The relaxed and convivial seaside village of Shellharbour is situated on the Illawarra coast just 1½ hours drive from the Sydney CBD. The district features some of the most scenic coastline in the Country with a panorama of beaches, headlands and islands, rolling verdant pastures against the backdrop of the majestic Illawarra Escarpment, complimented by a variety of recreational activities and a laid back village atmosphere.

Shellharbour is one of those rare coastal towns that has retained its village character whilst embracing modernity. The area’s natural beauty, pleasant climate, modern services and entertainment facilities, combined with the location’s close proximity to Sydney, Wollongong and the Southern Highlands, makes Shellharbour the ideal location for the weekend escape or lifestyle destination.

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Shellharbour Features

• 90 minute drive south of the Sydney CBD, 45 minutes from Bowral and the Southern Highlands
• Choice of patrolled beaches
• Tranquil Boat Harbour – safe boat ramp, moorings and fishing facilities
• Shellharbour Village – selection of restaurants, cafes, modern boutique shops, craft and specialty stores, day spa, health professionals, surf shops and country pub
• Olympic size ocean pool
• Scenic Lake Illawarra with fishing, prawning, canoeing and cycleway
• Shellharbour Mall – regional shopping centre, Greater Union cinema complex and major retailers
• Modern train service to Sydney and South Coast
• 15 minutes to Wollongong City Centre and the historic village of Kiama
• 5 minutes from Shell Cove Marina with 300+ berths (construction started January 2007), boardwalk restaurants, resort and luxury apartments.  The completion of the Marina will make Shellharbour the closest day trip from Sydney Harbour for the boating fraternity.
  (see http://exponare.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/shellcove/defaultShellCove.aspx)

Recreational Activities

South Coast Leisure Times describes Shellharbour as
“the heart of the Illawarra holiday playground”

• Scuba Diving – renowned Bass Point Marine Park (2 dive shops in the Village)
• Fishing – superb fishing spots, multiple fishing charters (fishing tackle shop in the Village)
• Bushwalking – 5 minutes to Killalea National Park (and proposed eco-tourism resort), 15 minutes to Minnamurra Falls
• Scenic cycle tracks
• 15 minutes to Jamberoo Recreation Park
• Two 18-hole golf courses (Shellharbour & Port Kembla) and several other scenic rural courses nearby (Jamberoo, Calderwood and Minnamurra)
• Surfing – renowned surfing locations including Cowries Point, The Shallows and The Farm
• Numerous other water sports including boating, canoeing, water skiing, kite surfing and sailing.

Links:

Locality Information
http://www.southcoastleisuretimes.com.au/illawarra/shellharbour.html
http://www.tourismshellharbour.com.au

Shell Cove
http://exponare.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/shellcove/defaultShellCove.aspx

Activities in the Shellharbour Area
http://www.totaltravel.com.au/travel/nsw/illawara/kiama
http://www.shellharbourscuba.com.au