There’s plenty to love about Windang Beach, says Windang Surf Life Saving Club vice president Kaye Norris, who, between her and her husband, have 70 years of patrolling history behind them.
Windang, Wollongong's southernmost beach, is not only the entrance to Lake Illawarra, but the gateway to our region. Popular with families due to its proximity to tourist accommodation, Windang Foreshore Park has a playground, shaded picnic areas, barbecues and a shared pathway. Add in blue waters and distant views of the Five Islands Nature Reserve, and Windang Beach has something for everyone to enjoy.
Not only is it a hit with swimmers and surfers, but fishermen and dog owners also take advantage of the 3.56km stretch of coastline, says Windang Surf Life Saving Club’s vice president Kaye Norris.
“There is also a regular amount of fisherman along the stretch between Windang and Port as [there’s] good fishing for a variety of species,” Kaye said.
“Further north of the patrolled beach is the council’s off-leash beach, [a] very popular spot although not patrolled for swimming.”
Kaye says this beach has a whole lot to offer, but beachgoers should be aware of some of its regular hazards.
“Windang is a beautiful, long beach, but does have its hazards,” Kaye said.
“Depending on tides we can experience a shore dump, and rip currents can vary [and] depending on surf conditions, the rips vary in strength and position.
“A positive of this is that Windang is great for surfboard riding.”
Like all beaches along the eastern coast, Windang experiences regular and irregular rip currents that can pose a risk to uninformed swimmers.
“We do have rips that appear at different tides depending on sand movement,” Kaye said.
“We have a fixed rip at the southern end of the beach at the rock wall at the entrance of Lake Illawarra.
“Windang Beach can [also] be challenging at times due to shore breaks and prevailing north-east winds, and as such it is generally suited to more experienced swimmers and surfers.”
Less confident swimmers can rest assured that they’ll be well looked after when swimming between the red and yellow flags, with Wollongong City Council lifeguards on patrol weekdays and Saturdays from September to April, 9am to 5pm, and Windang SLSC lifesavers patrolling during the same hours on Sundays and public holidays.
Kaye says Windang has a lively surf club that is currently searching for new members to join in on their patrol, beach management and Nipper training and development activities.
“We have Nippers for children aged five to 14 years that runs October to March, offering surf education, fun and competition,” she said.
“As a club we need more members as currently [we’re] very low on volunteers.
“We offer all training and lifesaving skills… plus, it is a great place to bring a family.”
Windang is also a great spot for:
Picnicking
With Windang Foreshore Park nearby, as well as on-site bathrooms at the beach, Windang Beach is a great place to pack some lunch and enjoy a family day-out.
Dogs
Though Windang Beach itself is red-zoned, meaning dogs are prohibited at all times, Perkins Beach – on the same stretch as Windang – is green-zoned, meaning dogs can visit the beach off-leash at any time. For more information, visit Council’s website.
Holidaying
Windang Beach Tourist Park is right on the beach, so your visiting family and friends couldn’t be any closer to this popular stretch of sand and all that it has to offer.