A swimming, surfing and picnicking favourite, Sandon Point Beach is the perfect spot for a summer’s day out. Here’s what you need to know before you go, thanks to Sandon Point Surf Life Saving Club’s Eloise Saddi.

Near Bulli township, located between Sandon Point and Waniora Point, Sandon Point Beach is perfect if you’re after a dip that’s (moderately) sheltered from north-easterly winds. Not only is Sandon Point popular with swimmers, but it offers something for all kinds of beachgoers, says Sandon Point SLSC’s Eloise Saddi.

“Sandon Point Beach is an ideal summer swimming beach as the northern end, where the surf club and flags are located, is somewhat protected from the prevailing summer north-east winds and swells. This section of [the] beach is suitable for swimming, surfing [and] snorkelling depending on conditions, and visitors often enjoy investigating the rock shelf extending out from the headland,” she said.

“Fishermen occasionally use the beach outside of patrol hours, targeting the holes and gutters often associated with rips, [and] experienced surfers can challenge themselves at the nearby point break.”

Sandon Point is a site of cultural significance, as the northern tip of Sandon Point headland and the stretch of coast between Sandon Point and McCauley’s Beach comprises Sandon Point Aboriginal Place. The area is a government-recognised and protected sacred gathering place with thousands of years of cultural significance for Indigenous peoples of the Illawarra region. 

“Pre-contact, it was an important gathering place for the Aboriginal peoples and it is recognised as highly significant,” Eloise said.

“Visitors are requested to respect this connection and tread lightly as you pass through.”

Eloise says that like all open beaches, Sandon Point Beach can have large swells and recurring currents, with rips often presenting just south of the headland, near the rock shelf that is often visible off the middle of the beach, and near Waniora Point at the southern end of the beach. Flags are always positioned at the safest section of the beach, with Wollongong City Council lifeguards on patrol from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm, and Sandon Point SLSC lifesavers patrolling every Sunday and on public holidays during the swim season.

You will often find Sandon Point SLSC members at the beach holding their weekly events, including a Sunday Nippers Program (for children aged five to 14), Learn to Surf lessons (run in partnership with Sandon Point Boardriders Club) on Thursdays, and regular lifesaving skills training and courses. For Sunday Sippers, volunteers open the surf club bar to visitors looking to enjoy a drink and nibbles overlooking the ocean from 4pm onwards.

Remember to always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches. Visit Council's Beach Safety page for top tips.

Sandon Point Beach is a great spot for:

• Picnics and gatherings

With a large reserve overlooking the northern Illawarra coastline located just above the beach, Sandon Point is one of the best locations in the region for a picnic. Pack a picnic rug and some snacks or head over to Sandon Point Surf Club on Sundays from 4pm to enjoy a drink with ocean views on the balcony.

• Surfing

Sandon Point Beach is popular with surfers and has a long history of being a favourite surf location for experienced surfers south of Sydney. Caution is advised as many rock platforms and sea urchin colonies line the underwater reef at Sandon Point.

• Dogs

Sandon Point Beach is zoned orange, so on-leash dogs can visit the beach during designated times that vary in summer and winter. For more information, visit Council’s website.