Discover our region
Tour Our Towns
Blessed with a beautiful location between the majestic Illawarra Escarpment and the pristine blue expansion of the Tasman Sea, Shellharbour is perfectly positioned on the NSW South Coast.
Shellharbour City is a vibrant city with a mix of coastal lifestyle and small town vibe. Shellharbour City covers 147 square kilometers and is only one and a half hours drive south of Sydney and an easy two and a half hours from Canberra or you can fly direct from Brisbane and Melbourne to Shellharbour Airport.
Coming by boat? Shellharbour Marina is only 50 nautical miles from Sydney.
Bounded by Wollongong to the north, Kiama to the south and Southern Highlands to the west, Shellharbour truly is the gateway to the South Coast.
An idyllic combination of beautiful beaches, stunning coastline and wondrous rainforest, it has something for everyone.
Shellharbour is a place to let all your worries drift away while taking in the sights and sounds of the region.
Road trip ideas
Itineraries Whale of a Time in Shellharbour
This itinerary combines whale watching, Dharawal cultural experiences, public art and waterfront dining to help you experience Shellharbour’s deep connection to whales and Sea Country.
Itineraries Explore Shellharbour’s Outdoor Art Gallery
Discover the stories, landscapes and creativity that make Shellharbour unique on a self-guided journey through the Lake Illawarra Art Trail and the city’s vibrant collection of murals. Wander lakeside trails, uncover striking public sculptures, admire colourful street art and enjoy local cafés, waterfront dining and coastal scenery along the way. Visiting in spring? Don’t miss the spectacular PromenART Sculpture Walk at Shell Cove Marina, adding even more creativity to your Shellharbour art escape.
be guided
Travel Trend: Winter Micro Escapes
Pressed for time? Discover why the micro escape is the travel trend everyone’s embracing. Just 90 minutes south of Sydney, Shellharbour offers coastal wellness experiences, stunning scenery and front-row seats to the annual whale migration, making it the perfect winter reset.
The latest travel trend is Micro Escaping, and Shellharbour is the perfect place for Sydney siders to micro escape.
Fun Things to Do in Shellharbour
Big summer days don’t have to come with a big price tag.
From beaches and ocean pools to scenic walks, playgrounds and hidden local favourites, Shellharbour is packed with free ways to explore, unwind and make the most of summer.
