One of the most popular spots on the Illawarra coastline, North Wollongong Beach attracts not only the holiday crowds, but all kinds of beachgoers – and for good reason too. Here’s what you need to know before you go, thanks to North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club registrar Lyal Hammond.
A popular beach that regularly draws a crowd, North Wollongong is the city's only beach to be patrolled year-round.
Stuart Park is across the road from the beach and there are dozens of restaurants and cafes just a short walk away (and even on the beach promenade). Other attractions near the beach include the Stuart Park Playground, the Continental Pool, the Gentlemen's Pool (a tidal rock pool), Wollongong Harbour and the city centre.
North Wollongong SLSC’s Lyal Hammond says the beach is safe for all swimmers and surfers who follow safety protocols.
“North Wollongong is patrolled seven days a week and it is a very safe beach for swimmers of all standards if they stay between the flags and follow the direction of lifeguards,” Lyal said.
“North-easterly winds tend to chop up the surf for surfers, but otherwise good waves can be found at the north end off the rocks, as well as the south.”
As with all beaches, there are some hazards to keep an eye out for.
“The last few years have seen the beach impacted by storms and with the storms comes a lot of water movement,” Lyal said.
“Incoming water needs to find a way out so channels are created and these can act like rivers, sweeping water out quickly.
“The channels result in the surface underfoot becoming undulated so people may find they can stand in one spot, but two metres forward the water is overhead and moving quickly.”
One of the biggest challenges for lifesavers and beachgoers are rip currents, and Lyal said North Wollongong Beach has a rip that tends to occur at the same place on the beach.
“There is a topographical rip at the south end of the beach near the rocks,” he said.
“Generally, the rips tend to move south along the beach, taking people out a few hundred metres offshore, but surf conditions can vary on any day considerably.
“Flash rips can pop up frequently if a lot of water is being pushed into the beach.”
North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club has 550 members – 80 of those are patrolling members – and it is one of the strongest SLSC's in the Illawarra. The club patrols on Sundays and public holidays from September to April, from 9am to 6pm, Wollongong City Council lifeguards are on patrol from Monday to Saturday, and take over on Sundays during the colder months.
Despite their strong numbers, North Wollongong SLSC is always on the lookout for new members to join their programs, help run their events and join their patrol teams, Lyal said.
“We are always seeking new patrolling members and run Bronze Medallion and first-aid courses during the September-December months to increase our numbers,” he said.
“We have a fantastic Nippers program with around 230 Nippers, plus supporting mums and dads, [and] we encourage Nipper parents to participate in water safety activities and encourage them to join a Bronze Medallion course.
“As a club, we recognise we are part of a broader community, so have held events such as Rainbow Beaches to demonstrate our acceptance of LGBTQIA+ people.
“We wish to be a reflection of the community we serve.”
North Wollongong Beach is also great for:
Picnicking
With Stuart Park next door, as well as plenty of space on the beach, North Wollongong is a fantastic spot for a picnic. Enjoy the nearby barbecues, playground and shade shelters, with public bathrooms nearby for convenience. There’s no shortage of takeaway food options, including North Beach Kiosk, Diggies and the historic North Beach Bathers Pavilion right on the promenade.
Surfing
North Wollongong Beach has an exposed beach break with reliable surf.