Warilla Beach: Shellharbour

Warilla Beach is a popular swimming and surfing beach located in Shellharbour, just south of Wollongong. This two kilometre beach stretches from the mouth of the Illawarra River down to Elliot Lake, a small estuary which separates the sands of Warilla from Barrack Point.

Warilla Beach is patrolled by lifesavers for seven months of the year, and attracts a number of fishing enthusiasts all year round. The entire beach is backed by a shared pedestrian and cycling path; head south along the coastline to reach Shellharbour North Beach and central Shellharbour, or head north from Warilla Beach to explore the scenic shoreline of beautiful Lake Illawarra.

Little Lake Park, found at the southern end of Warilla Beach, is an extremely popular spot for weekend picnics and barbecues. Fronting onto the calm, shallow waters of Elliot Lake, it’s also a top choice for young children and those learning to swim. The area around Warilla Beach is also home to a range of wildlife, as well as important nesting areas of the endangered little tern.