With 900 metres of sand and surf, a large rockpool (and kiddies rockpool), beachside walkway and bicycle track, a large picnic area and a couple of cafes, Bulli Beach has it all. Here’s what you need to know before you go, thanks to Bulli Surf Live Saving Club president Jamie Caldwell.
Just south of Waniora Point is where you’ll find one of the Illawarra’s most popular stretches of sand. On a sunny day, Bulli Beach attracts all kinds of beachgoers – including swimmers enjoying the waves or rockpools, surfers making the most of the many beach breaks, cyclists, walkers and runners using the scenic pathways, and families embracing the sunshine in the nearby park and picnic areas.
Bulli SLSC president Jamie Caldwell says while all visitors will find something to enjoy at Bulli Beach, caution should always be taken.
“[Bulli Beach] is suitable for all beachgoers – but, as always, within your own limits of the activity you chose to partake in,” he said.
“Bulli Beach can have some strong rips against both the northern and southern rocks as well as strong rips in the middle of the beach depending on what the sandbanks are doing.”
As with all open beaches, large swells can occur with strong winds. When this occurs, be extra careful when swimming in the surf and using the large rockpool – to avoid injury, don't stand on the ocean-facing side of the pool.
You are in great hands at Bulli Beach, with council lifeguards on patrol every weekday and Saturdays from 9am to 6pm during the surf season and Bulli SLSC lifesavers patrolling on Sundays and public holidays during those same hours.
With no lives lost on patrol since 1913, Bulli SLSC can be proud of its beach safety record.
Jamie said the club has many positives. “Bulli SLSC is the biggest and strongest Surf Life Saving Club in the Illawarra.
“We have a solid lifesaving portfolio that delivers our frontline lifesaving/surf rescue services and 24/7 emergency call-out capability, as well as a world-class surf sports program and brilliant junior activities (nippers) program that develops our future lifesavers.”
Bulli Beach is also good for:
Picnics
There’s no shortage of picnic areas at Bulli Beach. Favourite spots are beside Bulli Beach Cafe or Bulli Beach Reserve, next to the surf club. Stop by Bulli Beach Cafe or head further south to Ruby’s Cafe Bulli for meals and light refreshments.
Dogs
Bulli Beach is orange-zoned, meaning dogs can visit the beach on-lead during set hours that vary over the surf lifesaving season and colder months. For more information, visit Council’s website.
Exercising
An uninterrupted stretch of the NSW Coastline Cycleway runs from Sandon Point to Corrimal Beach. The section near Bulli Beach is fantastic for cyclists – and children on bikes – looking for a flat, scenic ride. The pathway is shared by those enjoying the coastline on foot, so walkers, joggers and runners can make the most of the location as well.
Holidaying
Bulli Beach Tourist Park easily has some of the best beachside cabin accommodation in New South Wales. Situated right on the NSW Coastline Cycleway, with stunning ocean views and easy access to the beach just minutes away, it’s the perfect place to recommend to visiting family and friends.
