Woonona Beach
A picturesque local favorite with a stunning ocean pool, family-friendly playground, and scenic coastal paths.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Woonona Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque local favorite with a stunning ocean pool, family-friendly playground, and scenic coastal paths.
"One of the most beautiful beaches in the area, perfect for a swim or a beach day!"
🚗 Parking is plentiful
Ample parking is available near the beach, playground, and ocean pool.
🌊 Respect marine life
Be mindful of stingrays and other sea creatures, especially near the rocks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Woonona Ocean Pool
North end of the beach
A large, deep rock pool perfect for laps or family fun, with stunning views.
Woonona Beach Playground
Adjacent to the beach
A fantastic, well-equipped play area that keeps kids entertained for hours.
Coastal Walk to Bulli Beach
Path along the coastline
Enjoy a scenic stroll or bike ride with ocean views, perfect for sunrise.
Marine Life Spotting
North point rocks
Keep an eye out for stingrays and other marine life near the rocks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Family Fun & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is plentiful
Ample parking is available near the beach, playground, and ocean pool.
🌊 Respect marine life
Be mindful of stingrays and other sea creatures, especially near the rocks.
🚶♀️ Scenic coastal path
Walk or cycle from Woonona to Bulli Beach for beautiful ocean vistas.
☀️ Perfect for sunrise
Catch a breathtaking sunrise by walking the path before dawn.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is plentiful
Ample parking is available near the beach, playground, and ocean pool.
🌊 Respect marine life
Be mindful of stingrays and other sea creatures, especially near the rocks.
🚶♀️ Scenic coastal path
Walk or cycle from Woonona to Bulli Beach for beautiful ocean vistas.
☀️ Perfect for sunrise
Catch a breathtaking sunrise by walking the path before dawn.
🛟 Lifeguards on duty
Lifeguards are often present, making it a safer spot for swimming.
📸 Great photo ops
Capture stunning shots of the beach, ocean pool, and sunsets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Woonona Beach is a beloved local spot, lauded for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent playground, and the impressive ocean pool. Visitors rave about the stunning sunrises and the scenic coastal walks. While it can get busy, its amenities and natural beauty make it a standout destination.
"Might be biased as we live here but definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in the area!
We love the little pools near the rock pool, perfect for kids to play around safely. Showers and toilets nearby, all around the perfect location for a swim or beach day."
Nanja Hauff
"Exceptional beach for kids. There is a play area with lots of equipment for kids, a kiosk for food and toilets. The beach itself was pretty and there was a small shallow area for little swimmers who don’t like big waves.
There is a rock pool which is at a walking distance and has changing rooms and toilets too."
Kanika Mathur
"I’ve never seen a grander sunset than a sunset on Woonona Beach. Whether from the sand, the rocks, or the rock pool, this beach is pure bliss to look at.
I can’t even say much about the surf, because the rock pool here is so enticing and lovely, the beach held nearly no attraction comparatively. The rock pool is a monster of a thing, at least 2 metres deep in the deep end and large enough to do some proper laps. Yet, even with 5-6 people doing laps, the kiddos still had plenty of room to play around.
Pristinely placed over the rocks, with a change room and lookout 5 meters from the pool; The sand below held no comparable draw.
Don’t get me wrong. The beach itself is absolutely gorgeous too, I’m just a rock pool fiend. And when the rock pool is this nice and still has a view of Mount Kiera. Well, I’m a sucker for a good thing."
chris Lea
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Woonona Beach is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. It's located in the northern suburbs of Wollongong. Public transport options include buses that run along the coast.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available near the beach, the ocean pool, and the playground, making it convenient for visitors.
Absolutely! There's a scenic coastal path that's perfect for cycling, connecting Woonona Beach to Bulli Beach and beyond.
Woonona Beach is part of the beautiful Grand Pacific Drive route, with attractions like the Sea Cliff Bridge and Wollongong city center nearby. 
Many visitors enjoy driving the Grand Pacific Drive, stopping at Woonona Beach and other scenic spots like the Sea Cliff Bridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Woonona Beach is a public beach and does not have an entry fee. Access to the beach, playground, and ocean pool is free.
