Explore The Seaside Village Of Austinmer
Not quite at the tippy-top of the Illawarra but almost there, you’ll find the beautiful seaside village of Austinmer.
Known lovingly as Austi to locals, this little spot packs a big punch in fabulous views, family fun and freakin’ tasty bites!
It’s a town that’s constantly bustling with weekday locals stopping in for a coffee and a swim as well as weekend tourists looking for that perfect relaxing getaway.
Here’s our guide for everything you need to know about our lovely little Austinmer!
GREAT OUTDOORS
Austinmer Beach is one of the Illawarra’s most popular beaches and for good reason! Located just off Lawrence Hargrave Drive, it’s easy to get to and has all the amenities you need for a relaxing day swimming and sunbaking. Take on the waves in the ocean itself or float and bob in the two picturesque rock pools nestled into the south rock platform.
If you’re taking Fido out for the day then head further up the coast to Little Austinmer Beach. This beach is dog friendly so perfect for your active pooches. FYI this beach is not patrolled so take caution when visiting.
For surfing, head to Sharky’s Beach [also known as Sharkies to locals] to get gnarly. All three beaches are also great for a spot of fishing.
If you prefer to stay land-side then get your legs and heart pumping on one of the toughest but most rewarding walks in the Illawarra. The Sublime Point track is almost like a rite of passage for all Illawarr-ians and will reward your hard efforts with some of THE MOST stunning coastal views.
RETAIL THERAPY
Haveli Living on Moore St is a wonderfully laid-out women’s fashion store that also sells some pretty home furnishings as well as other cute bits and bobs. Come in and let the owners deck you out in that cool coastal Austi style. So chic!
Further down the road, tucked behind a house is the suuuuuuuper funky Mala Bead Shop. The shop is bright colours and unique styles at every turn. We challenge you to leave here without wanting at least 99% of the jewellery, knick knacks or homewares they sell. Seriously, their goods are one of a kind and we’re obsessed!
If you want to continue your retail therapy session then Thirroul village is only a 2 minute drive from Austinmer and boasts a whole street of boutiques and shops so you can keep going until your heart’s content [or your wallet’s empty].
WINING AND DINING
Local champions Moore Street General serve excellent heart-starting coffee, the tastiest brekkies [we’re still dreaming about The G’s Breakfast Sambo] and lots of scrummy smoothies and teas.
Closer to the water you can’t go past Austi Beach Cafe, a tried and true favourite of the area serving all your fave cafe fare as well as filling lunch options, beer, wine and cider.
If it’s fish and chips you’re craving, like who isn’t when they go to the beach?! Then Shell’s Diner is your go-to. They’re not just your average chippy however as they’re also known for their famous double bacon and egg roll ……double the bacon, double the fun we say!
Another doubly fun place to chow down in Austinmer is the wonderful and welcoming Headlands Hotel. The food here is yummo with that laid back casual dining vibe we love in the Illawarra as well as a bonus weekend dumpling bar and pizza stand mmmmm! And although the food here is delish, the real star is the views. Everywhere you turn inside the venue you are greeted with TRE-MEN-DOUS ocean scenes, and hey we don’t blame you if you decide to book a room at the hotel and stay the night just so you can keep staring out the windows!
STEP BACK IN TIME
Originally a place to get your coal, salt…… and blackberries, Austinmner eventually became the hotspot for holidays and health [pretty much still is!].
Because of its popularity with visitors from all over, Austinmer Train Station, with its charming weatherboard platform building, is actually heritage listed. This is because it’s important for linking the town’s coal and tourism histories and has been rockin’ since 1887!
Austinmer Public School is no spring chicken either, founded way way back in 1866 and rebuilt in 1891 some of the older parts of the school still remain and can be seen as you stroll by.
JUST FOR KIDS
Because of Austi’s popularity as a family getaway destination, it’s a fab place for kiddos to have some fun! Right on Austinmner Beach is the Knox Park Playground…. we can’t think of a prettier spot to go down the slide, really.
Sharkies also has its own playground and adjacent is the Pinecourt Tennis Club. There are two hardcourts that can be hired per hour for a good old fashioned family rally.
Just a 20 minute drive from Austinmner is the famous Symbio Wildlife Park. The little monkeys can spend time checking out all the Aussie animals who live in the park and then let loose at the Splash Park and adventure playground.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The Great Illawarra Walk is held annually and is a huuuuuge walk that starts in Shellharbour and finishes with a much deserved after party at The Headlands Hotel. This is a charity walk so you can feel extra deserving of that cheeky pint or two at the end!
Just down the road in Thirroul, the annual Thirroul Seaside and Arts Festival is the perfect showcase of arts, crafts and community spirit.
A touch further down again [just a 6 minutes drive] in Bulli you’ll find the Illawarra Folk Festival. It is one of the largest volunteer run festivals in Australia and has loads of international and local folk acts. During the festival buses run from Austinmer down to the Bulli so all you have to do is bring your dancing shoes!
WHAT’S NEARBY
As we’ve mentioned the village of Thirroul is only a stones throw south and is packed with cool cafes and restaurants, stylish shops and hip bars. There’s also Anita’s Theatre, a popular venue for shows and live music.
Drive north of Austinmer for a whopping 3 minutes and you’ll get to Coledale. A historic coal mining village with more pristine beaches, picnic spots and some pretty good coffee. On the left if you’re heading north you’ll find Sketch at Coledale a coffee/food/art/produce mecca and on the right is Earth Walker & Co who are all about sustainable and local goodness.
Darkes Glenbernie Orchard is only 20 minutes away and is where to go if you’re feeling fruity (hehe get it!). In season you can pick your own fruit, year round you can taste fresh fruit, honey, ciders and apple cider vinegar in the Apple Shack and they also run fun events throughout the year, keep an eye on their socials for updates!
SUPPORTING LOCAL BIZ
There are some fab local businesses in Austinmer, and our Business Directory is the place to find them! From mechanics to medical centres, landscapers to legal services, beauty salons to builders…The Fold’s Business Directory has got you covered.
