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Location The Northern Wollongong Coastal Villages are nestled between the mountainous Illawarra Escarpment and the glassy Pacific Ocean. An easy 56km drive from Sydney and 250kms from Canberra these coastal villages are a hidden jewel in the crown. The natural, diverse environment provides a canvas to paint a million memories from arts, history, culture to activities and adventure. A great escape for everyone. Adventure Bald Hill is arguably Wollongong's most well known and most popular lookout. Not only are the views unsurpassed, the area is also internationally known as a major hang gliding centre (Hangglideoz and Sydney Hang Gliding Centre). It was here that Lawrence Hargrave, an Australian pioneer of flight, experimented with box kites in the early part of the 20th century. While visiting Bald Hill, take in the magnificent view at the Lookout or try your hand at hang-gliding or para-gliding with Australia's most experienced.

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Scenic Drive

Visit Stanwell Park and the surrounding coastal villages, experience the natural environment offering glorious uncrowded beaches, ocean rock pools, beachside parks and grassy headlands. A great mix of arts, history and culture brings this region to life.

After visiting the villages continue up to Bald Hill and watch the hang gliders saw through the sky and visit the Lawrence Hargrave Memorial. During your visit to the Northern Wollongong Coastal Villages visit Symbio Wildlife Gardens for some family fun feed the free roaming Kangaroos, pat a Koala or befriend any one of the 1000 animals on site.

On your route to Wollongong stop at Bulli Pass Scenic Reserve and take in the spectacular panoramic views of the City Of Wollongong.

Head down Bulli Pass and turn onto Lawrence Hargrave Drive, stop at Thirroul or visit Austinmer Beach, Scarborough and a number of other villages dotted on the edge of the coastline. You will notice a number of trendy cafes along the beachside and quaint little miners cottages highlighting this areas ancestry.

And when its time for a bite to eat there is certainly no shortage of restaurants and cafés to choose from, induldge in the culinary delights available in Northern Wollongong's Coastal Villages.

Attractions

Northern Wollongong holds many unique attractions such as Symbio Wildlife Gardens, which provide a fascinating insight into the habitats of over 1000 species of animals, native, farmyard and exotic animals.

Enjoy a scenic trail ride through the rainforest and along the tops of the escarpement with Otford Trail Rides or even jump on the back of a Harley Davidson with Just Cruisin and have a personal Shauffer show you the hightlights of these magnificent coastal villages.

Call into Articles Fine Art Gallery, plus a host of wonderful places to dine. Visit the beachside suburbs of Bulli, Thirroul and Austinmer. Austinmer being winner of NSW Cleanest Beach 2002.

Wollongong's northern-most boundary, the Royal National Park, offers pristine health, rainforest and coastal habitats to explore.

Accommodation

With so much to do in these coastal villages why not stay the night. Experience the hospitality and stay at one of the cosy Bed and Breakfast's nestled in the escarpement over looking the Pacific Ocean. Choose from the 5 star Tumbling Waters Retreat perched at the top of the escarpment to unique and picturesque B&B's such as Stanwell Park Ocean Blue B&B, Austinmer Garden Cottage or Sur La Mer B&B enjoy the sencery and enjoy your stay.

For updated information on Lawrence Hargrave Drive and the planning process for 'The Way Forward', please visit www.rta.nsw.gov.au/lhd