Sound Bath 🌊 Give the 2km Novelty Paddle a go 🏁 Catch the action of sprint racing and the 9km Distance Race 🐶 Don`t miss the crowd favourite, Pups on SUPs & Goats Afloat! 🎶 Enjoy live music and soak up the festival atmosphere
And when the festival fun winds down, there are even more adventures to discover, from scenic walks around Lake Illawarra to exploring Blackbutt Forest Reserve.
🐕 Good times, salty paws and unforgettable memories — Shellharbour is calling!
📅 Join us at the Shellharbour SUP Festival this weekend 30 October to 1 November start planning your coastal escape.
Find out how to make the most of your weekend escape https://www.visitshellharbour.com.au/paws-boards-and-coastal-adventures/
Tag your paddle crew and the person who never travels without their pup! 🐾💙
Images by @supshellharbour
#Shellharbour #ShellharbourSUPFestival #PupsOnSUPs #GoatsAfloat #DogFriendlyNSW #VisitShellharbour #PetFriendlyGetaway #SUPFestival #SouthCoastNSW
Oct 28
🐋 There’s still time to see the whales! 🌊
Don’t miss your chance to witness the spectacular humpback whale migration with Shellharbour Wild before the season ends!
📸 Cruise from Shellharbour Marina and explore the stunning South Coast. Keep an eye out for dolphins and fur seals along the way!
🌿 Looking for something extra special?
Join the Aboriginal Cultural Whale Cruise with Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience, featuring Aboriginal storytelling, whale songlines, cultural knowledge and marine science. Dr Jodie Edwards joins selected cruises, and didgeridoo performances are offered where conditions permit.
💙 Book your adventure before the whale-watching season ends! www.shellharbourwild.com.au
📽️Video by @khynangardner
#ShellharbourWild #WhaleWatching #WhaleMigration #SouthCoastNSW #AboriginalCulture #WhaleSonglines #VisitShellharbour
Oct 27
Discover the Coastal Charm of Killalea Regional Park
Escape the everyday and let nature set the pace at Killalea Regional Park, where rugged headlands, sandy beaches and peaceful walking trails make the perfect backdrop for a coastal getaway. 🌿🌊
Follow the winding tracks through the park, breathe in the fresh sea air and keep your eyes peeled for native birds around the lagoon. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, explore the grassy headlands and soak up the spectacular ocean views, where the coastline puts on a show in every direction.
Pack a picnic, find a scenic spot and enjoy a bite to eat with nature as your backdrop. Whether you’re watching the waves roll in, listening to birdsong or simply taking a moment to slow down, it’s an easy way to recharge and reconnect with the outdoors.
Want to stay a little longer? Set up camp at the campground and let the sounds of the coast welcome you into a slower pace of life. Wake up to the fresh ocean breeze, spend your days exploring and enjoy a night under the stars.
From peaceful nature walks to beachside adventures, Killalea Regional Park is a breath of fresh air and the perfect place to switch off and embrace the beauty of the NSW South Coast. 🐦🥾🏕️
Image by @msisko777 (Instagram)
KillaleaRegionalPark #Shellharbour #ShellharbourSouthCoast #NSWSouthCoast #VisitShellharbour #feelnsw
Oct 25