Woonona Beach is open 24/7, but lifeguard services at the beach and ocean pool may have specific operating hours, especially outside of peak season. It's best to check local council information for exact times.
No, the Woonona Ocean Pool is a public facility and does not require advance booking or tickets. You can use it freely during its operating hours.
Generally, Woonona Beach is open to the public. However, it's always a good idea to be aware of local regulations regarding dogs on the beach (some areas may be restricted) and any temporary closures.
Woonona Beach is a popular spot for dog walkers, but check local signage for any off-leash areas or specific times when dogs are permitted.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, enjoy the playground, swim laps in the ocean pool, or take a scenic walk along the coast. Surfing is also popular here.
Yes, Woonona Beach is great for swimming, with a shallow area suitable for children and often patrolled by lifeguards. The ocean pool offers a calmer swimming experience.
Yes, Woonona Beach has public toilets and showers conveniently located near the beach, playground, and ocean pool.
The Woonona Ocean Pool is a large, deep rock pool perfect for swimming laps or for kids to play in a safe, contained environment. It offers beautiful views.
Woonona Beach is a local favorite and can get busy, especially on weekends and during holidays. Weekdays and early mornings are generally quieter.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a kiosk or cafe located near the beach and playground, offering food and drinks. You can also find fish and chips nearby.
Absolutely! Woonona Beach is a great spot for picnics, with plenty of space and nearby facilities.
Yes, there are water refilling stations along the path, which is convenient for staying hydrated during your visit.
The cafe typically offers standard beachside fare like coffee, snacks, and light meals.
Yes, there are fish and chip shops in the vicinity, making it a classic beachside dining option.
📸 📸 Photography
The ocean pool, the coastline path, and the beach itself offer stunning photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic light for photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset is particularly beautiful.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with the local council or authorities before flying a drone.
You might spot fairy wrens in the beach vegetation or stingrays near the rocks, offering unique wildlife photography opportunities.
While Woonona Beach itself is beautiful, it's part of the Grand Pacific Drive, which includes the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, a popular photography subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the Woonona Ocean Pool, which offers a calmer swimming experience and is also great for kids to splash around in. With convenient facilities like toilets, showers, and a nearby kiosk for snacks, it's an easy and enjoyable day out for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Cyclists
This path is ideal for a morning jog, a leisurely bike ride, or even a brisk walk to catch the spectacular sunrise. It's a great way to stay active while soaking in the beautiful Illawarra scenery.
📸 Photographers
Look for opportunities to capture the local marine life near the rocks, or the vibrant colors of the sky during the golden hours. The beach itself, with its expansive sands and rolling waves, also makes for beautiful shots.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Woonona Ocean Pool: A Local Gem
This pool is particularly appealing because it offers a calmer alternative to the ocean waves, making it ideal for families with young children who might be hesitant about the surf. The proximity to the beach and the stunning views of Mount Keira from the pool add to its charm. It's a place where you can swim, relax, and soak in the beauty of the Illawarra coastline.
While the beach itself is gorgeous, the ocean pool often steals the show for many visitors. It's a testament to how well-designed and maintained public facilities can enhance a beach experience, turning a simple visit into a memorable outing.
Family-Friendly Fun at Woonona Beach
The presence of a kiosk for food and drinks, along with nearby toilets, adds to the convenience for families. The shallow area of the beach is particularly noted as being great for little swimmers who might be intimidated by larger waves. Combined with the safety of lifeguards often on duty, parents can feel more at ease.
Reviewers often mention the rock pool as another safe haven for children, offering a contained and calm environment for play. The overall atmosphere at Woonona Beach is one of community and family enjoyment, making it a top choice for a day trip with the kids.
Coastal Walks and Sunrise Views
Many locals and visitors alike recommend taking a walk along this path just before sunrise to witness a truly spectacular display of light and color over the ocean. The path is well-maintained and provides easy access to the coastline, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
Beyond the sunrise, the path is also perfect for a leisurely stroll any time of day, offering fresh sea air and beautiful vistas. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Illawarra region and connect with the coastal environment.
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