Little Feet. Big Adventure.

Duration: 4 days / 3 Nights

Self Drive Family Getaway

From Sydney: 90 mins

Regions Included: Shell Cove, Shelharbour Village, Calderwood, Albion Park Rail, Macquarie Pass, Lake Illawarra

Nagangbi (hello)… welcome to Shellharbour, home to the Dharawal, Elouri and Wodi Wodi people.

Nestled along the stunning South Coast, Shellharbour is a vibrant coastal city where families can enjoy adventure and relaxation. Enjoying our great outdoor experiences from our award-winning beaches, state-of-the-art playgrounds and easy rainforest bushwalks. Whether you are exploring our living museums, or tasting our diverse range of foodie options, this family-friendly itinerary is designed for a memory-making, self-drive experience.

LOCAL ADVICE

Our team of friendly locals at the Visitor Information Centre are here every day of the week to give helpful advice to visitors. From booking accommodation, tours and tickets to giving tips on the best local hotspots, dining options and picturesque vistas for the ‘gram, our team are here to make your Shellharbour visit unforgettable.

Take a copy of our annual Visitor Guide to browse through during your stay.

DAY ONE: HAPPY FEET

Breakfast
Rise and shine as you set off on the breathtaking Grand Pacific Drive, where stunning coastal views follow you to down the South Coast your adventure in Shellharbour.
Arrive at Shellharbour Beachside Holiday Park, a coastal retreat perfect for families. Before diving into activities, fuel up with a delicious breakfast at one of Shellharbour Village’s many cafés, savouring freshly brewed coffee and handmade healthy snacks.

Morning
After settling in and charging your electric vehicle (EV), explore the pet-friendly holiday park meeting other guests at their caravans or RVs. You may be lucky enough to meet their furry travelers too. Let the children burn off some energy at Little Park playground. Then take a refreshing dip at Beverley Whitfield Pool, a 50m saltwater ocean pool. Little ones will love the adjacent wading pool, while parents can relax by the water under the sunshade.
Next, stop by the Visitor Information Centre to pick up local produce and a Shellharbour Visitor Guide. The kids will be delighted by Our Shellharbour, a beautifully illustrated picture book by local author Karen Hendriks.

Lunch

Head to The Sushi Shellharbour for a fresh, made-to-order sushi experience that caters to all taste buds. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before strolling through Shellharbour Village, where boutique shops offer everything from stylish clothing to homewares. Be sure to visit the local lolly shop, a paradise of sweet treats sure to put smiles on little faces.

For a fun-filled afternoon, hire bikes and ride from Shellharbour all the way to Warilla Beach with amazing beachside views along the way. Have a rest at Little Lake (Elliot Park), a calm lagoon perfect for a splash and play.

Evening

As the sun starts to set, challenge the family to a round of putt putt at Shanx, an 18-hole mini golf course designed to keep everyone entertained. Wrap up the day with a relaxed dinner at The Links Tavern, dining on the open-air balcony as you take in the serene golf course views. The children can explore the play area while parents unwind with a drink.

Fun Fact: Beverly Whitfield Ocean Pool is named after the Shellharbour-born Olympic swimmer who won gold at the 1972 Munich Games.

Local Tip: At Little Lake, bring a snorkel. The calm waters are home to small fish and crabs, making it a great spot for little marine explorers.

DAY TWO: PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES

Breakfast
Start your day at J’s on the Deck, where a lakeside setting complements a delicious breakfast. Enjoy a wholesome meal while soaking in the tranquil morning views.

Morning
Step into aeronautics history at the HARS Aviation Museum. Children and adults alike will marvel at the collection of vintage aircraft, including the legendary Qantas 747 Jumbo Jet. Climb into cockpits and learn about Australia’s aviation legacy through interactive exhibits.

Lunch
Take a scenic drive to Plough and Ale in Calderwood for a relaxed pub-style lunch. Enjoy seasonal dishes while the children play in the outdoor area.

Afternoon
All aboard at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum. Experience the charm of heritage steam trains as you hop on for a nostalgic ride. Young train enthusiasts will love exploring the miniature train displays and railway-themed playground.

Evening
For an adrenaline rush, head to C1 Speed Indoor Karting, where families can race around the track in junior-friendly karts. After working up an appetite, enjoy a lively dinner at The Shellharbour Club. The Hollywood-style kids’ play space The Precinct offers fun distractions while parents relax over a well-earned meal. Don’t forget to indulge in gelato before heading back for the night.

