Visit New South Wales

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THE START OF THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH COAST
The NSW coastline is a gem no matter which way you look, but the unspoilt Illawarra region truly shines. Famous for its sleepy towns, sun-drenched beaches, sparkling waters and majestic parklands, the region begins in the nation's oldest national park and winds its way down south following the coast until it reaches the windswept shores of Seven Mile Beach.

Soaring views can be found from the top of the Illawarra Escarpment. The region covers a whopping 242kms of beautiful coastline, while not far inland rich farmlands and rolling hills of the Southern Tablelands provide a startlingly rural contrast.

For more information, go to:
www.visitnsw.com.au
www.illawarratourism.com.au

FAMOUS FOR...

The lighthouse marks the head of one of the region's most popular tourist destinations.

Hang-gliding Bald Hill is acclaimed as one of the best hang-gliding sites in the world. It was also the scene of some of the very first attempts to fly, when pioneering aviator Lawrence Hargrave flew a box kite in the early part of the 20th century.

Other aviation attempts In 1933 Charles Kingsford-Smith, used Seven Mile Beach as the runway for the first commercial flight between Australia and New Zealand.

Kiama blowhole This major tourist attraction has put the pretty seaside town of Kiama on the map. Depending on conditions, the sea carved blowhole projects spouts of water up to 25m high.

Australia's oldest National Park The Royal National Park was established in 1879. It is the second oldest National Park in the world, the first being Yellowstone in the USA.

DID YOU KNOW...?

If you're searching for a good vantage point to get some snaps of the Illawarra region and Wollongong, Bulli Scenic Lookout, Sublime Point, Bald Hill Lookout in Stanwell Tops and Mt Kiera Summit Park all have incredible views.
Shellharbour, a quaint fishing village and thriving port in 1830, is today one of the region's most popular seaside resorts.
The city of Wollongong began life as a collection of fishing and dairy villages transformed by the discovery of a rich coal seam into Australia's biggest steel manufacturing centre and the third largest city in New South Wales. Now, the so-called City of Innovation is sliding into its new role as a thriving investment, lifestyle and tourism centre on the very doorstep of Australia's largest city.

Images

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Climate

Beachgoers should visit November through February to take advantage of the warm days and crystal clear waters. The region has a temperate climate during winter (July through Sept).

Distance from Sydney

Wollongong, the region's main city, is 80km (50 miles) from Sydney. The small fishing village of Kiama is 110km (68 miles) from Sydney.

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