Holiday houses in Austinmer

Just 80 kilometres south of Sydney, the village of Austinmer is a popular day trip from Australia’s largest city. But when you arrive, you’ll want to linger. This pocket of northern Wollongong revolves around the beach. Few are drawn here for much more than the sand, sun, and surf, not to mention the delicious seafood. The beach sees consistently good waves, which roll in between two headlands a 20-minute drive from Wollongong’s central city district. Prefer to swim? Austinmer Beach also has two large and calm rock pools, making it, and the surrounding parkland, popular for family picnics. When you’re not in the water, there are plenty of other dreamy rainforest-meets-ocean diversions along the South Coast of New South Wales, including nearby Kiama. If there was ever an idyllic Aussie destination that has it all, Austinmer may well be it.

Austinmer is beachside living at its best. So it comes as no surprise that peak months here are when the sun is out and the mercury is on the rise. The village caters to large summer crowds, with the waves patrolled by lifesavers from September through April. But expect the sand to be busy; if you want a lazy day on the beach, consider booking your accommodation for spring or autumn. These shoulder seasons as well as winter also give you the best chance of spotting migrating whales, which frequent the South Coast of New South Wales between May and November. You don’t need to cruise out to spot them, as lookouts adorn the shore.

Nan Tien Temple

The largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you imagine coastal New South Wales. But just south of Wollongong’s city centre you’ll find the Nan Tien Temple, revered for its grand art and architecture. Time your visit to catch one of its colourful festivals and events, and don’t leave without trying a vegetarian meal from the excellent cafe.

Kiama

Whether you drive or catch the train from Wollongong to Kiama, you’re in for a stellar day by the sea. The journey lands you under the spray of one of the world’s largest blowholes, a natural rock formation spouting ocean water high into the sky. Kiama is also the gateway to the epic Kiama Coast Walk, 20 kilometres of clifftop drama that provides views of dolphins and whales during migration season.

Cycling

Leave a minimal footprint when you explore Austinmer and greater Wollongong on two wheels. The area’s coastal tracks are flat and family friendly, and pass dozens of blissful beaches — so pack your swimsuit. Alternatively, head to the hills with mountain biking on your radar and have at the Helensburgh Bike Park or fire trails through the rainforest of the Illawarra Escarpment.