Holiday houses in Bulli

Located on the northern edge of Wollongong, in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Bulli is a charming seaside town. The former coal mining village is now considered a northern suburb of Wollongong and is located only 70 kilometres south of Sydney. The proximity to Sydney has increased its popularity as a weekend destination for city dwellers. Bulli’s main streets burst with 19th-century architecture and include a number of historic buildings that illustrate the town’s mining past.

Step inside a miner's cottage that’s now a museum, an old hotel building that was built with locally produced bricks, a stone church that was erected in 1865, a former bank from 1888 that has been restored to its former glory, and more. The town faces outwards with quiet Pacific Ocean beaches that are ideal for swimming and surfing. There’s also an ocean pool dating back to the 1930s and an adjoining toddler pool for little ones.

The weather in Bulli is relatively temperate all year long. Summer promises a good amount of sunshine per day, with temperatures rarely dropping much at night. December brings locals to the Bulli Showground in town for the Foragers Twilight Christmas Festival, an annual event combining more than 150 stalls to pick up handmade and edible Christmas gifts, a marble run, and live carols to set the festive mood. The popular Illawarra Folk Festival takes place in January. The festival plays host to around 150 performers over four days and is the highlight of the summer in Bulli. The spring and autumn months see pleasant temperatures, while winter brings food markets and mild weather for hiking and biking.

Bulli Black Diamond Museum Heritage Centre

Located on the eastern platform of the Bulli Railway Station, Bulli Black Diamond Museum Heritage Centre tells the often harrowing stories of mining in Bulli. The museum showcases a variety of railway and local coal mining artefacts, and hosts exhibitions of local interest. There is also a series of heritage trails to explore.

Sublime Point Lookout

Offering 180-degree views of the sea, rainforest, and the 17 beaches that span the coastline to Wollongong, Sublime Point Lookout is an essential stop during a visit to Bulli. You can join the Sublime Point Track, a challenging hike that covers 850 metres. This is one of the few walks that link the coastal foothills and the plateau.

Wollongong Botanic Garden

Located in the Wollongong suburb of Keiraville, the picturesque Wollongong Botanic Garden lies at the foot of Mount Keira. Established in 1964, the site plays an important role in the conservation of local plants. The garden features various themed areas, including rose, herb, and woodland gardens, an azalea bank, succulent plants, and several dedicated rainforest areas. There’s also a beautiful natural creek that runs through the garden and into a small lake.