In the Area

Woonona shops is a 5 minute walk from the unit, where you’ll find an IGA, a veggie shop, an organic shop (Manic Organic), tasty fresh Sushi, Thai (although we prefer the Thai in Thirroul www.arawanthai.com.au), and a few other dining out options as well as other basic services, including pharmacies and a post office. All and Sundry is a great cafe at Woonona shops, offering good coffee and a seasonal breakfast/lunch menu. Woonona shops is definitely not as cute as Thirroul, and doesn't offer the same atmosphere, but all the basics are there.

Thirroul village is a 5 minute drive north, where you’ll find many more cafes, restaurants and some lovely retail shops. Our preference for food shopping is Flametree Community Food Co-op (fresh local produce and organic unpackaged food and groceries) and Thirroul Fruit Barn (good deli section).

The closest beach is just under a kilometre away. Quick to drive, but you can walk over an overhead bridge that crosses Memorial drive (the main road that goes into Wollongong) before walking down a quiet street to the beach. There's a cafe and ocean baths right there on the point. You’ll find loads of good surf spots nearby, including the famous Sandon Point, and beautiful bush and coastal walks all within a short drive. 

There are a few good yoga studios nearby - in Bulli (www.rayoflightyoga.com) and Austinmer (www.illawarrayoga.com.au) -  and a blissful day spa 10 minutes away in the escarpment in Austi (www.ibahspa.com.au). 

 If you follow the Grand Pacific Drive north along the coast the scenery is stunning. There's a few great places to stop along the way. Many people like to explore the boutiques on Moore Street in Austinmer, and to grab a coffee or a meal at Fireworks Cafe. You could visit the Wombarra sculpture garden (www.wombarra.com) or one of the many beautiful northern beaches or ocean baths. Possibly stop at the Scarborough Hotel for a pub meal in the cliff-top garden with a stunning view (www.thescarboroughhotel.com.au) and then continue across the SeaCliff Bridge to the beautiful Coalcilff beach, backed by spectacular cliffs. Stanwell Park beach is also gorgeous (where you can also visit Ariticles Art Gallery); and the stunning Royal National Park (30 mins) begins just a little further north. Definitely worth doing a bush walk in the park, or just visiting one of the incredible beaches.  

Before hitting the national park, head inland a little to Helensburgh to explore the Sri Venkateswara Temple (and eat a delicious dhosa, served only weekends!) or check out the beautiful Govinda Valley Retreat (www.govindavalley.com.au) and book in for a delicious vegetarian meal.

Every Friday morning there is a farmers market in Wollongong, a 10 minute drive south from our flat. It’s definitely worth a visit - the food is fresh and good quality, and it’s a nice time to explore some of the great cafes for breakfast (for eg. Lee and Me leeandme.com.au or by they beach at Diggies www.diggies.com.au). There are also now some great (newish) night spots popping up in the Gong (www.hisboyelroy.com.au) or Yours and Owls for some live music or open mic nights (www.yoursandowls.com.au). Another 10 minutes further south visit the Nan Tien Buddhist temple (nantien.org.au:88/en). We are also only a short drive from Kiama, Berry or inland to the Southern Highlands.