Fun Fact: Hollywood star John Travolta once flew his personal Boeing 707 into Shellharbour Airport while visiting the HARS Aviation Museum!

Local Tip: If visiting the Illawarra Light Railway Museum on a running day, grab your tickets early – train rides are popular and can sell out fast!

DAY 3: ANIMAL ANTICS

Breakfast
Kickstart your morning at Happy Fox Café in Warilla, a quaint spot with a child-friendly menu and delicious coffee.

Morning
Take to the water with Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) Shellharbour at Reddall Reserve. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, the calm waters make for a perfect family adventure. Keep an eye out for the wildlife on Lake Illawarra, including our resident seal who frolics under Windang Bridge. You may even see a penguin or two.

Prefer to stay on land? Head to Red Lamp Play Space, where climbing frames, ninja courses, and inclusive play spaces keep little explorers entertained.

Lunch
Nothing says an Aussie summer like fish ‘n’ chips by the water. Grab a takeaway from Pep’s Take Away and settle in for a scenic picnic along the lake foreshore at Reddall Reserve.

After lunch, embark on the Lake Illawarra Art Trail, where stunning the Burri Burri Indigenous art sculpture will add a cultural touch to your stroll.

If you’re visiting during whale season, set sail on a Whale Watching Cruise from Shellharbour Marina for a chance to spot these majestic giants of the sea.

Afternoon
While at Shellharbour Marina, treat the family to fresh donuts and ice cream. Stroll along the Waterfront Promenade, where children can splash at the kids’ beach.

Evening
Dine at The Waterfront Tavern, where a relaxed coastal vibe meets mouthwatering seafood and family-friendly options. Enjoy the last rays of sunshine over the marina before heading back to your accommodation for a restful night.

Did you know? Whales are ancestral beings for the Dharawal and Wodi Wodi peoples, symbolising wisdom and connection to the land, sea, and cultural traditions.

Local Tip: At Reddall Reserve, keep an eye out for local pelicans – especially at sunset when they gather near the boat ramps hoping for a fisherman’s snack!

DAY FOUR: SPIRITED AWAY

Breakfast
Enjoy a final holiday breakfast at The Farm Kiosk Killalea, run by Indigenous chef Mark Olive. Savor farm-fresh ingredients while soaking in the coastal setting.

Morning
Spend the morning at Killalea Beach ‘The Farm’, an unspoiled National Surfing Reserve and one of NSW’s best beaches. If visiting on the last Sunday of the month, browse Markets at the Marina for unique handmade crafts, goodies and entertainment.

Lunch
Charge your EV at Shellharbour Civic Centre while the children play at Yirran muru – an Aboriginal Interpretive Play Space that showcases Dharawal language and culture with interactive exhibits.

Afternoon
For a refreshing pick-me-up, enjoy acai bowls and frozen yogurt at The Avenue, Stockland Shellharbour’s vibrant eatery precinct.

Final Adventure
Before heading home, take a detour to Cascade Falls in Macquarie Pass National Park. This short, easy hike leads to a picturesque waterfall, where lyrebirds play. In summer, magical fireflies make for a fairytale-like experience.

For a grand finale, stop at Illawarra Fly and walk among the treetops for breathtaking panoramic views over Shellharbour and beyond. It’s the perfect way to reflect on a fun-filled family escape before making your journey home.

Fun Fact: Bass Point is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Australia, with Aboriginal artifacts dating back 17,000 years – older than the pyramids.

Local Tip: When hiking to Cascade Falls, listen closely – you might hear lyrebirds mimicking other bird calls or even camera shutters!

FINAL THOUGHTS

This four-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences for families with young children. With stunning coastal scenery, hands-on activities, and delicious dining options, Shellharbour promises an unforgettable getaway filled with cherished memories!

Little Feet. Big Adventure.

Between breathtaking beaches and lush nature reserves, Shellharbour is the ultimate family-friendly destination, located on the stunning NSW South Coast. This charming coastal city is perfect for a family adventure, with everything you need for a memory-making getaway.
This four-day self-drive family getaway is Nestled along the stunning South Coast, Shellharbour is a vibrant coastal city where families can enjoy adventure and relaxation. Enjoying our great outdoor experiences from our award-winning beaches, state-of-the-art playgrounds and easy rainforest bushwalks. Whether you are exploring our living museums, or tasting our diverse range of foodie options, this 4-day family friendly itinerary is designed for a memory-making, self-drive experience.